Privacy Policy
Last Updated: August 21, 2026
1. Introduction
Welcome to EarthQuake Watcher ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
We may collect information that you voluntarily provide when using our app:
- Account information (if you choose to create an account)
- User preferences and settings
- Feedback and correspondence
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you use EarthQuake Watcher, we and our third-party service providers automatically collect:
- Location Data: With your permission, we collect location data to provide earthquake information relevant to your area (see detailed Location Data section below)
- Device Information: Device type, operating system version, screen size, manufacturer
- Device or other IDs: Advertising ID (AAID), Firebase Installation ID, FCM tokens, Android ID (see detailed section below)
- Usage Data: App features used, time spent in app, crash reports, interaction patterns
- Analytics Data: We use Firebase Analytics to understand app usage patterns
- Network Information: IP address, connection type, carrier information
2.3 Device or other IDs (Detailed)
Important: Our app uses third-party SDKs (Google AdMob, Firebase) that automatically collect device identifiers. While we don't directly access or store these IDs in our own databases, they are collected and processed by these services to provide advertising, analytics, and app functionality.
What Device IDs Are Collected:
- Advertising ID (AAID): A unique, user-resettable identifier for advertising purposes, collected by Google AdMob
- Firebase Installation ID (FID): A unique identifier for each app installation, used by Firebase services
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) Token: A unique token for sending push notifications to your device
- Android ID: A device-specific identifier that may be used as a fallback by some services
- App Instance ID: Used by Firebase Analytics to track app sessions and events
How Device IDs Are Collected:
These identifiers are collected automatically by third-party SDKs when you use the app:
- Google AdMob SDK: Collects Advertising ID for ad serving and measurement
- Firebase SDK: Collects Firebase Installation ID, FCM tokens, and App Instance ID
- Google Play Services: Provides access to Advertising ID and other device identifiers
- User Messaging Platform (UMP): Collects device IDs for consent management
Why Device IDs Are Collected:
Device identifiers serve the following purposes:
- Advertising: Serve personalized ads, measure ad performance, prevent ad fraud
- Analytics: Track app usage, understand user behavior, measure feature adoption
- Fraud Prevention: Detect and prevent fraudulent activity, abuse, and security threats
- App Functionality: Enable push notifications, manage app installations, provide core features
- Account Management: Manage Firebase services and app instances (no user accounts, but app installations)
Device ID Sharing:
- Shared with Google: Advertising ID, Firebase IDs, and FCM tokens are shared with Google services (AdMob, Firebase, Analytics)
- Shared with Ad Networks: Advertising ID may be shared with third-party advertising partners through Google AdMob
- NOT Shared by Us: We do not directly collect, access, or share these IDs ourselves - they are managed entirely by the SDKs
- Encrypted in Transit: All device IDs are transmitted using secure HTTPS/TLS encryption
Your Control Over Device IDs:
- Reset Advertising ID: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID
- Opt-Out of Personalized Ads: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options (in-app)
- Limit Ad Tracking: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
- Delete All Data: Uninstall the app to remove all device IDs and associated data
Device ID Retention:
- Advertising ID: Retained by Google AdMob for up to 26 months or until you reset it
- Firebase Installation ID: Retained until app is uninstalled or you clear app data
- FCM Tokens: Automatically expire and refresh periodically; deleted on app uninstall
- Analytics Data: Retained by Firebase Analytics for 14-26 months
Important Note: Because these device IDs are collected and managed by third-party SDKs, we cannot identify individual users or manually delete specific user data. When you uninstall the app, all device IDs and associated data are automatically deleted. See our Data Deletion page for more information.
2.4 Location Data Collection (Detailed)
EarthQuake Watcher collects and uses your device's location data to provide core earthquake monitoring and alert features.
What Location Data We Collect:
- Precise Location (GPS): Exact coordinates from GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks
- Approximate Location (Network-based): General area based on IP address or cell tower
How We Collect Location Data:
- Foreground Location: When you actively use the app and view the map
- Background Location: When the app is closed or in the background (only if you enable earthquake notifications)
Why We Need Location Data:
Location data is essential for the following core features:
- Map Display: Show your current location on the earthquake map with a blue "My Location" marker
- Distance Calculation: Calculate and display the distance from earthquakes to your location (e.g., "45 km from your location")
- Proximity Alerts: Monitor earthquakes near you and send timely notifications about nearby seismic events
- Location-Based Filtering: Filter earthquake data to show events relevant to your area
Background Location Access:
When you enable earthquake notifications, the app accesses your location in the background to:
- Monitor Nearby Earthquakes: Check for earthquakes near your location every 15 minutes
- Send Timely Alerts: Notify you immediately when an earthquake occurs near you, even when the app is closed
- Customizable Alerts: You control the notification radius (50-500 km) and minimum magnitude (1.0-7.0+)
How We Use Location Data:
- Real-Time Calculations: Location is used in real-time to calculate proximity to earthquakes
- Last Known Location: We use your last known location (not continuous tracking) to minimize battery usage
- Temporary Storage: Notification history (including location-based alerts) is stored locally for 7 days, then automatically deleted
- No Permanent Storage: We do not maintain a permanent history of your location movements
Location Data Sharing:
- NOT Shared with Third Parties: Your location data is never shared with advertisers, analytics providers, or any third parties
- NOT Used for Advertising: Location is not used to target or personalize advertisements
- NOT Used for Tracking: We do not track your location movements or create location profiles
- Local Processing Only: All location calculations are performed locally on your device
Your Location Control:
You have full control over location access:
- Permission Control: Grant or revoke location permissions anytime via Device Settings → Apps → EarthQuake Watcher → Permissions
- Notification Settings: Enable/disable earthquake notifications in the app's Notification Settings
- Customizable Radius: Set notification radius from 50 km to 500 km
- Magnitude Threshold: Set minimum earthquake magnitude from 1.0 to 7.0+
- Clear History: Delete notification history anytime via Notification Settings
Location Data Retention:
- Active Use: Location is used in real-time and not stored during active app use
- Notification History: Location-based notification records are stored for 7 days, then automatically deleted
- No Long-Term Storage: We do not maintain long-term location history or movement patterns
- App Uninstall: All location data is permanently deleted when you uninstall the app
Location Permissions Required:
- ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION: For precise location on map and accurate distance calculations
- ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION: For approximate location when GPS is unavailable
- ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION: For earthquake monitoring when app is closed (only if you enable notifications)
Important: Location permissions are requested only when needed for features you use. Background location is requested separately and only when you enable earthquake notifications. You can deny or revoke permissions at any time without affecting other app features.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide and maintain our earthquake monitoring service
- To personalize your experience with location-based earthquake data
- To improve app functionality and user experience
- To send push notifications about significant earthquake events (with your consent)
- To analyze app usage and fix technical issues
- To comply with legal obligations
4. Third-Party Services
Our app uses the following third-party services that may collect information:
4.1 Google Services
Our app integrates the following Google services that collect and process data:
- Google Maps SDK: For displaying earthquake locations on interactive maps
- Collects: Location data, device information, map interactions
- Purpose: Display maps, calculate routes, show earthquake locations
- Google AdMob SDK: For displaying advertisements to support free app access
- Collects: Advertising ID, device info, IP address, ad interactions, location (if granted)
- Purpose: Serve ads, measure performance, prevent fraud
- Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
- Firebase Services: For analytics, crash reporting, and push notifications
- Firebase Analytics: App usage, events, user properties
- Firebase Crashlytics: Crash reports, device info, stack traces
- Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM): Push notification delivery
- Collects: Firebase Installation ID, FCM tokens, app instance data, usage analytics
- Privacy Policy: Firebase Privacy
- Google Play Services: For app updates, authentication, and core functionality
- Collects: Device identifiers, app version, update status
- Purpose: App distribution, updates, security
- User Messaging Platform (UMP): For GDPR/CCPA consent management
- Collects: Consent choices, device identifiers, location (for determining applicable laws)
- Purpose: Manage user consent for personalized advertising
Data Sharing with Google: The above services automatically share collected data with Google for processing. This data sharing is necessary to provide the app's functionality and is governed by Google's privacy policies.
4.2 USGS (United States Geological Survey)
- We retrieve earthquake data from USGS FDSN Web Services
- No personal information is shared with USGS
5. Advertising and Monetization
We use Google AdMob to display advertisements in our app to support free access to earthquake monitoring services. AdMob may collect and use information about you to provide personalized ads.
5.1 Information Collected for Advertising
Google AdMob and its advertising partners may collect and process the following information:
- Device identifiers: Advertising ID (AAID), Android ID
- IP address: For approximate location and fraud prevention
- Location data: If you've granted location permission (approximate location only for ads)
- Ad interaction data: Clicks, views, impressions
- Device information: Device model, OS version, screen size
- App usage data: Time spent in app, features used
5.2 How Advertising Data is Used
The collected advertising data is used to:
- Serve personalized advertisements based on your interests
- Measure ad performance and effectiveness
- Prevent fraud and abuse
- Improve ad targeting and relevance
- Generate analytics and reports for advertisers
5.3 Your Advertising Choices and Controls
For European Users (GDPR):
- On first app launch, you'll see a consent form asking for permission to use personalized ads
- You can choose to accept or reject personalized advertising
- You can change your choice anytime via: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options
- If you reject, you'll still see ads, but they won't be personalized based on your data
For US Users (CCPA and State Privacy Laws):
- Personalized ads are enabled by default
- You can opt-out anytime via: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options
- You can opt-out of sale/sharing of personal information for advertising
- After opting out, you'll see limited ads (non-personalized)
Device-Level Controls:
- Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
- Reset your Advertising ID to limit tracking
5.4 Third-Party Advertising Partners
Google AdMob works with various advertising technology providers (ATPs) who may also collect data. These partners are bound by Google's policies and applicable privacy regulations. You can view the list of Google's advertising partners at: Google AdMob Partners
5.5 Do Not Sell My Personal Information
We do not sell your personal information. However, sharing data with advertising partners for personalized ads may be considered a "sale" under some US state privacy laws (like CCPA). You can opt-out of this data sharing through the Privacy Options in our app.
For more information about Google's advertising practices, visit:
6. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information
- Service Providers: With third-party services that help us operate the app (Google, Firebase, etc.)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
- Secure authentication mechanisms
- Regular security assessments
- Limited access to personal information
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
We retain your information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy:
- App Installation Data: No user accounts - app has no login system
- Location Data: Used in real-time, not permanently stored (notification history: 7 days, then auto-deleted)
- Device IDs (by SDKs): Managed by third-party services:
- Advertising ID: Up to 26 months (Google AdMob)
- Firebase Installation ID: Until app uninstall
- FCM Tokens: Until app uninstall or token refresh
- Usage Analytics: 14-26 months (Firebase Analytics)
- Crash Reports: Until resolved or 90 days (Firebase Crashlytics)
- Cached Earthquake Data: Automatically cleared periodically (local cache only)
- Notification History: 7 days, then automatically deleted
Automatic Deletion: When you uninstall the app, all locally stored data and device IDs are automatically deleted. Third-party services (Google AdMob, Firebase) will also delete or anonymize your data according to their retention policies.
9. Your Privacy Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:
9.1 General Rights (All Users)
- Access: Request information about what data is collected by the app and third-party SDKs
- Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information (limited, as we don't store user accounts)
- Deletion: Request deletion of your data (see Data Deletion section below)
- Opt-Out: Opt out of personalized advertising via in-app Privacy Options
- Data Portability: Request available data in a portable format (limited due to SDK data collection)
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
9.2 Data Deletion
Important: Our app does not have user accounts or login systems. We cannot identify individual users based on email addresses or other personal identifiers. Device IDs collected by third-party SDKs (AdMob, Firebase) are managed entirely by those services, and we have no direct access to them.
How to Delete Your Data:
Primary Method - Automatic Deletion (Recommended):
- Uninstall the App: Remove EarthQuake Watcher from your device
- This automatically deletes all locally stored data
- Firebase Installation ID and FCM tokens are automatically deleted
- Google AdMob and Firebase will delete or anonymize your data per their policies
- Reset Your Advertising ID (Optional):
- Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID
- This generates a new Advertising ID, breaking the link to previous ad data
- Done! All app data and device IDs are now deleted or reset
Alternative - Manual Deletion Request:
If you need assistance with data deletion or have questions, you can contact us at parryapplications@gmail.com. However, please note:
- We cannot identify you without a user account or login
- We cannot manually delete device IDs managed by third-party SDKs
- The most effective deletion method is uninstalling the app
For complete details, visit our Data Deletion page.
9.3 How to Exercise Your Other Rights
To exercise your privacy rights:
- Opt-Out of Personalized Ads: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options (in-app)
- Reset Advertising ID: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID
- Manage Location Permissions: Device Settings → Apps → EarthQuake Watcher → Permissions
- Clear Notification History: Menu → Notification Settings → Clear History
- Questions or Requests: Email parryapplications@gmail.com
- Response Time: We will respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law)
Note: Due to the nature of SDK data collection and lack of user accounts, some rights (like data portability or correction) may be limited. We will do our best to assist you within these constraints.
10. Children's Privacy
Our app is 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, and we will delete such information.
11. 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 and applicable laws.
12. GDPR Compliance (European Economic Area, UK, and Switzerland)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or Switzerland, you have specific rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and equivalent laws:
12.1 Your GDPR Rights
- Right to access: Obtain confirmation of whether we process your data and access to your personal data
- Right to rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to restrict processing: Limit how we use your personal data
- Right to data portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
- Right to object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior processing
- Right to lodge a complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority
12.2 Legal Basis for Processing
We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: For personalized advertising and optional features (you can withdraw anytime)
- Contract performance: To provide earthquake monitoring services you requested
- Legal obligations: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Legitimate interests: To improve our services, prevent fraud, and ensure security
12.3 Data Controller
For GDPR purposes, the data controller is:
- App Name: EarthQuake Watcher
- Contact: parryapplications@gmail.com
12.4 Consent Management
When you first launch the app in the EEA/UK/Switzerland, you'll see a consent form powered by Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP). This form allows you to:
- Review our privacy policy
- Understand what data is collected and how it's used
- Choose whether to consent to personalized advertising
- Manage your consent preferences
You can change your consent choices anytime via Menu → More Options → Privacy Options.
13. US State Privacy Laws Compliance
If you are a resident of California, Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, or other US states with privacy laws, you have specific rights:
13.1 California (CCPA/CPRA)
California residents have the following rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):
- Right to know: What personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
- Right to access: Request a copy of your personal information
- Right to delete: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to opt-out: Opt-out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information
- Right to correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information
- Right to limit: Limit use of sensitive personal information
- Right to non-discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights
13.2 Other US States (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, etc.)
Residents of Virginia (VCDPA), Colorado (CPA), Connecticut (CTDPA), Utah (UCPA), and other states with similar laws have rights including:
- Right to access your personal data
- Right to correct inaccuracies in your personal data
- Right to delete your personal data
- Right to opt-out of targeted advertising
- Right to opt-out of the sale of personal data
13.3 Categories of Personal Information Collected
We and our third-party service providers collect the following categories of personal information:
- Identifiers: Advertising ID (AAID), Firebase Installation ID, FCM tokens, Android ID, IP address, device identifiers
- Internet/Network Activity: App usage, ad interactions, browsing behavior, feature usage, crash data
- Geolocation Data: Precise and approximate location (only if permission granted, for earthquake proximity features - NOT shared with advertisers)
- Device Information: Device type, OS version, screen size, manufacturer, carrier
- Inferences: Preferences and interests derived from your activity (for ad personalization)
13.4 Sale and Sharing of Personal Information
We do not directly sell your personal information for money. However, sharing data with advertising partners for personalized ads may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" under some state laws (CCPA, CPRA, etc.).
Categories shared for advertising purposes:
- Device identifiers (Advertising ID, Android ID)
- IP address and network information
- Ad interaction data (clicks, views, impressions)
- Device information (type, OS, screen size)
- App usage data
NOT shared for advertising: Your precise location data is NOT shared with advertisers or ad networks. Location is only used locally on your device for earthquake proximity calculations.
Opt-Out Options:
- In-App: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options → Opt-out of personalized ads
- Device Settings: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of Ads Personalization
- Reset Advertising ID: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID
13.5 Sensitive Personal Information
Precise Geolocation: We collect precise location data (GPS coordinates) ONLY for earthquake proximity features. This data is:
- Used locally on your device for distance calculations
- NOT shared with advertisers or third parties
- NOT used for advertising or tracking purposes
- Stored temporarily in notification history (7 days), then auto-deleted
- You can opt-out by denying location permissions
Other Sensitive Data: We do NOT collect financial data, health data, biometric data, social security numbers, or other sensitive personal information as defined by CPRA.
13.6 Retention Period
We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:
- User Accounts: None - app has no login system
- Device IDs: Managed by third-party SDKs:
- Advertising ID: Up to 26 months (Google AdMob)
- Firebase Installation ID: Until app uninstall
- FCM Tokens: Until app uninstall or token refresh
- Analytics Data: 14-26 months (Firebase Analytics)
- Crash Reports: 90 days or until resolved (Firebase Crashlytics)
- Location Data: Real-time use only; notification history: 7 days
- Cached Data: Cleared periodically or on app uninstall
13.7 How to Exercise Your US Privacy Rights
To exercise your rights under US state privacy laws:
- Opt-Out of Targeted Advertising: Menu → More Options → Privacy Options (in-app)
- Delete Your Data: Uninstall the app (automatic deletion) or visit our Data Deletion page
- Reset Advertising ID: Android Settings → Google → Ads → Reset advertising ID
- Access or Correct Data: Email parryapplications@gmail.com (limited due to no user accounts)
- Verification: We may verify your identity before processing requests (challenging without user accounts)
- Response Time: We respond within 45 days (or as required by state law)
- Authorized Agent: You may designate an authorized agent to make requests on your behalf
Important Limitation: Because our app has no user accounts and device IDs are managed by third-party SDKs, we cannot identify individual users or manually delete specific user data. The most effective way to delete your data is to uninstall the app.
14. 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 in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date
- Sending an in-app notification for significant changes
Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
15. Contact Us and Privacy Requests
15.1 Privacy Request Process
When contacting us about privacy matters, please include:
- Your name and email address
- Description of your request (access, deletion, opt-out, correction, etc.)
- Device information (device model, Android version) if applicable
- Advertising ID (if requesting data deletion) - find it at: Settings → Google → Ads
Important Note: Due to the lack of user accounts in our app, we cannot verify your identity or locate your specific data based on email alone. For data deletion, we strongly recommend uninstalling the app, which automatically deletes all data. See our Data Deletion page for detailed instructions.
15.2 Supervisory Authority
If you are in the EEA/UK/Switzerland and believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority:
- EU: Find your local authority at EDPB Members
- UK: Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) - ico.org.uk
- Switzerland: Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC)
16. Consent
By using EarthQuake Watcher, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our app.
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