Privacy Policy - INKSPOT

1. Introduction

Definitely Human ("we", "our", or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy will inform you about how we collect, use, and manage data when you use INKSPOT and tell you about your privacy rights.

2. What Data We Collect

INKSPOT collects the following types of data:

• Account Data: Authentication credentials via Apple Sign-In, Google Sign-In, or email. We store only the minimum identifiers needed for authentication.
• Location Data: Your device location is used to show nearby places on the map. Location data is not stored on our servers — it is used only in real-time for map queries.
• Collection Data: Pen and ink catalog entries you create, including brand, model, nib type, filling system, color, ratings, tags, and pen-ink combination history. This data is stored on our servers and cached locally on your device.
• User-Generated Content: Places you add, reviews you write, and photos you upload are stored to provide the community experience.
• Auto-Generated Display Name: A random display name is assigned to your account for anonymity. You do not need to provide your real name.
• Subscription Data: Information about your Inkspot Premium subscription status, including plan type and billing period. Payment details are handled entirely by Apple and are not stored on our servers.
• Usage Data: Information about how you use the app, including features accessed and interaction patterns.
• Technical Data: Device type, operating system version, app version, and device language setting.
• Crash Reports: Error logs and crash data to help us improve the app's reliability.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use the data collected for the following purposes:

• Storing and syncing your pen and ink collection across devices
• Providing collection statistics and distribution charts based on your catalog data
• Caching your collection data locally for offline access
• Displaying places on the map based on your visible area
• Enabling you to add places, write reviews, and upload photos
• Showing community reviews and ratings for places
• Managing your Inkspot Premium subscription status
• Operating the verification and moderation systems
• Sending push notifications about activity on your contributions
• Analyzing app performance and usage patterns to improve the experience
• Preventing fraud, spam, and abuse
• Responding to customer support requests
• Complying with legal obligations

4. Location Data

INKSPOT requests access to your device location to:

• Center the map on your current position at first launch
• Allow you to use your current location when adding a new place
• Show nearby places based on the map viewport

Your precise location is never stored on our servers. Location-based queries use geohash regions, not your exact coordinates. You can use the app without granting location access by manually navigating the map.

5. Photos and Images

When you upload photos to places or reviews:

• Photos are stored securely on our cloud infrastructure
• Photos are publicly visible to all INKSPOT users as part of the community experience
• Photos are cached on your device for performance (memory + disk cache)
• You can request removal of your photos by contacting us

6. Local Data Storage and Offline Access

INKSPOT caches your pen and ink collection data locally on your device to enable offline access:

• Your catalog entries, ratings, tags, and pen-ink combination history are stored on-device
• Locally cached data remains on your device until you sign out or uninstall the app
• The server copy of your data is authoritative — local data syncs when connectivity is restored
• Collection statistics are computed from your local data and are not shared with other users

7. Anonymity

INKSPOT is designed with privacy in mind:

• Your display name is auto-generated — your real name is never shown
• Other users cannot see your email address or authentication details
• You can browse the map and view places without creating an account
• Reviews are attributed only to your anonymous display name

8. Third-Party Services

INKSPOT uses the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google): For authentication, database, storage, analytics, and crash reporting.
• Apple MapKit: For map rendering and location services.
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: For push notifications.
• Apple/Google Sign-In: For authentication services.
• Apple StoreKit: For processing Inkspot Premium subscription payments. Payment and billing details are handled entirely by Apple.

These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we recommend reviewing them. We are not responsible for their data practices.

9. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with:

• Third-party service providers necessary for app operation (Firebase, Apple MapKit)
• Legal authorities if required by law
• Business partners if INKSPOT is acquired or merged (you will be notified)

User-generated content (places, reviews, photos) is shared with all INKSPOT users as part of the community experience.

10. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Account data is retained while your account is active
• Pen and ink collection data is retained while your account is active. If you delete your account, collection data is permanently removed
• Locally cached collection data is removed when you sign out or uninstall the app
• Places and reviews remain on the platform unless removed by you or moderation
• Photos remain on the platform unless removed by you or moderation
• Subscription status records are retained for the duration required by applicable tax and accounting regulations
• Usage analytics are retained for up to 12 months in aggregated form
• Crash reports are retained for 90 days
• Deleted reviews are permanently removed after the 7-day edit window expires

11. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your data (right to be forgotten). See our Data Deletion page for instructions
• Right to Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of certain data processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us through our contact page.

12. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

• End-to-end encryption for data transmission
• No direct database access from the client — all operations go through secure Cloud Functions
• Geohash-based queries that do not expose your exact location
• Regular security audits and updates

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

13. Children's Privacy

INKSPOT is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If a parent or guardian believes their child has provided personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

14. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in countries other than your country of residence as part of our cloud infrastructure. These countries may have data protection laws different from your home country. By using INKSPOT, you consent to such transfers, which are conducted with appropriate safeguards in place.

15. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy in-app or on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of INKSPOT after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or want to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us through our contact page. We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.