Privacy Policy

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, name, and password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Optional information you choose to provide
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe; we do not store full credit card numbers
• User Preferences: Saved filter configurations and map settings
• Communications: Messages 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
• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent on the Service
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (for initial map positioning)
• Log Data: IP address, access times, referring URLs

2.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies and local storage to:

• Maintain your session and authentication state
• Remember your preferences (theme, map position, filters)
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
• Cache map tiles for better performance

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling them may affect Service functionality.

2.4 Analytics and Performance Monitoring

We use Google Analytics 4 and Firebase Performance Monitoring (both provided by Google) to understand how the Service is used and to keep it fast and reliable. These tools collect information such as:

• Usage events: Pages viewed and in-app actions such as applying a filter, creating a share link, generating a report, or starting a subscription
• Performance data: Page load times, network request timing, and Core Web Vitals from your browser
• Device and approximate location: Browser and device type, and coarse (city/region-level) location derived from your IP address

We use this information only in aggregate to improve the Service; we do not use it to identify you individually and we do not sell it. We do not send sensitive details such as specific addresses you search to these tools. This data is processed by Google in accordance with the Google Privacy Policy.

Your choices: We honor your browser's "Do Not Track" and Global Privacy Control (GPC) signals — when either is enabled, we do not load analytics or performance monitoring at all. You can also opt out globally using the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, or by blocking cookies for this site.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Service
• Process transactions and manage your subscription
• Personalize your experience (map defaults, saved filters)
• Communicate with you about updates, features, and support
• Monitor and analyze usage trends
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

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

4.1 Service Providers

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

• Firebase (Google): Authentication and user management
• Stripe: Payment processing
• Google Cloud Platform: Hosting and infrastructure
• Google Maps: Map rendering and location services
• Google Analytics & Firebase Performance Monitoring: Usage analytics and application performance (see Section 2.4)

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

4.2 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.

4.3 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.

5. Data Security

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

• HTTPS encryption for all data in transit
• Encrypted password storage (never stored in plain text)
• Secure cloud infrastructure with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates

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

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. We may also retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes such as:

• Resolving disputes and enforcing our agreements
• Maintaining records for financial and legal compliance
• Preventing fraud and abuse

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time (see Section 8).

7. Third-Party Services and Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites and services (e.g., Zillow, Redfin, Apartments.com). 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.

8. 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
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Analytics opt-out: Disable usage analytics and performance monitoring via a "Do Not Track" / GPC browser setting or the tools described in Section 2.4

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

9. 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

10. International Users

The Service is hosted in the United States. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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. Your continued use of the Service after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. 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