Privacy Policy (Website + Mobile App)

Effective Date: February 12, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how WildBeacon (“WildBeacon,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use our website at wildbeacon.app (the “Website”) and our mobile application (the “App”). The Website and App are collectively the “Services.”

1) Information We Collect

A. Information you provide

Account information: such as email address and account details when you sign up or sign in (including email/password, Google, or Apple sign-in).

User submissions: information you submit in the App, such as wildlife sightings and related details you enter (e.g., type of wildlife/activity, location, notes, timestamps) and your zone settings.

Newsletter/marketing sign-up: if you opt in, we collect your email address to send marketing updates and newsletters.

Communications: messages you send us (support requests, feedback).

B. Information collected automatically

Device and usage information: device type, operating system, browser type (Website), app version, pages/screens viewed, and basic interaction data.

Identifiers: such as device identifiers and push notification tokens used to deliver notifications.

Log data: IP address and related diagnostic/log data.

Analytics: we use Firebase Analytics to understand usage patterns and improve the Services.

C. Location information

If you enable location permissions, the App may collect:

Precise location while you use the App to display your position on the map, support creation of zones, and enable location-based features and alerts.

WildBeacon does not require background location in the current version. You can control location access at any time through your device settings.

2) Public Nature of Sightings

Wildlife sightings you submit are visible to all users of the App. Please do not submit information you consider private or sensitive. If you include personal information in a sighting (for example, your name in a note), it may be visible to other users.

3) How We Use Information

We use information to:

Provide and operate the Services (account access, maps, sightings, zones).

Display sightings and related map features to users.

Send push notifications you opt into (such as alerts relevant to your zones).

Provide customer support and respond to inquiries.

Improve and maintain the Services (debugging, performance, and Firebase Analytics insights).

Send marketing communications and newsletters if you opt in (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Maintain security, prevent fraud/abuse, and enforce our terms.

4) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information:

With service providers that help us run the Services (e.g., hosting, authentication, databases, analytics, messaging/push notifications). These providers process data on our behalf under contractual restrictions.

With other users through the App because sightings are public (see Section 2).

For legal and safety reasons if required by law or to protect rights, safety, and security.

In a business transfer (merger, acquisition, or asset sale), where information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5) Service Providers and Third-Party Services

WildBeacon uses third-party services that may process information as part of providing the Services, including:

Firebase (Google) for authentication, database services, analytics, and cloud functions.

Push notification services such as Firebase Cloud Messaging and Apple Push Notification service.

Map services (e.g., Google Maps) to display maps and power location features.

These services may collect and process information under their own privacy policies. Where possible, we limit shared data to what is necessary to provide the Services.

6) Push Notifications

If you opt in, we may send push notifications to your device. You can disable push notifications at any time through your device settings. Push notification tokens are stored to route notifications to your device and may refresh periodically.

7) Marketing Emails and Newsletters

If you opt in to receive marketing messages or newsletters, we may send emails about product updates, new features, promotions, and related news. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in the email or by contacting us at support@wildbeacon.app.

8) Your Choices and Controls

You can:

Update certain account information in the App (where available).

Control location permissions via your device settings.

Control push notifications via your device settings.

Opt out of marketing emails by unsubscribing.

Request access, correction, or deletion of your information (see Section 11).

9) Data Retention

We retain information as long as necessary to provide the Services and for legitimate business purposes, including compliance with legal obligations, dispute resolution, and enforcement of agreements. If you request deletion, we will delete or de-identify information as required by law, subject to certain exceptions.

10) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11) Your Privacy Rights (California and other jurisdictions)

Depending on your location, you may have rights to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information. California residents may have additional rights under the CCPA/CPRA.

To submit a request, contact us at support@wildbeacon.app with the subject line “Privacy Request.” We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

12) Children’s Privacy

The Services are not intended for children under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided information, contact us at support@wildbeacon.app.

13) International Users

If you access the Services from outside the United States, your information may be processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. Those countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

14) Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will update the “Effective Date” and may provide additional notice on the Website or in the App if changes are material.

15) Contact Us

WildBeacon

Email: support@wildbeacon.app

Website: wildbeacon.app