WildSpot Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

• Location Data: When you use WildSpot, we collect your precise location (latitude and longitude) with your permission to show your position on the map, add wildlife sightings, and display nearby sightings. This is gathered through your device’s GPS.
• Sighting Information: When you submit a sighting, we collect details like the animal type, comments, and optional photos, along with the location you provide (via map tap or GPS).
• User Information: If you sign in, we collect your email, display name, and profile photo (via Firebase Authentication) to identify your sightings and feedback.
• Device and Usage Data: We may collect device identifiers and basic usage stats (e.g., app opens) via Firebase Analytics to improve the app.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to make WildSpot work:

• Location Data: Shows your position on the map, pins sightings, and finds nearby sightings for a personalized experience.
• Sighting Information: Saves and displays your sightings to other users, connecting the WildSpot community.
• User Information: Links sightings to your account, shows your display name, and supports features like editing your sightings.
• Device and Usage Data: Helps us fix bugs and enhance app performance.

3. How We Protect Your Information

Your data’s safety is a priority:

• Secure Storage: We store location, sightings, and user info in Firebase Firestore with encryption and strict access controls.
• No Unnecessary Data: We only collect what’s needed for WildSpot’s features.
• Regular Reviews: We monitor our systems to keep your information secure.

4. Sharing Your Information

We don’t share your personal information with third parties, except:

• Legal Requirements: If required by law (e.g., court order), we may share data to comply with legal obligations.
• Public Sightings: Sighting details (animal type, location, comments, photos) are visible to other WildSpot users, linked to your display name, to support the app’s community features.

5. Your Choices and Rights

You’re in control:

• Location Access: Grant or deny location permission in the app or your device settings. Without permission, map and sighting features may be limited.
• Account Data: Update your profile or delete your account by contacting juliomn.dev@gmail.com.
• Access and Deletion: Request access to or deletion of your data (per GDPR/CCPA) here. We’ll respond within 7 days.
• Do Not Sell: We don’t sell your data, so no opt-out is needed (CCPA compliance).

6. Children’s Privacy

WildSpot is not intended for people under 18. We don’t knowingly collect data from people under 18. If you believe we have, please contact us, and we’ll remove it promptly.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect new features or legal requirements. We’ll notify you in the app or via email (if provided) before changes take effect. The latest policy will always be at this page.

8. Contact Us

Questions or concerns? Reach out at juliomn.dev@gmail.com. We’re here to help.

Thank you for trusting WildSpot with your wildlife adventures!