Privacy Policy

For Backseat Geologist
Last Updated: 06/08/2025

1. Overview

Backseat Geologist ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how our geological audio tour app handles information when you use our services.

2. Information We Do NOT Collect

We do NOT collect, store, or transmit:

• Personal identifying information
• User accounts or profiles
• Individual location tracking data
• Personal audio recordings
• Contact information
• Payment information (handled by Apple)

3. Information We Do Collect

3.1 Local Device Data (Stored Only on Your Device)

• Route Data: Geological routes you create or download
• App Preferences: Voice settings, analysis intervals, audience preferences
• Downloaded Content: Audio files and geological descriptions
• Usage Counters: Local tracking of feature usage for subscription limits

3.2 Location Data (Processed Locally)

• Purpose: To identify geological formations and provide location-based audio content
• Processing: Location coordinates are sent to geological databases (Macrostrat) to retrieve formation data
• Storage: Routes and locations are stored locally on your device only
• Background Use: Location is accessed in background during navigation for audio playback

3.3 Anonymous Analytics (No Personal Data)

• App Performance: Crash reports and performance metrics via Firebase Analytics
• Feature Usage: Anonymous statistics about which features are used
• Technical Data: Device type, OS version, app version for compatibility
• Server Metrics: Anonymous usage of our geological content servers

4. How We Use Information

4.1 Core App Functionality

• Analyze geological formations along your routes
• Generate location-appropriate geological descriptions
• Provide voice-guided geological tours
• Cache content for offline use

4.2 Service Improvement

• Improve app performance and stability
• Understand which features are most valuable
• Optimize server resources for geological data delivery

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Geological Data

• Macrostrat API: We send location coordinates to retrieve geological formation data
• Privacy: Only coordinates are shared, no personal information

5.2 Large Language Models

• Providers: Google, Anthropic, and other large language models may be used
• Data Shared: Geologic data and route context is sent to generate descriptions
• Privacy: No personal information or device identifiers shared

5.2 Text-to-Speech Services

• Providers: Azure, Google, and MeloTTS for voice generation
• Data Shared: Only geological text descriptions for audio generation
• Privacy: No personal information or device identifiers shared

5.3 Analytics

• Firebase Analytics: Anonymous app usage and performance data
• Purpose: Improve app stability and understand feature usage
• Privacy: No personal or location data included

5.4 Payments

• Apple App Store: All subscription payments handled by Apple
• Privacy: We never see payment information or personal details

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Local Storage

• All personal data stored locally using iOS secure storage
• Routes and preferences encrypted with device-level security
• Audio cache managed with iOS standard security practices

6.2 Data Transmission

• Location coordinates sent securely (HTTPS) to geological databases
• Audio generation requests sent securely to TTS providers
• No persistent personal data stored on our servers

7. Your Privacy Rights

7.1 Control Over Your Data

• Delete Routes: Remove any saved routes through the app
• Clear Cache: Clear downloaded audio and geological data
• Reset Settings: Reset all preferences to defaults
• Location Access: Control location permissions through iOS settings

8. Location Services Disclosure

8.1 Why We Need Location

• Identify geological formations at your location
• Provide location-specific geological information
• Enable navigation features for geological tours

8.2 How Location is Used

• Current location used to query geological databases
• Route coordinates stored locally for analysis
• Background location used only during active navigation
• No location tracking or history maintained on servers

8.3 Location Controls

• Grant or deny location access in iOS Settings
• App functionality limited without location access
• Background location only used during active tours

9. Children's Privacy

Our app does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app is designed for educational use and can be used by families, but we recommend parental supervision for outdoor geological exploration.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy periodically. Changes will be posted in the app and on our website. Continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of any changes.