Whale Spotter Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 28, 2025

Whale Spotter ("the App") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information the App collects, how it is used, and your choices regarding your data. By using Whale Spotter, you agree to the terms described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Whale Spotter is designed to collect the minimum data necessary for its functionality.

• Whale Sightings Data
  When you log a sighting, the App may store:

  • Whale species (as selected by you)
  • GPS coordinates (your location at the time of logging)
  • Date and time of the sighting

  These details are stored locally on your device first.
• Optional Uploads

  You may choose to upload your sightings to contribute to the live community map. Uploads occur either automatically when connected to WiFi (if enabled in settings), or manually when you choose to send them.

• No Personal Identifying Data

  The App does not require you to create an account. We do not collect names, phone numbers, email addresses, or contact lists. We do not track or store personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily contact us via email.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To display your logged sightings in the App.
• To update the live community map when you upload data.
• To support research, conservation, and community awareness through aggregated and anonymized sighting data.
• To improve the App's features and functionality.

We do not sell or share your data with advertisers.

3. Data Storage and Security

• Local Storage — All sightings are stored locally on your device until you choose to upload them.
• Uploads — When uploaded, sightings are stored securely in our database and displayed anonymously on the community map. No personal identifiers are attached to the sightings.
• Security — We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security of transmitted data.

4. Third-Party Services

At this stage, Whale Spotter does not integrate with advertising networks, analytics providers, or social login systems. If this changes, this policy will be updated to reflect new practices.

5. Your Choices

• Stay Local — You may use the App entirely offline without uploading any data.
• Upload Control — You can choose to upload sightings manually or automatically via WiFi. You can disable auto-uploads at any time.
• Delete Data — You can delete sightings stored on your device at any time through the App. To request deletion of uploaded data, you can contact us directly.

6. Children's Privacy

Whale Spotter is not designed for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided data, please contact us.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

📧 whalespotter_app@proton.me

8. Copyright Notice

All illustrations and content in Whale Spotter were created with the assistance of AI tools. These materials are free to use for conservation and educational purposes. We do not enforce restrictive copyright over them.