Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

This Privacy Policy describes how AuroraWatch (the "iOS app" or "App") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our mobile application and related online services operated in connection with the App (for example, this website). The App provides aurora forecasts, space-weather data, optional community sightings, and optional subscription features ("AuroraWatch Pro").

2. Information we collect

Depending on how you use the App, we may process:

• Account & authentication: If you use Sign in with Apple or Google, we receive identifiers and profile details permitted by that sign-in provider (for example, email and name where provided). If you use Guest mode, we may create an anonymous Firebase account with limited profile fields stored in Google Firebase.
• Location: With your permission, we may collect device location to show local forecasts, maps, proximity features, and (where enabled) location-associated sightings or alerts. You can revoke location access in iOS Settings.
• Community content: If you submit aurora sightings or similar content, we collect the information you provide (for example, time, place, description, visibility notes, and optional photos). Photos may be stored using Firebase Storage and referenced from our database.
• Reports & safety: If you report content, we collect the report details needed to review the issue (for example, identifiers of the reported item and your account id).
• Push notifications: If you enable alerts, we may store a Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) device token and your notification preferences to deliver the alerts you choose.
• Subscriptions: Purchases are processed by Apple. We do not receive your full payment card details. We may process subscription status and identifiers needed to unlock Pro features and to associate entitlements with your account as described by Apple and StoreKit.
• Badges, themes, and app preferences: We may store progress or settings (for example, earned badges or theme choices) to provide those features.
• Referral or promotional codes (if offered): If you use referral features, we may store codes and linkage needed to operate those promotions.
• Diagnostics: We may use Firebase services (such as Crashlytics) to improve stability and diagnose crashes. We may also use Firebase In-App Messaging or similar tools to show product-related messages inside the App.
• Developer updates (in-app feed): The App may display non-personal "developer update" posts fetched from our databases. Public update posts may include text and images; images may be delivered via hosted URLs (including Firebase Storage).

3. How we use information

We use information to:

• Provide forecasts, maps, notifications, and core App functionality
• Operate community features (for example, displaying sightings to other users where applicable)
• Authenticate users, prevent abuse, and enforce our Terms
• Deliver Pro features for subscribed accounts
• Improve reliability and fix crashes
• Respond to support requests and legal requirements

4. Legal bases (EEA/UK users)

Where GDPR/UK GDPR applies, we rely on appropriate bases such as performance of a contract (providing the App), legitimate interests (security, analytics, product improvement), and consent where required (for example, optional notifications or certain tracking where applicable).

5. Sharing & processors

We share information with service providers as needed to run the App, including:

• Google Firebase / Google Cloud: Authentication, Firestore database, Storage, Cloud Messaging, and related infrastructure.
• Apple: Sign in with Apple, StoreKit subscriptions, WeatherKit (if used for weather features), and platform services.
• Google Sign-In: If you choose Google authentication, Google processes sign-in according to Google's policies.
• Public data sources: We fetch space-weather and related data from public providers (for example, NOAA/SWPC). These fetches generally do not include personal information.

We do not sell your personal information. We may disclose information if required by law or to protect rights, safety, and integrity of users and the service.

6. Retention

We retain information as long as needed to provide the App and for legitimate business purposes (for example, security logs, dispute resolution, and legal compliance). If you delete your account (where available), we will delete or anonymize personal information associated with your account subject to legal exceptions and residual backups.

7. Your choices & rights

Depending on your region, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal information, and to object to or restrict certain processing. You can manage many permissions in iOS Settings (for example, location and notifications). You may contact us using the details below to exercise applicable rights.

8. Children

The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. International transfers

Our service providers may process information in countries other than where you live. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards.

10. Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the effective date.

11. Contact

Questions or requests: aurorawatch.app@gmail.com