Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Photo Metadata

When you upload photos, we automatically collect:

• GPS Coordinates: Latitude, longitude, and altitude data
• Timestamps: Date and time when photos were taken
• Camera Information: Device make, model, and settings
• Image Properties: File size, format, and technical specifications

1.2 Account Information

• Email address and display name
• Profile photo (optional)
• Authentication tokens from Google/Apple

1.3 Usage Data

• App interaction patterns
• Feature usage statistics
• Error reports and performance metrics
• Device information (OS, model, version)

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Core Service Functions

• Mapping: Display your photos on interactive maps
• Timeline Creation: Organize photos chronologically and geographically
• Location Enrichment: Add city, country, and region information
• Social Features: Enable sharing and discovery

2.2 Content Moderation

• Verify GPS data authenticity
• Detect prohibited content
• Enforce community guidelines
• Prevent spam and abuse

3. Location Data and Mapping

3.1 GPS Data Processing

• We extract GPS coordinates from your photo's EXIF data
• Coordinates are used to place photos on interactive maps
• We enrich location data with city, country, and region information
• Location accuracy depends entirely on your device's GPS capability

3.2 Location Sharing Levels

• Public: Location visible to all Chronicle users and search engines
• Friends: Location visible only to your approved friends
• Family: Location visible only to your family members
• Private: Location visible only to you

3.3 Mapping Services

We use third-party mapping services that may collect additional data:

• OpenStreetMap for map tiles and geographic data
• Reverse geocoding services for location names
• Map interaction data for performance optimization

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Public Sharing

When you set photos to "Public," the following information is shared:

• Photo images and timestamps
• Precise GPS coordinates
• Location names (city, country, region)
• Your username and profile information

4.2 Service Providers

We share data with trusted service providers:

• Firebase/Google Cloud: Data storage and authentication
• Mapping Services: Location data for map display
• Analytics Services: Anonymized usage statistics

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes
• Protect our rights and property
• Ensure user safety
• Investigate potential violations

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure cloud storage with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Minimal data collection principle

5.2 Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data retained while account is active
• Deleted Accounts: Data permanently deleted within 30 days
• Public Content: May be cached by search engines and third parties
• Analytics Data: Anonymized data retained for service improvement

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Privacy Controls

• Photo Privacy: Set individual photo visibility levels
• Profile Visibility: Control who can find and view your profile
• Location Precision: Choose location display accuracy
• Timeline Sharing: Control timeline visibility

6.2 Data Rights (Where Applicable)

• Access: Request copies of your data
• Correction: Update inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request account and data deletion
• Portability: Export your data
• Objection: Object to certain data processing

6.3 Account Deletion

To delete your account and data:

• Use the in-app account deletion feature
• Contact support@mychronicle.app
• All data will be permanently deleted within 30 days
• Public content may remain cached by third parties

7. Children's Privacy

Chronicle is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

8. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed and stored in different countries as part of our cloud infrastructure. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

9. Third-Party Services

9.1 Authentication Providers

• Google Sign-In: Subject to Google's Privacy Policy
• Apple Sign-In: Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy

9.2 Mapping and Location Services

• OpenStreetMap and related services
• Geocoding and reverse geocoding services
• Each service has its own privacy policy

10. Analytics and Tracking

10.1 Minimal Tracking

Chronicle uses minimal analytics to improve the service:

• App performance and crash reporting
• Feature usage statistics (anonymized)
• Basic user flow analysis

10.2 No Advertising

We do not use advertising networks or sell data to advertisers. We do not track users across other apps or websites.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated through:

• In-app notifications
• Email notifications
• Website updates

12. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or requests:

• Email: privacy@mychronicle.app
• Support: Chronicle Support Center
• Data Protection Officer: dpo@mychronicle.app