This Privacy Policy explains how Smokelyze ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and discloses information about you when you access or use our web application. By using Smokelyze, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We only collect information that is necessary to provide and improve our services.

• Authentication Data: If you choose to sign in (e.g., via Google), we collect basic profile information provided by the authentication service, such as your Name, Email Address, and a unique User ID (UID).
• User-Provided Content: Information you actively submit to the platform, such as MapPosts, Nicknames, and Affiliation details, as well as User IDs you share to form groups.
• Usage Data: We may automatically collect certain diagnostic and usage information when you access the site. This may include your IP address, browser type, pages viewed, and other analytical data to help us understand how our application is used (e.g., via Google Analytics).
• API Keys: If you utilize the integrated AI Assistant feature, you may be prompted to enter your own Google Gemini API key. This key is stored locally in your web browser and is never transmitted to or stored on our backend servers. It is strictly used client-side to communicate with Google's API.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various educational and operational purposes:

• To provide and maintain the features of the Smokelyze application.
• To manage your user account, verify identity, and allow you to participate in community features (like MapPosts).
• To monitor usage patterns and improve the user experience and functionality of the site.
• To communicate with you, if necessary, regarding updates or technical notices.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

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

• With Service Providers: We use third-party services like Firebase (for authentication and database management) and Google Analytics. These providers have access to your personal data only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for other purposes.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

4. Data Security

We prioritize the security of your data and implement reasonable industry-standard security measures (such as utilizing Firebase's secure platform) to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, please be aware that no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

5. Your Rights and Choices

• You may choose not to provide certain personal information, but this may limit your ability to use certain features (e.g., leaving comments or accessing community groups).
• You may review, update, or delete your account information through the profile settings within the app.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us via our main web portal or the contact links provided on the About page.