GDPR & Privacy Statement

Last updated: January, 2026

Who we are

thecommon is a product designed to connect people through small, thoughtfully matched group chats.

If you have any questions about how your data is used, you can contact us at:
hello@thecommon.me (UK-based)

What information we collect

When you sign up, we may collect:

  • Your name

  • Your email address

  • Your phone number (for adding you to group chats)

  • Answers to signup questions (including preferences and short free-text responses)

We only collect information that is necessary to operate the service and make thoughtful group matches.

How we use your information

We use your information to:

  • Match you with other users into small group chats

  • Create and manage group chats

  • Communicate with you about the service

  • Improve how the product works (using anonymised or aggregated insights)

We do not sell your data or use it for unrelated marketing.

Where your data is stored

Your information is securely stored using:

  • Google Sheets (used as our internal database)

  • Email and communication tools required to operate the service

  • WhatsApp, which is used to host group chats

Google acts as a data processor and is GDPR compliant. We take reasonable steps to keep access restricted and secure.

Group chats and third-party platforms

Group chats are hosted on WhatsApp, which is operated by Meta.

By joining a group chat, you acknowledge that:

  • WhatsApp is a third-party platform

  • Your participation is also subject to WhatsApp’s own privacy policies

  • Any information you choose to share within a group chat is shared voluntarily

We encourage users to share only what they are comfortable sharing.

How long we keep your data

We keep your information:

  • While you are an active user, and

  • For up to 12 months after inactivity

You can request deletion at any time.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the data we hold about you

  • Ask us to correct inaccurate information

  • Request deletion of your data

  • Withdraw your consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, email hello@thecommon.me.

Changes to this statement

We may update this Privacy Statement as the product evolves. The most recent version will always be available on our website.

User Agreement & Consent

This is the wording you should place next to your signup checkbox.

Agreement text (recommended)

By signing up, you agree to thecommon storing and using your information to thoughtfully match you into small group chats and operate the service, in line with the Privacy Statement. You understand that group chats are hosted on WhatsApp and that you can withdraw consent or request deletion of your data at any time.

We take privacy seriously. We only collect what we need, never sell your data, and you can opt out at any time.