Whale Spotter Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 3, 2026

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. Please also review our Terms of Service.

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
- Optional behavior, group size, certainty, calf-presence, and notes that you provide
- Optional whale or other marine-animal photos that you take
These details are stored locally on your device first.
Device and App Information
Uploaded sightings include an anonymous app-generated device identifier, your device model, and the App version. We use this information to prevent duplicate reports, operate synchronization, and diagnose compatibility problems. The identifier is not your advertising ID and is not used for advertising or cross-app tracking.
Uploads
Current App versions automatically upload pending sightings when an internet connection is available. If you attach a photo, a reduced-size copy may upload over mobile data and a higher-quality copy may upload later on Wi-Fi. Photos are optional, and a sighting can upload without one.
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 synchronize sightings and update the live community map.
To support identification, research, conservation, and community awareness using submitted sightings and photos.
To prevent duplicate reports, maintain reliability, investigate errors, and improve the App's features and functionality.

We do not sell or share your data with advertisers.

3. Data Storage and Security

Local Storage — Sightings and photos are stored on your device first so the App works without a connection. Pending data remains on the device until upload succeeds or you delete it.
Uploaded Storage — Uploaded sightings are stored in our database and uploaded photos are stored in private object storage. Sightings may be displayed anonymously on community maps or reviewed by conservation and research partners. Anonymous device and diagnostic fields are not displayed publicly.
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

Whale Spotter uses service providers for secure hosting and object storage. The Android App also uses Google Maps. The Maps SDK for Android may automatically process request and device metadata, crash metrics, IP address, a pseudonymous Maps SDK identifier, and map interaction events to provide and improve Google services. Google handles this data under its own privacy terms.

Whale Spotter does not integrate with advertising networks, independent analytics providers, or social login systems. We do not use submitted data for advertising or cross-app tracking.

5. Your Choices

Offline Use — You may record sightings without a connection. Current App versions automatically synchronize pending sightings when connectivity becomes available.
Permissions — You may decline location or camera permission. A sighting can still be saved without a location or photo.
Delete Data — You can delete sightings stored on your device at any time through the App. To request deletion of uploaded data, visit our Data Deletion page or 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 through Support or email:

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.