Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Alertra ("we," "our," or "us") is operated by Ghost Systems. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at alertra.app and use our mobile application (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Waitlist and Contact Information: If you sign up for our waitlist or contact us, we collect your email address and any additional information you voluntarily provide.
• Search Queries: When you search for a ZIP code or city on the Service, we process that query to deliver relevant earthquake monitoring data. We do not persistently store individual search queries.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device and Usage Data: We may automatically collect information about your device, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and the dates and times of your visits.
• Analytics Data: We use privacy-respecting analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with the Service. This data is aggregated and does not personally identify you.
• Location Data (Approximate): When you access an earthquake monitoring page (e.g., /earthquake/[zip]/), we use the ZIP code in the URL to display localized data. We do not access your device's GPS or precise geolocation without your explicit consent.

2.3 Information from Third-Party Sources

• USGS Earthquake Data: We retrieve real-time and historical earthquake data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) public API. This data does not contain personal information.
• NOAA, NWS, and NASA FIRMS: We retrieve weather, forecast, and wildfire data from these public government sources. None of this data contains personal information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service, including delivering real-time earthquake alerts and risk assessments.
• To communicate with you, including sending waitlist updates, product announcements, and responding to your inquiries.
• To analyze usage trends and improve the Service's functionality, performance, and user experience.
• To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, or security threats.
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

4. How We Share Your Information

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

• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating the Service (e.g., hosting providers, email delivery services, analytics platforms). These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may only use it to perform services on our behalf.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or control.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Service may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small data files placed on your device.

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly (e.g., session management).
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use the Service so we can improve it.

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may limit certain features of the Service.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Waitlist email addresses are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

8.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect about you and how it is used.
• Delete personal information we have collected from you, subject to certain exceptions.
• Opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
• Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights.

8.2 European Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to:

• Access, correct, or delete your personal data.
• Restrict or object to the processing of your personal data.
• Data portability — receive your data in a structured, commonly used format.
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

8.3 All Users

• Unsubscribe: You can opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link in any email we send.
• Data Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal information by contacting us at the email address below.

9. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites, including USGS, NOAA, NWS, NASA, and BaroBuddy. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the Service after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

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