Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us, such as when you create an account or contact us for support.

Personal Information:

• Name and email address (when you create an account)
• Account preferences and settings
• Communication preferences

Usage Information:

• Service usage patterns and features accessed
• Device information and browser type
• IP address and approximate location
• Session duration and interaction data

Donations:

If you make a donation through Open Collective, payment information is processed by Open Collective and their payment processors. We do not store your payment card details.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our environmental analysis tools
• Manage your account and authenticate your access
• Send you technical notices, updates, and security alerts
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve service performance
• Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personal information to third parties, except as described below:

Service Providers:

• Clerk - Authentication services (manages user login and accounts)
• Open Collective - Donation processing (if you choose to donate)
• Cloud infrastructure providers - Hosting and data storage

Legal Requirements:

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe such action is necessary to comply with legal processes or protect our rights.

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption for data in transit (HTTPS)
• Secure authentication through Clerk
• Access controls and security best practices
• Regular security reviews

While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. We will retain and use your information as necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes
• Enforce our agreements
• Provide customer support

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us.

6. Your Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the UK or European Economic Area, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Erasure: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw consent: Where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@urbanbiome.co.uk. We will respond within one month.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. Our service providers may be located in the United States or other jurisdictions.

Where we transfer data outside the UK/EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as standard contractual clauses.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and basic functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns (if enabled)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect service functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

10. Third-Party Links

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services (such as Open Collective for donations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending you an email notification where appropriate

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) if you believe your data protection rights have been violated.