Privacy Policy

Last Updated:

spottersguide, anthony miles - we operate the spottersguide.co.uk, observersguide.co.uk mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring your personal data is handled in compliance with the UK GDPR and Google Play Developer Policies.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our spotting guide services:

  • Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name and email address.
  • Subscription & Payment Data: Our monthly subscription (£4.99) is processed securely via Stripe & Google Play Billing. We do not collect or store your credit card or bank details; these are handled solely by Google.
  • Device Permissions: The App may request access to your Location (to identify nearby spotting sites) or Camera (to allow you to document your finds). These are only used for core app functionality and require your explicit consent.
  • Usage Data: We may collect technical logs (e.g., crash reports via Firebase) to ensure the App remains stable and secure.

2. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under the UK GDPR, we process your data based on:

  • Contract: To provide the spotting guide services you have subscribed to.
  • Legitimate Interest: To maintain app security and improve user experience.
  • Consent: For accessing device features like your camera or location.

3. Subscriptions and Cancellation Rights

In accordance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act, we ensure your subscription is transparent:

  • Pricing: Premium subscription available as £4.99 per month or £49.99 per year (17% discount). Billed automatically unless cancelled.
  • Easy Exit: You may cancel your subscription at any time via your Google Play Subscription Settings or inside the app Account > Manage > Cancel. Cancellation is designed to be as straightforward as signing up.
  • Initial Cooling-off Period: At this moment in time, we do not offer a cooling off period.

4. Data Retention and Security

We retain your personal data only as long as your account is active. We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS/TLS 1.3) to protect your data during transmission.

5. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data. You can exercise these rights or withdraw consent for data collection at any time by contacting us at helpdesk@spottersguide.co.uk.

6. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party providers:

  • Google Play Services: For app distribution and billing.
  • Supabase: For database, authentication, and storage services.
  • Vercel: For hosting and performance monitoring.
  • Stripe: For subscription billing and payment processing (web subscriptions).
  • Google Maps API: For map visualization and location services.
  • Light Pollution Map API: For stargazing visibility calculations.
  • ADS-B Exchange: For real-time aircraft tracking data.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your data only in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: We share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App, conducting our business, or serving our users (e.g., Supabase, Vercel, Stripe).
  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.
  • With Your Consent: We may share your information with your explicit consent for specific purposes.

8. International Data Transfers

Some of our service providers (e.g., Supabase, Vercel) may process your data outside the UK/EEA. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place, such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or adequacy decisions, to protect your data in accordance with UK GDPR requirements.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights and freedoms, we will notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours and inform affected users without undue delay.

11. Marketing Communications

We may send you promotional emails about new features, updates, or special offers. You can opt out of these communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the email or by updating your preferences in your account settings.

12. Data Portability

Under UK GDPR, you have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. You can request your data export by contacting us at helpdesk@spottersguide.co.uk.

13. Automated Decision Making

Our prediction algorithms use automated processing to generate spotting opportunity scores. These are based on weather data, historical patterns, and real-time signals. You have the right not to be subject to decisions based solely on automated processing that significantly affect you, though our predictions are informational only and do not make significant automated decisions about you personally.

14. Recent Updates

This privacy policy was last updated to reflect recent enhancements including:

  • MOD Portal with real-time bombing range activity detection
  • Live aircraft tracking with UK-wide coverage
  • Spotter car parks feature with verified locations
  • Light pollution integration for improved visibility calculations
  • Enhanced analytics and insights features
  • Weapons-capable aircraft detection for improved range scanning accuracy
  • Base-activity-triggered range scanning for optimized API usage

15. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

  • Email: helpdesk@spottersguide.co.uk
  • Data Protection Officer: Available via the above email address

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with UK GDPR.