Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 21, 2024

Vending Machine Tracker ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website.

Information We Collect

Account Information: When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Username
• Password (stored securely using encryption)

Location Data: With your permission, we collect your device's location to:

• Display vending machines near you on the map
• Allow you to add new vending machine locations

Location data is only collected while you are actively using the app and is not tracked in the background.

Camera and Photos: With your permission, we access your camera to:

• Take photos of vending machines you wish to add or update
• Upload images to help identify vending machine types and contents

Photos are only captured when you explicitly choose to take a picture within the app.

Usage Data: We may collect information about how you interact with the app, including pages visited and features used, to improve our services.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and maintain the app's functionality
• Display vending machine locations on the map
• Allow you to contribute new vending machine information
• Authenticate your account and keep it secure
• Send important service-related emails (e.g., email confirmation, password reset)
• Improve and optimize the app experience

Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored on secure servers. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

• Passwords are encrypted and never stored in plain text
• All data transmission uses HTTPS encryption
• Authentication tokens are stored securely on your device

Data Sharing

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

• Public vending machine data: Information you submit about vending machines (location, type, photos) may be visible to other app users
• Legal requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights
• Service providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the app (e.g., hosting providers), who are bound by confidentiality agreements

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct your account information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Withdraw consent: Revoke permissions for camera or location access through your device settings

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

Permissions

The app may request the following permissions:

• Camera: To take photos of vending machines (optional)
• Location: To show your position on the map and find nearby vending machines (optional)
• Photo Library: To select existing photos from your device (optional)

You can deny or revoke these permissions at any time through your device settings. The app will still function with limited features if permissions are denied.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us