Privacy, without
the fog.

Information we process

• Account data: email address, display name, profile photo, sign-in provider, internal account ID and session information.
• Location: precise or approximate location used to centre the map, reveal walked areas, calculate distance and find nearby essentials.
• Map activity: saved places, revealed areas, route choices, city preferences and contribution history.
• User content: photos and place corrections you choose to submit. Photos are processed only for the feature you request.
• Purchases: product entitlement and transaction status supplied by the app store. We do not receive full card details.
• Optional analytics: product interaction and diagnostics only when you enable anonymous analytics in Settings.
• Support messages: the contents of emails or requests you send us.
• Launch waitlist: the email address you submit so we can tell you when WhileHere becomes available.

How location works

Your current position is used to operate nearby search and routing. Your walked trail and fog-of-war progress are stored on the device. If you sign in and enable sync, map progress may be backed up to your account. You can use search and browse many parts of WhileHere without granting precise location, but “nearest” results will be less useful.

Why we process it

• Contract: to provide accounts, maps, routes, sync, purchases and requested contributions.
• Legitimate interests: to secure, maintain and improve the service, prevent abuse and answer support requests.
• Consent: for optional analytics, notifications and access to device permissions where required. You can withdraw consent at any time.
• Legal obligation: where records must be kept for tax, fraud prevention or legal claims.

Services we rely on

We may use Apple and Google for sign-in, billing and system maps; independently operated servers in the United Kingdom for the API, account and place database; Cloudflare for DNS, security and optional media delivery; transactional email providers for sign-in links; OpenStreetMap/CARTO for map tiles; and privacy-respecting analytics only when enabled. These providers process limited information under their own terms and our agreements. We do not sell personal data or use it for cross-app advertising.

Retention and deletion

• Device-only map progress stays until you clear it or remove the app.
• One-time sign-in links expire after 15 minutes; ordinary sessions expire or are revoked.
• Account and synced content are deleted when you use Delete account, except limited records we must retain by law. Backup deletion can take up to 30 days.
• Support correspondence is normally retained for up to 24 months.
• Waitlist email addresses are retained until launch notifications are complete, you unsubscribe, or you ask us to delete them.

Your choices and rights

Settings lets you disable analytics and notifications, export your data, sign out, and delete your account. Depending on where you live, you may also request access, correction, portability, restriction, objection or erasure. Email contact@whilehere.app. UK users may complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office; EEA users may contact their local supervisory authority.

International transfers and security

Our service providers may process information outside your country. Where required, we use adequacy decisions or contractual safeguards. We use access controls, encryption in transit and limited retention, but no online service can guarantee absolute security.

Children and changes

WhileHere is a general travel service and is not directed to children under 13. If we materially change this notice, we will update the effective date and provide an in-app or website notice where appropriate.