Disclosures & Policies

1. Introduction

BelongMaps ("we," "our," or "us") operates www.belongmaps.com (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service. By using BelongMaps, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use certain features, we may collect:

• Account Information: Email address, display name, and authentication credentials (managed securely through Firebase Authentication)
• Profile Settings: Your display preferences including theme selection (dark/light mode) and map overlay color preferences
• Saved Filter Sets: Your named filter configurations, including filter selections and parameter values (premium feature)
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe; we store only subscription status, plan type, and billing cycle dates—never full credit card numbers
• Support Communications: Messages and feedback you send to our support team

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access the Service, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, and screen resolution
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, filters used, map interactions, time spent on the Service
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (used for initial map positioning only; we do not track precise GPS location)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs, error logs

3. Cookies, Local Storage, and Browser Data

BelongMaps uses various browser storage technologies to enhance your experience:

3.1 Local Storage

We store the following data in your browser's local storage:

3.2 Service Worker Cache (Cache Storage API)

To improve performance, our service worker caches:

• Map tiles: Google Maps and OpenStreetMap tile images for faster map rendering
• Static assets: Application code, images, and fonts

Cached data is stored locally on your device and can be cleared through your browser's developer tools or by clearing site data.

3.3 Cookies

We use the following types of cookies:

• Authentication Cookies: Set by Firebase to manage your login session securely
• Payment Processing Cookies: Set by Stripe during checkout to prevent fraud and complete transactions
• Google Maps Performance Cookies: Used by Google Maps for load balancing and performance optimization

We do not use: Tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party analytics cookies that follow you across websites.

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may affect Service functionality (particularly authentication and payments).

4. Cloud-Stored Data

For registered users, we store the following data on our secure cloud servers:

4.1 All Registered Users

• Account credentials (email, hashed authentication data via Firebase)
• Display name and profile information
• Account creation date and last login timestamp
• User preferences (theme, overlay color)

4.2 Premium Subscribers (Additional Data)

• Subscription Details: Plan type (monthly/annual), subscription status, billing cycle dates, Stripe customer ID
• Saved Filter Sets: Named filter configurations including filter selections, parameter values, and creation dates
• Billing History: Invoice references and payment status (actual payment details stored by Stripe)
• Feature Usage: Premium feature access logs for support and troubleshooting

4.3 Data We Do NOT Store

• Credit card numbers or bank account details (handled entirely by Stripe)
• Precise GPS coordinates of your physical location
• Search history or browsing history outside our Service
• Personal identification documents

5. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Process subscription payments and manage your account
• Personalize your experience (map defaults, saved filters, theme preferences)
• Sync your preferences and saved filter sets across devices (when logged in)
• Communicate with you about updates, features, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve performance and features
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

6.1 Service Providers

We share data with third-party services that help us operate:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication and user management
• Stripe: Payment processing and subscription management
• Google Cloud Platform: Hosting, database, and infrastructure services
• Google Maps: Map rendering and location services

These providers are bound by their own privacy policies and contractual obligations to protect your data.

6.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or others.

6.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change.

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• HTTPS encryption for all data in transit
• Encrypted password storage via Firebase Authentication (never stored in plain text)
• Secure cloud infrastructure with role-based access controls
• Regular security updates and vulnerability monitoring
• PCI DSS compliant payment processing through Stripe

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

8. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service:

• Account data: Retained while your account is active; deleted within 30 days of account deletion request
• Subscription records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Usage logs: Aggregated and anonymized after 90 days
• Local storage: Remains on your device until you clear it or uninstall

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time (see Section 10).

9. Third-Party Services and Links

The Service contains links to third-party websites including Zillow, Redfin, and Apartments.com for property listings. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Your Rights and Choices

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

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format (JSON export)
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@belongmaps.com. We will respond within 30 days.

Clearing Local Data

You can clear locally stored data at any time through your browser:

• Clear site data in browser settings (removes localStorage and cookies)
• Use browser developer tools to clear Cache Storage (map tiles)
• Use private/incognito browsing to prevent any local storage

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

12. International Users

The Service is hosted in the United States and primarily serves U.S. users. If you access the Service from outside the US, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the US where data protection laws may differ from those in your country. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

13. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice on the Service or sending an email to registered users. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

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

• Email: support@belongmaps.com
• Website: www.belongmaps.com