AuroraWatchAuroraWatch

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 24, 2026

1. Overview

AuroraWatch ("the App") is a global platform designed to provide real-time aurora activity, KP index tracking, and space weather forecasts. We are committed to protecting your privacy while providing high-accuracy data for both the Northern (Borealis) and Southern (Australis) hemispheres.

2. Data We Access & How It Is Used

To provide our services, we access and collect the following information:

  • Location Data: We request "When In Use" location permission to provide local aurora visibility forecasts, weather conditions, and proximity-based alerts. Your location coordinates (with approximately 100-meter accuracy) are stored in our secure database (Firestore) to enable features like nearby sightings and personalized forecasts. Location updates occur when you move more than 500 meters from your last recorded position. You can disable location access at any time via iOS Settings, though this will limit certain app features.
  • Account Information: If you sign in with Apple or Google, we collect your email address and basic profile information (name, if provided) to manage your account across devices. If you sign in as a Guest, we create an anonymous account that is not linked to your identity.
  • User-Generated Content: When you submit aurora sightings, we collect the location, timestamp, colors observed, intensity, description, and optional photos. This content is stored in our database and may be visible to other users. You can delete your own sightings at any time.
  • Notification Tokens: To send push notifications for KP alerts and aurora activity, we store a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) token associated with your account. This token is used solely for delivering notifications you've enabled.
  • App Usage Data: We collect basic usage analytics through Firebase Crashlytics to identify and fix app crashes and improve stability. This data is anonymized and does not include personal identifiers.
  • Referral Codes: If you use a referral code or generate one for others, this information is stored to track referral rewards. Referral codes are not linked to your identity unless you choose to create an account.

3. Account & Authentication

You can use AuroraWatch in three ways:

  • Sign in with Apple: We receive your email address (or a private relay email if you choose) and name (if provided).
  • Sign in with Google: We receive your email address and basic profile information.
  • Guest Mode: You can use the app anonymously without creating an account. Some features may be limited.

Data Portability & Deletion: You may request a copy of your account data or delete your account entirely at any time via the "App Settings" menu. Deleting your account will remove your profile, sightings, and all associated data from our servers.

4. Third-Party Service Providers

We use industry-standard providers to ensure app stability and data accuracy:

  • Firebase (Google): Secure authentication, cloud database (Firestore), push notifications (Firebase Cloud Messaging), cloud functions for referral processing, and crash reporting (Crashlytics). Your data is stored securely in Firebase's infrastructure.
  • NOAA / SWPC: Real-time space weather data including KP Index, solar wind measurements, and aurora forecast models. We fetch this data directly from NOAA's public APIs; no personal information is shared.
  • Apple WeatherKit: Weather data including temperature, cloud cover, visibility, wind speed, and precipitation forecasts. Location coordinates are sent to Apple's WeatherKit service to retrieve local weather conditions. This data is processed according to Apple's privacy policies.

5. Notifications

We use push notifications to alert you about:

  • KP Index spikes above your configured threshold
  • Aurora activity in your area
  • Proximity-based alerts when you're near reported sightings

You can customize notification preferences or disable them entirely at any time via iOS Settings or within the app's Settings menu. Your FCM token is stored securely and used solely for delivering notifications you've enabled.

6. Global Compliance (GDPR & CCPA)

  • European Users (GDPR): You have the right to access, rectify, or erase your personal data. You also have the right to data portability and to object to processing. We process data on the legal basis of "Contractual Necessity" to provide the forecast services you request, and "Consent" for optional features like notifications. To exercise your rights, contact us at the email address below.
  • California Users (CCPA): We do not "sell" your personal information. We only "share" data with the service providers listed above to facilitate app functionality. You have the right to know what personal information we collect, delete your personal information, and opt-out of the sale of personal information (though we do not sell your data).
  • New Zealand Users: We comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and respect your rights to access and correct your personal information.

7. Data Security & Retention

We use encrypted transit (HTTPS) for all data transmission. Your data is stored securely in Firebase's infrastructure, which uses industry-standard encryption at rest. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information.

Account-related data is retained only as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, all associated data (profile, sightings, location history) is permanently removed from our servers within 30 days. Sightings you've submitted may remain visible to other users until they expire (typically after 24 hours) or are deleted by administrators if reported as inappropriate.

8. Children's Privacy

AuroraWatch is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately and we will delete such information.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

For any privacy inquiries, to exercise your data rights, or to report a privacy concern, please contact our Data Privacy Officer at:

aurorawatch.app@gmail.com

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