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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: September 4, 2025

1. Introduction

FishGuidePro ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our fishing application and related services ("Service").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address
  • Password (encrypted through Firebase Auth)
  • Account preferences and settings
  • Subscription status and payment information (processed securely by Stripe; we do not store raw payment card details)

2.2 Fishing and Location Data

To provide our core functionality, we collect:

  • Waypoint Locations: GPS coordinates of locations you mark
  • Catch Records: Location, species, date/time, weather conditions
  • Photos: Images you upload of catches (stored securely in Firebase Storage or AWS S3)
  • Current Location: When you use location-based features (with permission)
  • Search History: Lakes and areas you've searched for
  • Offline Packs: Data you choose to download for offline use, stored locally on your device until you delete it

2.3 Usage and Analytics Data

To improve our Service, we automatically collect:

  • Device information (type, operating system, browser)
  • Usage patterns (features used, session duration)
  • Performance data (load times, errors)
  • Interaction data (clicks, searches, map movements)

2.4 Weather and Environmental Data

We automatically collect contextual information including:

  • Weather conditions at the time of catches
  • Solunar data and lunar phases
  • Seasonal patterns and timing data

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Service Functionality

We use your information to:

  • Provide map-based fishing features
  • Store and retrieve your waypoints and catches
  • Display personalized fishing data and history
  • Process Pro subscription features
  • Provide customer support

3.2 Service Improvement and Personalization

Important: We use your data to enhance the experience for all users by:

  • Hotspot Algorithm Enhancement: Analyzing catch locations and success rates to improve fishing hotspot predictions
  • Species Pattern Analysis: Using catch data to understand seasonal species patterns and migration
  • Weather Correlation: Correlating catches with weather conditions to improve fishing condition recommendations
  • Popular Location Identification: Identifying frequently fished and successful locations
  • Feature Development: Understanding usage patterns to develop new features
  • Personalized Recommendations: Providing tailored suggestions based on your fishing history and preferences

3.3 Data Aggregation and Analytics

We create aggregated, anonymized datasets for:

  • Fishing trend analysis and reporting
  • Scientific research collaboration (with academic institutions)
  • Market research and product development
  • Regional fishing pattern identification

3.4 Communications

We may use your contact information to:

  • Send service-related notifications
  • Provide customer support responses
  • Share important account or service updates
  • Send marketing communications (with your consent)

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do Not Sell Your Personal Data

We never sell your personal information to third parties.

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted service providers who assist us:

  • Firebase/Google: Authentication, data storage, and user management
  • Stripe: Payment processing for Pro subscriptions (we do not store raw card details)
  • Mapbox: Mapping and location services
  • Weather APIs: Current conditions and forecasts
  • Analytics Providers: Usage analytics and performance monitoring

4.3 Aggregated and Anonymized Data

We may share aggregated, anonymized data that cannot identify you:

  • Fishing trend reports for research purposes
  • Regional fishing statistics
  • Species population insights
  • Environmental impact studies

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

  • Comply with legal processes or government requests
  • Protect our rights and property
  • Ensure user safety and security
  • Investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service

5. Data Retention

5.1 Active Accounts

We retain your data as long as your account is active and as needed to provide services.

5.2 Account Deletion

When you delete your account:

  • Personal identifiers are removed within 30 days
  • Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained for research and service improvement
  • Some data may be retained longer as required by law
  • Catch photos and uploaded images will be permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion

5.3 Inactive Accounts

Accounts inactive for more than 3 years may be deleted with 30 days notice.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

  • Encrypted data transmission (TLS/HTTPS)
  • Secure database storage with access controls
  • Firebase Authentication security protocols
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Limited employee access on a need-to-know basis

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Account Management

You can:

  • Access and update your account information
  • Modify privacy settings and preferences
  • Export your waypoints and catch data (Pro users)
  • Delete your account and associated data

7.2 Location Data

You can:

  • Control location access through device settings
  • Turn off current location features
  • Manage which waypoints and catches include location data

7.3 Marketing Communications

You can:

  • Opt out of marketing emails
  • Adjust notification preferences
  • Unsubscribe from non-essential communications

7.4 Data Portability

Pro users can request a complete export of their data in common formats.

7.5 Submission of Privacy Requests

You may submit privacy requests (access, deletion, correction, export) by contacting dpo@fishguidepro.com. We may require identity verification before fulfilling requests.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

If you are located in the European Union and under 16, you may only use the Service with parental/guardian consent.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries other than your own. For European users, we rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other appropriate safeguards to ensure lawful data transfers outside the EEA.

10. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated through:

  • Email notification to registered users
  • In-app notifications
  • Prominent website posting

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy regularly.

11. State-Specific Rights

11.1 California Residents (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights including:

  • Right to know what personal information is collected
  • Right to delete personal information
  • Right to opt out of sale of personal information
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

11.2 European Users (GDPR)

European users have additional rights including:

  • Right of access to 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

12. Third-Party Services

Our Service integrates with third-party services that have their own privacy policies:

13. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact us at:

For exercising your privacy rights, please include:

  • Your full name and email address
  • Specific request (access, deletion, correction, etc.)
  • Verification of your identity

We will respond to privacy requests within 30 days.

14. Cookie and Tracking Policy

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Maintain your login session
  • Remember your preferences
  • Analyze usage patterns
  • Improve Service performance

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly with cookies disabled.

15. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data security incident that may affect your personal information, we will:

  • Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery
  • Provide details about the incident and our response
  • Offer steps you can take to protect yourself
  • Work with appropriate authorities as required by law

16. Governing Law

Privacy-related disputes will be governed by the laws of the State of Minnesota, USA, consistent with our Terms of Service.

Last updated: September 4, 2025