Privacy Policy

Introduction

The Sequim Lavender App ("App") is developed and operated by the Sequim Lavender Growers Association ("we," "us," "our," or "Company"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our App. This Privacy Policy explains our data practices, what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information.

1. Information We Collect

Location Data

When you use our GPS check-in feature, we collect your precise location data to:

• Enable you to check in at specific lavender farms and locations
• Track your visits for the digital passport feature
• Provide location-based recommendations and event information
• Improve our App's functionality and user experience

Location access is optional. You can enable or disable location permissions through your device settings at any time. The App will function with limited features if location access is not granted.

Device Identifier

We collect a unique device identifier to:

• Maintain your digital passport and check-in history
• Sync your data across multiple sessions
• Prevent unauthorized access to your account
• Analyze app usage and performance

Survey and Feedback Data

When you voluntarily participate in surveys, polls, or provide feedback through the App, we collect:

• Your responses to survey questions
• Feedback and comments about the App and experiences
• Ratings and reviews of farms and activities

All survey participation is completely voluntary, and you may decline to participate at any time.

Photo Data

If you choose to upload photos through the App (e.g., for gallery contributions or reviews), we collect:

• Images you upload
• Associated metadata (upload date, location if embedded in the image)
• Captions or descriptions you provide

You retain full ownership of your photos. By uploading, you grant us a non-exclusive license to display and use your photos in the App and on our website.

Usage Analytics

We automatically collect information about how you interact with the App:

• Pages and features you access
• Time spent on various sections
• App crashes or performance issues
• Device type, operating system, and app version

2. Data Storage and Security

Your data is securely stored using Google Cloud Platform and Firebase, which provide:

• Enterprise-grade encryption in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and compliance certifications
• Automatic backups and disaster recovery
• Strict access controls and authentication mechanisms
• GDPR and CCPA compliance infrastructure

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we strive to use commercially acceptable means.

3. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Location Check-ins: Retained for 24 months to maintain your digital passport history
• Survey Responses: Retained for 12 months for analysis and improvement purposes
• Photos and User Content: Retained as long as your account is active; deleted upon account termination
• Usage Analytics: Retained for 12 months in aggregated, non-identifiable form
• Device Identifiers: Retained for the duration of your account

Upon request, we will delete your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements and the needs of your active account.

4. How We Use Your Data

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve the App's core functionality
• Enable digital passport check-ins and tracking
• Deliver personalized content and recommendations
• Respond to your inquiries and feedback
• Send you service-related announcements and updates
• Analyze trends, usage patterns, and effectiveness
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce agreements
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents

We do not use your data for marketing purposes without your explicit consent.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties.

We may share limited information only in these circumstances:

• Service Providers: With Google Cloud and Firebase for secure storage and maintenance
• Legal Compliance: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or asset sale (you will be notified)
• Public Content: Photos and reviews you choose to share publicly are visible to other users

All service providers are contractually bound to use your data only for providing services to us and to protect your privacy.

6. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

The App 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 data from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will delete such information immediately.

For children ages 13-17, parental guidance is recommended. If a parent or guardian believes their child has provided personal information through the App, please contact us immediately at info@sequimlavender.org.

7. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Portability: Request your data in a portable, machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Disable location tracking and opt out of analytics
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data collection at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in the Contact Us section below.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The App may use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and login information
• Track app performance and usage
• Improve user experience and functionality

You can control cookie and local storage through your device settings. Disabling these may affect App functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites and services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing your information.

10. Data Security Incident Notification

If we discover a security breach affecting your personal data, we will:

• Notify you promptly via email or in-app notification
• Provide details about the incident and affected data
• Describe steps we are taking to address the breach
• Offer resources to help protect your information

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through a prominent notice in the App. Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

12. International Data Transfers

Your data may be stored and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. These countries may have data protection laws different from your home country. By using the App, you consent to your data being transferred to, stored in, and processed in these locations.