Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 2026 · SOSS (Save Our Squad Signal)

Short version: The SOSS app keeps your profile, contacts, and settings on your phone. Location is read only when you start a signal or prepare a squad alert. SOSS does not upload your GPS to our servers. Squad texts open your phone’s Messages app. You tap Send.

Summary

SOSS is a self-funded crowd safety tool. We collect only what is needed for the feature you use. We do not sell personal data. We do not run ads in the app.

How the app is built (privacy by design)

No SOSS account is required to use the app.
Emergency profile, squad contacts, and settings are stored locally on your device.
There is no SOSS cloud database that stores your location, contacts, or SOS activations.
The mobile app does not include advertising or analytics SDKs.
Camera access exists only so SOSS can turn the flashlight on and off. Photos and video are not captured or saved.

Data stored on your device

Your name (optional) and squad emergency contact(s)
App settings (flash pattern, sounds, hold duration, SMS consent, Find me color)

This information stays on your device unless you choose to send an SMS, use the system share sheet, or uninstall and wipe the app.

Location

If you enable location sharing, SOSS reads GPS only when you activate a signal or prepare a squad alert. That pin can be included in a message you review and choose to send. SOSS does not continuously track you in the background. SOSS does not upload location to getsoss.com or any SOSS-operated server.

Camera / flashlight

SOSS uses camera hardware only to control the flashlight during an active signal. No photos or video are captured or stored.

SMS and sharing

Squad alerts open your phone’s messaging (or share) interface with a draft message. You must tap Send (or choose a share target) to deliver it. SOSS cannot silently send SMS in the background. Standard carrier rates may apply.

Permissions you control

Location: optional. Deny it and SOSS still works as a visual beacon.
Camera: used for torch control during a signal.
You can revoke permissions in iOS or Android system settings at any time.

Website, waitlist, and beta signups

If you apply for the Android closed beta or join a waitlist on getsoss.com, we collect your name, email, and optional notes so we can send a Google Play testing invite or product updates you asked for. By submitting, you agree to receive those emails. We do not sell this data. This is separate from the mobile app, which does not phone home your profile or GPS.

Website analytics

The SOSS mobile app does not include analytics or advertising. The getsoss.com website uses privacy-friendly analytics: page views and button clicks (for example App Store and demo links). We do not use cookies for this tracking. UTM campaign tags from links may be stored in your browser session only. Referrers are recorded as the site hostname (for example reddit.com), not your identity. No data is sold.

Security

Local-first design reduces what can be stolen from a remote SOSS database: there isn’t one for your SOS data.
Store builds are distributed through Apple App Store and Google Play review pipelines.
If you find a real vulnerability, email support@getsoss.com. Good-faith reports that help people stay safer are welcome.

Children

SOSS is not directed at children under 13.

If you want to make crowd safety better

SOSS is self-funded. The goal is helping people get seen when yelling fails. If you can build something safer, clearer, or more useful for the same problem, go build it. We will cheer that on. Criticism without care for the people in the crowd helps no one.

Contact

Questions: support@getsoss.com