This Privacy Policy describes how Meowstanbul ("we", "our", or "the app") collects, uses, and handles information when you use our iOS application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our practices.
1. Information We Collect
We collect minimal information to provide the app's core functionality:
- Location data: When you grant location permission, we use your device's GPS coordinates solely to identify nearby routes and hotspots. Location data is processed on-device and is never transmitted to our servers or stored remotely.
- Photos: If you choose to attach a photo to a sighting report, the photo is uploaded as part of that report. You initiate this action explicitly.
- User-generated content: Sighting reports (text notes, cat tags, time labels, and optional photos) you submit become part of the community feed. These are associated with an anonymous session ID, not a personal account.
- Anonymous session ID: We generate a random, anonymous identifier stored locally on your device to associate your saved routes, sightings, and preferences. This ID is not linked to your name, email, or any other personal identifier.
- App preferences: Language selection and saved routes are stored locally on your device using AsyncStorage. This data does not leave your device.
2. Information We Do Not Collect
- We do not require account registration or email addresses.
- We do not collect your name, phone number, or payment information.
- We do not track your location in the background or when the app is not in use.
- We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third-party advertisers.
- We do not use advertising SDKs or tracking frameworks.
3. Third-Party Services
Meowstanbul uses the following third-party service:
- Open-Meteo (open-meteo.com): We fetch current weather conditions for Istanbul to display a cat activity indicator. This request uses Istanbul's fixed coordinates (latitude 41.0082, longitude 28.9784) and does not include any user-specific data. Open-Meteo's privacy policy is available at open-meteo.com/en/terms.
4. How We Use Information
- To display routes and hotspots relevant to your current location (on-device only).
- To save your route preferences and language settings locally.
- To publish sighting reports you choose to submit to the community feed.
- To compute badge progress based on your local activity history.
5. Data Storage and Security
Most app data (saved routes, language preference, badge progress, hotspot tips) is stored locally on your device. Submitted sighting reports are stored on our backend. We use industry-standard practices to protect data in transit and at rest. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
6. Children's Privacy
Meowstanbul is rated 4+ and is designed for general audiences. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through the app, please contact us so we can remove it.
7. Your Rights and Choices
- Location: You can revoke location permission at any time in your device's Settings app. The app functions without location; the "Near Me" feature will be unavailable.
- Photo access: You can revoke photo library access at any time in Settings.
- Data deletion: To delete your anonymous session data and any submitted sightings, contact us at hello@virtusop.us with your session ID (visible in the Profile screen).
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version here with a revised "Last updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: