Privacy Policy

WanderWatch ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our hiking trail discovery platform.

By using WanderWatch, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our service.

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Trail Condition Reports: Status updates, descriptions, and notes about trail conditions
• Points of Interest: Descriptions and details about amenities, viewpoints, and facilities
• Photos: Images you upload for trail conditions or points of interest
• Search Queries: Text queries you submit to our AI search feature

2.2 Location Information

• GPS Coordinates: Location data when you create trail reports or add points of interest
• General Location: Approximate location for showing nearby trails (if you grant permission)
• Map Interactions: Areas you view and zoom levels for improving map performance

2.3 Technical Information

• Device Information: Browser type, device type, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on the platform
• Log Data: IP address, access times, error logs for technical diagnostics
• App Data: If using our iOS app, device language settings for localization

2.4 We Do NOT Collect

3.1 Core Service Features

• Display Trail Information: Show your contributed reports and points of interest to other users
• Map Functionality: Provide accurate trail locations and interactive mapping
• AI Search: Process your search queries to find relevant trails
• Localization: Display content in your preferred language

3.2 Service Improvement

• Quality Control: Review user contributions for accuracy and appropriateness
• Performance Optimization: Analyze usage patterns to improve app performance
• Feature Development: Understand which features are most valuable to users
• Bug Fixes: Use error logs to identify and resolve technical issues

3.3 Safety and Security

• AI Safety Validation: All AI interactions are screened by Lakera Guard for security threats, prompt injections, and inappropriate content
• Content Moderation: Ensure user contributions meet community standards
• Abuse Prevention: Detect and prevent misuse of the platform
• System Security: Monitor for unauthorized access or security threats

5.1 Data Storage

• Location: Data is stored on secure servers
• Backups: Regular backups ensure data availability and recovery
• Retention: User contributions are kept to maintain service quality and historical trail information
• Anonymous Data: Most data is not linked to identifiable users

5.2 Security Measures

• Encryption: Data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Access Control: Limited access to data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Security patches and updates are applied promptly
• Monitoring: System monitoring to detect and respond to security threats

5.3 Data Minimization

We collect only the data necessary to provide our service effectively:

• No user accounts means no stored personal profiles
• Location data is used only for trail-related features
• Search queries are processed but not permanently stored with identifying information
• Photos are optimized and only stored if relevant to trail information

6.1 Location Services

• Browser: You can disable location services in your browser settings
• iOS App: Control location access in Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• Impact: Disabling location services will limit some features but won't prevent basic trail browsing

6.2 AI Search Providers

• Provider Choice: You can select between OpenAI and PublicAI for AI search
• Opt-Out: You can use the standard search instead of AI-powered search
• Data Sharing: Only your chosen AI provider will process your search queries

6.3 Content Management

• User Contributions: You can contact us to modify or remove your contributed content
• Photos: You can request removal of photos you've uploaded
• Reports: Trail condition reports can be updated or corrected

6.4 Data Subject Rights (Swiss FADP/GDPR)

Under Swiss FADP and applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights:

• Right to Information: Know what personal data we process and how
• Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to certain types of data processing
• Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data in certain circumstances

7.1 Data Transfers

WanderWatch is operated from Switzerland. If you're accessing the service from outside Switzerland, your data may be transferred to and processed in Switzerland and potentially other countries where our third-party service providers operate.

7.2 Legal Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws including:

• Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP 2023) - Our primary compliance framework
• EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for EU users
• Local privacy laws where applicable

7.3 Swiss Data Residency Goal

8.1 Essential Cookies

We use only essential cookies required for the service to function:

• Session Cookies: Maintain your session and preferences during your visit
• Security Cookies: Protect against cross-site request forgery attacks
• Language Preferences: Remember your preferred language setting

8.2 We Do NOT Use

8.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling essential cookies may affect the functionality of WanderWatch.

WanderWatch does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. Since we don't require user accounts or collect personal identification information, children can safely use the service for trail discovery with parental guidance.

Important for Parents: Always supervise children's hiking activities and ensure they understand trail safety regardless of information found on any platform.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of any material changes by:

• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• For significant changes, displaying a notice on the platform
• Continuing to use the service after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.