Privacy Policy - efoilSpots

Introduction

Welcome to efoilSpots! This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our mobile application ("App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

By using efoilSpots, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our App.

Information We Collect

Data You Provide Directly

Account Information:

• Name or username
• Email address
• Profile photo (optional)
• Account preferences and settings

User-Generated Content:

• Photos of efoil spots
• Rider annotations of locations
• Spot descriptions and recommendations
• Comments and community interactions
• Saved or favorite spots

Communication Data:

• Messages you send through our support channels
• Feedback and survey responses
• Bug reports and feature requests

Data We Collect Automatically

Location Information:

• Precise Location: GPS coordinates when you use location-based features
• Approximate Location: General area based on IP address
• Location History: Spots you've visited or searched for (if you enable this feature)

Device and Usage Information:

• Device type, operating system, and version
• App version and settings
• Device identifiers (IDFV - Identifier for Vendors)
• Usage patterns and interaction data
• Crash reports and performance data
• Features used and time spent in app

Technical Data:

• IP address
• Browser type and version (if using web features)
• Network connection type
• Log files and error reports

Data from Third Parties

Analytics and Advertising Partners:

• Free Members Only: Google Ads may collect device identifiers, usage patterns, and advertising data
• All Users: Anonymous analytics data to improve app performance

How We Use Your Information

Core App Functionality

• Location Services: Show nearby efoil spots and provide navigation
• Content Display: Share your photos and reviews with other users
• Personalization: Recommend spots based on your preferences and location
• Account Management: Maintain your profile and app settings

Communication and Support

• Send important app updates and safety notifications
• Respond to your support requests and feedback
• Conduct user surveys to improve our service

Analytics and Improvement

• Understand how users interact with our app
• Identify and fix bugs and performance issues
• Develop new features and improve existing ones
• Generate aggregated, anonymous usage statistics

Advertising (Free Members Only)

• Google Ads Integration: Display relevant advertisements
• Ad Personalization: Use device identifiers and usage patterns for targeted ads
• Performance Measurement: Track ad effectiveness and user engagement

Note: Paid members do not see advertisements and their data is not used for advertising purposes.

Legal and Safety

• Enforce our Terms of Service and community guidelines
• Protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Comply with legal obligations and law enforcement requests
• Ensure user safety at efoil locations

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Information We Do NOT Share

• No Data Sales: We do not directly sell personal information to third parties
• Paid Members: No advertising data collection or sharing
• Private Messages: We do not share private communications

Information We DO Share

With Other Users:

• Your public profile information (username, profile photo)
• Photos, Rider Annotations, and comments you post about spots
• Your contributions to the efoil community

With Service Providers:

• Cloud storage providers (for app data and photos)
• Analytics services (anonymized usage data)
• Customer support platforms
• App performance monitoring services

With Advertising Partners (Free Members Only):

• Google Ads: Device identifiers, usage patterns, location data for ad targeting
• Anonymous demographic and interest data
• Ad interaction and performance metrics

For Legal Reasons:

• When required by law or legal process
• To protect our rights, property, or safety
• To protect users from harm or illegal activity
• In connection with business transfers or mergers

With Your Consent:

• Any other sharing you specifically authorize
• Social media integrations you enable
• Third-party services you choose to connect

Data Storage and Security

Where Your Data is Stored

• Primary servers located in United States
• Cloud backup services in United States and European Union
• Some data may be processed in different countries to provide our service

How We Protect Your Data

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited employee access on need-to-know basis
• Security Monitoring: Regular security audits and monitoring
• Industry Standards: Following best practices for data protection

Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Usage Data: Retained for 2 years for analytics purposes
• Location Data: You can delete location history at any time
• User Content: Retained until you delete it or close your account
• Legal Data: May be retained longer if required by law

Your Privacy Rights and Controls

Account Controls

• View Your Data: Access your profile and data through app settings
• Edit Information: Update your profile, preferences, and settings in the profile section
• Delete Content: Remove rider annotations you've shared
• Download Data: Email us to request a copy of your data
• Delete Account: Permanently delete your account and associated data

Location Controls

• App-Level: Turn location services on/off in app settings
• Device-Level: Control location access in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• Precision: Choose between precise and approximate location
• Location History: View and delete your location history

Advertising Controls (Free Members)

• Upgrade: Remove ads entirely with a paid membership

Communication Preferences

• Push Notifications: Manage in iOS Settings
• Marketing Communications: Subscribe or unsubscribe to our newsletter in your profile settings

Children's Privacy and Safety

App Usage: efoilSpots is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately.

International Data Transfers

If you access our app from outside United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in United States where our servers are located. By using our app, you consent to this transfer.

We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

Third-Party Services

Firebase Services (Google)

• Firebase Authentication: User authentication and account management
• Firebase Firestore: Cloud database for storing spot data, user profiles, and annotations
• Firebase Storage: Cloud storage for spot images and photos
• Firebase Functions: Serverless functions for newsletter subscription management
• Firebase App Check: App integrity verification and security

Google Services

• Google Sign-In: Social authentication allowing users to sign in with their Google accounts
• Google Maps/MapKit: Location services, geocoding, and map functionality for finding and displaying eFoil spots
• Google Ads: Display relevant advertisements (Free Members Only)
• Google Analytics: Anonymous usage data processed by Google Analytics

Analytics and Telemetry

• TelemetryDeck: Privacy-focused analytics and usage tracking

Subscription Management

• RevenueCat: In-app purchase and subscription management for Pro features

Image Processing and Caching

• Kingfisher: Image downloading, caching, and processing library

Apple Services

• App Store: Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy
• Apple Maps/MapKit: Native iOS mapping and location services
• Core Location: GPS and location tracking functionality
• MessageUI: Native iOS email composition for support requests
• iOS Features: Location services, camera, photo library governed by iOS privacy settings

Data Processing

• Mailerlite Newsletter Service: Email subscription management through Firebase Functions

Each third-party service has its own privacy policy governing their data practices. Key data sharing includes: location data with Apple Maps for geocoding and navigation, user authentication data processed by Google Firebase, newsletter subscriptions managed through Firebase Functions, and analytics data processed by TelemetryDeck for app improvement.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know: What personal information we collect and how we use it
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell data)
• Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Union, you have the right to:

• Access: Obtain a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to processing of your personal data
• Restrict: Restrict processing of your personal data

Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting a notice in the app
• Sending you an email notification
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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

• Email: hello@efoilspots.com

For data protection inquiries from EU residents, you can also contact your local data protection authority.