Privacy Policy

Spot ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Spot mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully. If you do not agree with its terms, please discontinue use of the Service.

Information We Collect

Information you provide directly:

• Account registration details (name, email address, password)
• Profile information (username, profile photo, bio)
• Photos and images you capture or upload through the app
• Dog log entries (breed tags, dog names, notes, and captions)
• Comments, likes, and other social interactions
• Communications you send us (support requests, feedback)

Information collected automatically:

• Precise or approximate location when you log a sighting (with your permission)
• Device identifiers, operating system version, and app version
• Usage data such as features accessed, sightings logged, and session duration
• Crash reports and diagnostic data
• IP address and general network information

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and manage your account
• Power your dog spotting journal and breed collection
• Display your sightings on your profile and in social feeds (based on your privacy settings)
• Show location data on maps within the app
• Send you notifications about activity on your posts and account (if enabled)
• Improve the Service through analytics and usage research
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to your support requests

We do not use your data to train AI or machine learning models, and we do not sell your personal information to third parties.

Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Other users: Content you post publicly (sightings, profile, username) is visible to other Spot users. You can control visibility through your account privacy settings.
• Service providers: We work with third-party vendors (cloud hosting, analytics, crash reporting) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, subpoena, or to protect the safety of users or the public.
• Business transfers: If Spot is acquired or merges with another company, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you beforehand.

Location Data

Spot requests access to your device's location to tag sightings with a place and to display your spots on a map. Location access is optional — you can use the app without enabling it. We use location data only to provide in-app features and do not share precise location history with third parties for advertising purposes.

You can revoke location access at any time in your device's Settings app under Privacy & Security → Location Services → Spot.

Photos and Camera Access

Spot requests access to your camera and photo library so you can attach photos to your dog logs. We do not access your photo library beyond the images you explicitly select or capture within the app. Photos you upload are stored on our servers and displayed according to your privacy settings.

You can revoke camera or photo access at any time in your device's Settings app under Privacy & Security.

Social Features

Spot includes social features such as public profiles, follower/following relationships, post reactions, and comments. Content you post publicly is visible to all Spot users and may be indexed by search engines. You can make your account private at any time in Settings, which limits your content to approved followers only.

Even if your account is private, your username and profile photo may be visible to other users in certain contexts (e.g., search results, follower lists).

Data Retention

We retain your account information and content for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or safety purposes. Some content you have shared publicly (e.g., comments on others' posts) may remain in a de-identified form.

Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Access a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate information in your profile
• Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Restrict or object to certain processing of your data
• Export your data in a portable format
• Opt out of non-essential communications

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the address below. We will respond within 30 days. You can also delete your account directly from the app in Settings → Account → Delete Account.

Children's Privacy

Spot is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete such information.

Users between the ages of 13 and 17 may use Spot only with the involvement of a parent or guardian.

Security

We use industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest, access controls, and regular security reviews to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and to enable two-factor authentication if available.

Third-Party Services

The Service may contain links to or integrate with third-party services (such as Apple's sign-in service). This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page and, for material changes, notify you via email or an in-app notice. Your continued use of the Service after any change constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@TODO_YOUR_DOMAIN
• Website: TODO_YOUR_DOMAIN