Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 17, 2024

Welcome to Northern Lights Tracker. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (auroraforecast.app) or use our iOS mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

Website

• Analytics Data: We use Google Analytics to collect information about how you use our website, including pages visited, time spent, and general location data.
• Location Data: When you enter a city name to check aurora visibility, this information is processed locally and used only to fetch relevant forecast data from NOAA.
• Cookies: We use cookies for analytics and to improve your experience on our website.

iOS Mobile App

• Location Data: With your permission, the app accesses your device location to provide aurora forecasts for your current position. Location data is processed on-device and not stored on our servers.
• Notification Preferences: We store your notification settings locally on your device to send you aurora alerts.
• Usage Analytics: We collect anonymous usage data to improve app performance and features.
• Apple Watch Data: If you use the Apple Watch companion app, data is synced between your iPhone and Apple Watch locally.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide accurate aurora forecasts based on real-time NOAA space weather data
• Send you notifications about aurora visibility at your location (app only)
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Analyze usage patterns and optimize performance
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:

• Service Providers: We use third-party services like Google Analytics to help us operate our website and app.
• NOAA: We fetch public aurora forecast data from NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center. No personal information is shared with NOAA.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights.

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Analytics: For website analytics. Google Privacy Policy
• NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center: For aurora forecast data. NOAA Privacy Policy
• Apple App Store: For app distribution. Apple Privacy Policy

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your information
• Opt-out of analytics tracking by using browser settings or ad blockers
• Disable location services for the mobile app through your device settings
• Unsubscribe from notifications through the app settings

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@auroraforecast.app

11. Data Retention

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Analytics data is retained according to Google Analytics' retention policies (default 26 months). Location queries on the website are not stored beyond the current session.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

By using Northern Lights Tracker, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.