Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy explains how Earthwise (“we”, “us”, “our”) collects, uses, stores, and protects information when you use the Earthwise application and related services (the “App”). By using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy.
1. Overview
Earthwise is designed to provide environmental and natural hazard information, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic activity, and flood-related data.
We aim to minimise data collection wherever possible. However, certain data may be processed to enable core functionality, improve performance, and ensure security.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
Earthwise does not require account creation. We do not intentionally collect personal information such as your name, email address, or contact details unless you voluntarily provide it (for example, through support enquiries).
2.2 Location Data
The App may request access to your device’s location in order to:
- Display localised environmental data
- Show nearby events and conditions
- Improve relevance of displayed information
Location data may be:
- Processed on-device
- Transmitted securely to third-party data providers for query purposes
We do not store precise location data unless required for functionality, and any use is limited to what is necessary for the App to operate.
2.3 Device and Usage Data
We may automatically collect limited technical information, including:
- Device type and operating system
- App version
- Anonymous usage patterns
- Performance and error data
This information is used solely to maintain, improve, and secure the App.
2.4 Third-Party Data Requests
When you use features such as maps or hazard queries, the App may send requests to external data providers. These requests may include:
- Approximate location (latitude/longitude)
- Query parameters related to your request
We do not control how third-party providers process such data.
3. How We Use Information
We use collected information strictly to:
- Provide and operate the App
- Deliver relevant environmental data
- Improve performance and reliability
- Diagnose and fix technical issues
- Ensure security and prevent misuse
We do not sell personal data and do not use data for advertising profiling within the App.
4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Where applicable under UK GDPR / EU GDPR, processing is based on:
- Legitimate interests (operating and improving the App)
- User consent (for location access where required)
- Legal obligations where applicable
5. Data Retention
We retain data only for as long as necessary to:
- Provide App functionality
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
Where possible, data is anonymised or deleted.
6. Data Sharing
We may share limited data with:
- Third-party data providers (for environmental data queries)
- Analytics or performance monitoring services
- Service providers supporting App functionality
We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.
7. International Data Transfers
Earthwise operates globally. Data may be processed in countries outside your own jurisdiction, including locations that may have different data protection laws.
By using the App, you acknowledge that such transfers may occur.
8. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect data, including:
- Secure transmission protocols
- Access controls
- Minimisation of stored data
However, no system can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Use of the App is at your own risk.
9. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have rights including:
- Access to your data
- Correction of inaccurate data
- Deletion of data
- Restriction of processing
- Objection to processing
- Data portability
As Earthwise does not typically store identifiable personal data, some rights may be limited in practice.
10. Children’s Privacy
Earthwise is not specifically directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If such data is identified, it will be deleted where reasonably possible.
11. Third-Party Services
The App may include links, maps, or integrations with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those services.
You should review their respective privacy policies.
12. No Guarantee of Data Anonymity
While we aim to minimise personal data collection, certain technical data (such as IP address or location data used in requests) may, in some circumstances, be capable of identifying a user when combined with other data sources. We do not attempt to identify users from such data.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. Continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of any updated version.
14. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for:
- Unauthorised access to data
- Data breaches beyond our reasonable control
- Third-party misuse of data
- Any consequences arising from use of the App
15. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you may contact us through the App support channels where available.
16. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of England and Wales, subject to applicable data protection regulations in your jurisdiction.