| 0

PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: 15-12-2024

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how the Manta Watch NZ app (“we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, stores, and protects the personal information of its users (“you”). By using our app, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring compliance with applicable privacy laws in New Zealand.

 

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information:

  •  Name
  •  Email Address

Location Data:

  • GPS coordinates to set the location of manta ray and devil ray sightings.

Multimedia:

  • Photos and videos uploaded through the app.

Diagnostics and Usage Data:

  •  Information about how the app is used and technical diagnostics to improve functionality.
  •  Collected via Firebase.

 

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

  • To log and verify sightings of Oceanic Manta Rays and Spinetail Devil Rays.
  • To enhance user convenience by auto-populating sighting locations.
  • To improve the app’s performance and functionality through diagnostics and usage analysis.

 

4. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share data with trusted third-party services to facilitate app functionality:

  • Firebase: For diagnostics and usage analytics.
  • Google Maps: For mapping and location-based features.

These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them for more details.

 

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored:

  • Locally on your device.
  • On secure servers managed by Hostinger.

We implement industry-standard measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

 

6. Data Retention

We retain collected data indefinitely to support research and conservation efforts. However, you can request the deletion of your data at any time by contacting us at mantawatchnewzealand@gmail.com. Upon receiving your request, we will take reasonable steps to delete your information unless we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

 

7. User Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have the following rights:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request corrections to your personal data.
  • Deletion: Request the deletion of your personal data.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at mantawatchnewzealand@gmail.com. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.

 

8. Location Data Usage

We collect location data to set the coordinates of sightings automatically. This data is collected only when you actively use the app to log a sighting. You can disable location access in your device settings, though doing so may limit certain app functionalities.

 

9. Compliance with Laws

We comply with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020. If you have concerns about our compliance, you may contact us or lodge a complaint with the relevant privacy authority in your jurisdiction.

 

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. The updated policy will be posted within the app and will include the effective date of the revision. Continued use of the app after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

 

11. Contact Us

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

Manta Watch New Zealand Charitable Trust
mantawatchnewzealand@gmail.com

Thank you for using the Manta Watch NZ app and supporting the conservation of Oceanic Manta Rays and Spinetail Devil Rays.