Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Beach Finder is a beach discovery application operated by Smart Coding S.R.L. ("we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our mobile application or website (collectively, the "Service").

For any privacy-related questions, contact us at [email protected].

2. Data We Collect

We collect only the data necessary to provide and improve the Service. Depending on how you use Beach Finder, this may include:

• • Account data — if you create an account: your name and email address. This is optional; you can browse beaches without an account.
• • Usage data — beaches viewed or saved, search queries, features used, session duration, and in-app interactions. Collected automatically to improve recommendations and app performance.
• • Device and technical data — device type, operating system version, app version, anonymous device identifiers, IP address, and crash logs. Used for diagnostics and stability monitoring.
• • Location data — your approximate or precise location, only if you explicitly grant permission. Used solely to show nearby beaches and distances. We do not track your location in the background.
• • Communications — if you contact us by email, we retain that correspondence to resolve your query.

3. How We Collect Data

• •Directly from you — when you register, save favourites, or contact support.
• •Automatically — through standard analytics and crash-reporting tools as you use the app.
• •From your device — through permissions you explicitly grant (location, notifications).
• •From third-party APIs — weather data and map services make requests that may carry your IP address, but no personal identifiers are shared.

4. How We Use Your Data

We process your data on the following legal bases: contract performance (delivering the Service), legitimate interests (improving and securing the app), and consent (location access, marketing communications).

• •To provide core functionality — showing beaches, weather, photos, and maps.
• •To personalise beach recommendations based on your browsing history and saved favourites.
• •To display real-time weather and sea temperature data for beaches near you or in your search.
• •To diagnose crashes, monitor app stability, and fix technical issues.
• •To respond to your support requests and communications.
• •To send you app updates or notifications — only if you have opted in.
• •To comply with legal obligations.

5. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services. Each operates under its own privacy policy and may process limited technical data (such as your IP address) to fulfil requests. We do not share personally identifiable information with them.

• •Open-Meteo — real-time and historical weather and sea temperature data. No personal data shared.
• •OpenStreetMap / Nominatim — map tiles and geocoding (converting place names to coordinates). Requests may include your general location.
• •Unsplash — beach photography. Photos are served under the Unsplash License.
• •Expo / EAS — mobile app build, delivery, and over-the-air update platform.
• •Apple App Store / Google Play — app distribution platforms. Their terms and privacy policies govern your app download and payment.

We are not responsible for the data practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy or as required by law.

• •Account data — retained while your account is active. Deleted within 30 days of an account deletion request.
• •Usage and analytics data — retained in aggregated, anonymised form for up to 24 months.
• •Crash logs — retained for up to 90 days.
• •Support communications — retained for up to 12 months after your query is resolved.

7. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses strictly necessary cookies to maintain your session and keep you logged in. We do not use advertising cookies, cross-site tracking cookies, or third-party analytics cookies on our website.

The mobile app does not use cookies. It may use anonymous device identifiers for crash reporting and app performance analytics.

8. Your Rights

Under the GDPR and other applicable data protection laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• •Right of access — request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• •Right to rectification — ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• •Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten") — request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention obligations.
• •Right to restrict processing — ask us to pause processing your data in certain circumstances.
• •Right to data portability — receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• •Right to object — object to processing based on legitimate interests, including profiling and direct marketing.
• •Right to withdraw consent — where processing is based on consent (e.g. location, notifications), you may withdraw it at any time without affecting prior processing.

To exercise any of these rights, email [email protected] with the subject line "Data Request". We will respond within 30 days. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

9. Data Security

We apply industry-standard measures to protect your data, including HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data in transit, encrypted storage for credentials, and strict access controls. Access to personal data is limited to personnel who need it to operate the Service.

In the event of a data breach that poses a risk to your rights, we will notify the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours and affected users without undue delay, as required by law. No method of internet transmission is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

Beach Finder is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected] and we will promptly delete the data.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed by third-party service providers (such as Expo/EAS or Open-Meteo) outside your country of residence. Where transfers occur, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses or the provider's compliance with applicable data protection frameworks.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. For significant changes, we will notify you via an in-app notice or email (if you have an account). The updated date at the top of this page always reflects the latest version. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact

For any privacy-related questions, data requests, or complaints, please contact us at: