SpotAware Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SpotAware LLC ("SpotAware," "we," "us," or "our") provides a community-powered local-updates service through the SpotAware iOS and Android applications and the SpotAware website. This Privacy Policy explains how SpotAware handles information when you use the service.

SpotAware helps users check recent local reports before leaving, decide what to do, and share current observations with the community: Check. Decide. Share. Coverage depends on recent community reports and may vary by place and time.

2. Information We Handle

Depending on how you use SpotAware, SpotAware and its service providers may process:

• Email address, authentication information, and account information.
• Precise device location during the active session, when permission is granted.
• Community pin content, including the reported location, pin description or selected condition, and pin creation and expiration information.
• Support and feedback submissions.
• Subscription status and purchase-related information handled through app stores and RevenueCat.
• Website technical and usage information through Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity.
• Technical, device, usage, diagnostic, and transaction information where necessary to provide, secure, troubleshoot, and improve the service.

3. Precise Location

When you grant location permission, SpotAware accesses precise device location to:

• Center the map.
• Retrieve nearby community updates.
• Support destination search and geocoding.
• Refresh nearby results after movement.
• Confirm that a pin is being created within 500 meters of the reported place.

Precise device location is saved only temporarily during the active session. SpotAware does not retain your live precise location after the session ends.

Location coordinates may be transmitted to SpotAware services hosted through Amazon Web Services and to Google Maps, Google Places, and Google geocoding services. SpotAware does not publicly display your live device location.

4. Community Reports and Pins

A community pin includes the reported place or location, a description or selected condition, and creation and expiration information. Pins remain active for 12 hours as visible, current community updates.

Through the normal map interface, other users do not see the pin creator's name, email address, or profile. This statement does not mean that a pin can never be linked to an account internally for security, moderation, or abuse-prevention purposes; that behavior has not been separately confirmed.

Community pins are user reports, not official statements. Coverage is not guaranteed to be complete, continuously available, official, or real time.

5. How We Use Information

SpotAware uses information, as applicable, to:

• Provide and operate account, map, search, pin, and nearby-update functions.
• Authenticate users and manage accounts.
• Confirm the 500-meter posting requirement.
• Display community reports and manage their 12-hour active period.
• Process subscription status and purchase-related functions through applicable providers.
• Respond to support, privacy, deletion, and feedback requests.
• Secure, troubleshoot, maintain, and improve the service.
• Comply with applicable legal obligations.

6. Service Providers

SpotAware may use the following providers or provider categories:

• Amazon Web Services — hosting and infrastructure.
• Google Maps, Places, and geocoding — maps, destination search, and location services.
• Firebase — notifications and related app services.
• RevenueCat — subscription and purchase management.
• Apple — App Store distribution and Apple Sign-In.
• Google — Google Play distribution and Google Sign-In.
• Google Analytics — website analytics.
• Microsoft Clarity — website experience analytics.

These providers process information under their own terms and privacy policies. SpotAware does not claim to control records that Apple, Google, RevenueCat, payment providers, app stores, or other providers retain independently.

7. Website Analytics

The SpotAware website uses Google Analytics and Microsoft Clarity for website analytics and experience analysis. These providers may process website technical and usage information under their own terms and privacy policies.

8. Subscriptions and Payments

Subscription status and purchase-related information may be handled through Apple, Google, applicable app stores, and RevenueCat. SpotAware does not independently control all transaction, payment, renewal, cancellation, or refund records maintained by those providers.

9. Data Retention

• Precise device location is retained only during the active session.
• Community pins are displayed as active updates for 12 hours. The 12-hour active period describes how long a pin remains visible as a current community update; it does not necessarily indicate when related operational records are deleted.
• Account information remains while the account is active.
• When an account is deleted, all associated data controlled by SpotAware is permanently deleted and not retained.
• Third-party providers may retain independently controlled records under their own policies and legal obligations.

10. Account and Data Deletion

Account deletion is available inside both the iOS and Android apps. Open the app, sign in, open account or profile settings, select the account-deletion option, and confirm deletion.

When you delete your SpotAware account, SpotAware permanently deletes your account and all associated data controlled by SpotAware. SpotAware also directs its service providers to delete associated data they process on SpotAware's behalf, where applicable. SpotAware does not retain that account data after deletion.

If you cannot access the app, or have a privacy or deletion question, email info@spotaware.app. Records independently controlled by Apple, Google, app stores, subscription providers, payment providers, or other third parties may remain subject to those providers' own policies and legal obligations.

See Delete Your SpotAware Account for the deletion steps.

11. User Permissions and Choices

You can decide whether to grant precise-location permission through your device settings. If permission is not granted or is withdrawn, location-dependent functions may not work as intended. You may also use in-app account deletion or contact info@spotaware.app with a privacy request.

12. Security

SpotAware uses reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures intended to protect information. No storage or transmission method can be guaranteed completely secure.

13. Children's Privacy

SpotAware is intended for users aged 13 or older. SpotAware does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Parents or guardians may contact info@spotaware.app if they believe a child under 13 submitted information.

14. Legal Disclosures

SpotAware may disclose information where required by applicable law or valid legal process.

15. California and Other Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live and subject to applicable law, you may have privacy rights concerning your information. To submit a request, email info@spotaware.app. SpotAware will address verified requests as required by applicable law. This section does not create rights beyond those provided by applicable law.

16. International Users

SpotAware LLC is a California company. If you use SpotAware outside the United States, local privacy laws may apply. Where applicable law provides additional rights, SpotAware will address verified requests as required by that law.

17. Changes to This Policy

SpotAware may update this Privacy Policy as the service or applicable requirements change. The posted policy will show its effective date. SpotAware will provide notice when required by applicable law.

18. Contact Us

For privacy, account-deletion, or policy questions, contact:

19. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective July 21, 2026.