Privacy Policy

Last Updated: July 31, 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 may automatically collect:

• Location Data: With your permission, we collect location data to provide earthquake information relevant to your area
• Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: App features used, time spent in app, crash reports
• Analytics Data: We use Firebase Analytics to understand app usage patterns

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

• Google Maps: For displaying earthquake locations on interactive maps
• Google AdMob: For displaying advertisements (see Advertising section)
• Firebase: For analytics, authentication, and cloud messaging
• Google Play Services: For app updates and authentication

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

We use Google AdMob to display advertisements in our app. AdMob may collect and use information about you to provide personalized ads. This includes:

• Device identifiers (Advertising ID)
• IP address
• Location data (if you've granted permission)
• Ad interaction data

5.1 Your Advertising Choices

You can control personalized advertising through:

• Our in-app consent management platform (shown on first launch)
• Your device's advertising settings (Android: Settings → Google → Ads)
• Opting out of personalized ads (you'll still see ads, but they won't be personalized)

For more information about Google's advertising practices, visit: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

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:

• Account data: Until you delete your account
• Usage analytics: Typically 14-26 months
• Crash reports: Until resolved or 90 days
• Cached earthquake data: Automatically cleared periodically

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Opt out of personalized advertising
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

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 Users)

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

• Right to access 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

Our legal basis for processing your data includes consent, contract performance, legal obligations, and legitimate interests.

13. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have 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 the sale of personal information
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

Note: We do not sell your personal information.

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

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.

← Back to Home