Privacy Policy

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Privacy Policy for My Beach Book

Last Updated: January 4, 2025

Introduction

My Beach Book ("we", "our", or "us") operates the My Beach Book mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

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

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

Account Information

• Email address (required for authentication)

• Password (encrypted and stored securely)

Beach Contributions

• Geographic location data (latitude/longitude) when you add or contribute to a beach

• Photos you upload

• Text descriptions and observations

• Species identifications you confirm

• Beach characteristic ratings and measurements

Automatically Collected Information

Location Data

• We collect precise location data only when you actively use the "Add Beach" or "Add Contribution" features

• Location data is used to verify you are physically at the beach location

• We use geohash technology to validate location authenticity

• Location services can be disabled in your device settings, but this will prevent you from adding new beaches or contributions

Device Information

• Device type and model

• Operating system version

• Unique device identifiers

• App version and crash reports

Usage Data

• Features you use within the App

• Time and duration of App usage

• Error logs and performance data

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Core Functionality

• Authenticate your account

• Store and display your beach contributions

• Verify location authenticity for contributions

• Enable species identification features

• Generate AI-powered descriptions and images

• Aggregate data to create beach metrics and statistics

Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve features

• Debug errors and optimize performance

• Develop new features based on user behavior

Communication

• Send important service updates

• Respond to your support requests

• Notify you of App updates (if you opt in)

Data Storage and Security

Firebase Services We use Google Firebase for backend services:

• Firebase Authentication: Secure user authentication

• Cloud Firestore: Database for beach and contribution data

• Firebase Storage: Secure storage for uploaded images

• Firebase App Check: Protection against abuse

Security Measures

• Data transmitted using SSL/TLS encryption

• Passwords encrypted using industry-standard methods

• Regular security audits and updates

• Restricted access to user data

Data Retention

• Account data retained until you delete your account

• Contributions remain in the database to maintain data integrity for other users

• Deleted accounts anonymize associated contributions (username removed, but contributions remain)

Third-Party Services

iNaturalist API

• Used for species identification

• Images sent to iNaturalist may be processed according to their privacy policy

• View iNaturalist's privacy policy at: https://www.inaturalist.org/privacy

OpenAI API

• Used to generate AI descriptions and images

• Data sent includes beach characteristics and user descriptions

• No personally identifiable information is sent to OpenAI

• View OpenAI's privacy policy at: https://openai.com/policies/privacy-policy

Google Maps Platform

• Used for displaying maps and location services

• Subject to Google's privacy policy

• View Google Maps privacy policy at: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Public Data The following information is publicly visible to all App users:

• Beach locations and names

• Aggregated beach characteristics and metrics

• Species identifications (without personal attribution)

• Uploaded photos

• User-contributed descriptions

Not Shared Publicly

• Your email address

• Your password

• Individual contribution history linked to your account

Legal Requirements We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests by public authorities.

Business Transfers If My Beach Book is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Update

• View and update your account information in the App settings

• Access your contribution history

Account Deletion

• Delete your account at any time through Settings

• Account deletion removes your email and personal information

• Your contributions remain in the database but are anonymized

• To request complete data deletion including contributions, contact us at privacy@mybeachbook.com

Location Permissions

• Control location access through your device settings

• Disable location services (note: this prevents adding new beaches)

Email Preferences

• Opt out of promotional emails (service emails may still be sent)

Children's Privacy

My Beach Book does not knowingly collect 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 at privacy@mybeachbook.com so we can delete such information.

Offline Data

Local Storage

• The App may store data locally on your device when offline

• Locally stored data is synced to Firebase when you regain internet connection

• Local data can be cleared by uninstalling the App

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App

• Updating the "Last Updated" date

• Sending an email notification (for material changes)

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

International Data Transfers

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

Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@mybeachbook.com
App Support: Use the in-app feedback form in Settings

Your California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected

• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed

• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information

• Right to request deletion of personal information

• Right to non-discrimination for exercising these rights

We do not sell your personal information.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@mybeachbook.com.

GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights:

• Right to access your data

• Right to rectification

• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")

• Right to restrict processing

• Right to data portability

• Right to object to processing

• Right to withdraw consent

Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent: You consent when creating an account

• Contract: Processing necessary for the service

• Legitimate interests: Improving and securing the service

To exercise these rights or designate an authorized agent, contact us at privacy@mybeachbook.com.

This privacy policy was generated for My Beach Book and is effective as of the date listed above.