Privacy Policy

Overview

CrimeSpotter UK ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website located at crimespotter-uk.onrender.com (the "Service").

We are operated from the United States and provide crime data visualization services for the United Kingdom. By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

Information Automatically Collected

When you access our Service, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage:

Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when using certain features:

• Location Services: If you use the "My Location" feature, your approximate location (processed in your browser, not stored on our servers)
• Contact Information: If you contact us via email (email address, name, message content)
• Feedback: Any feedback, suggestions, or bug reports you submit

Information We Do NOT Collect

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

Service Delivery

• Display crime data for requested UK locations
• Provide interactive map functionality
• Generate statistical analyses and visualizations
• Remember your preferences (with cookies)

Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve user interface
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Develop new features based on user behavior
• Optimize website performance and speed

Communication

• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send important service updates (if you've contacted us)
• Address technical issues you report

Legal and Security

• Comply with legal obligations
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect the rights and safety of users

Advertising

• Display relevant advertisements (with your consent)
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness
• Frequency capping to limit ad repetition

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information in these circumstances:

Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party services that help us operate our website:

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect and defend our rights or property
• Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing
• Protect the safety of users or the public
• Protect against legal liability

Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will provide notice before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

Aggregated Information

We may share aggregated, anonymized information that cannot identify you personally. For example, we might publish statistics about the most searched UK locations.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit our website. We use cookies to enhance your experience and, with your consent, to show relevant advertisements.

Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Always Active)

Analytics Cookies (With Consent)

Advertising Cookies (With Consent)

Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through:

• Our Cookie Settings: Click the cookie icon (🍪) at the bottom left of any page
• Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to refuse or delete cookies
• Opt-Out Tools:
  • Google Analytics Opt-Out
  • Google Ads Settings
  • NAI Opt-Out Tool
  • DAA Opt-Out Tool

Do Not Track Signals

We honor Do Not Track (DNT) browser signals. When DNT is enabled, we do not load analytics or advertising cookies, regardless of your cookie consent settings.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information:

Security Measures

• Encryption: All data transmission uses HTTPS/TLS encryption
• Access Control: Limited access to servers and data
• Regular Updates: Security patches and software updates
• Monitoring: 24/7 monitoring for security threats
• DDoS Protection: Cloudflare protection against attacks
• Data Minimization: We only collect necessary information
• Secure Hosting: Professional cloud hosting with security certifications

Data Retention

Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

1. Investigate and contain the breach immediately
2. Assess the risk to affected individuals
3. Notify affected users within 72 hours (if required)
4. Notify relevant authorities as required by law
5. Take steps to prevent future breaches

Your Privacy Rights

Rights for UK/EU Residents (GDPR)

If you are located in the United Kingdom or European Union, you have the following rights under GDPR:

Rights for California Residents (CCPA)

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

• Right to Know: Request information about data collection and sharing
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell data)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service regardless of privacy choices

Rights for All Users

Regardless of location, all users can:

• Manage cookie preferences at any time
• Opt-out of analytics and advertising
• Request information about our data practices
• File a complaint with relevant authorities

How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights:

1. Email us at privacy@crimespotter-uk.com
2. Include "Privacy Rights Request" in the subject line
3. Specify which rights you want to exercise
4. Provide information to verify your identity
5. We will respond within 30 days

International Users

Data Transfer to the United States

The United States may have different data protection laws than your country. We take steps to ensure adequate protection for international data transfers:

• Implementation of appropriate safeguards
• Compliance with GDPR requirements for UK/EU users
• Use of encryption for all data transfers
• Contractual protections with service providers

Regional Compliance

Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 16 (or 13 in the United States).

Age Restrictions

• United States: Must be 13 or older
• UK/EU: Must be 16 or older
• Other regions: Must meet local age requirements

Parental Controls

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@crimespotter-uk.com. We will take steps to delete such information from our systems.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top
• For significant changes, we will provide prominent notice on our website
• If we have your email (from prior contact), we may notify you directly
• Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance

Version History

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our data practices.

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