Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Storm Chaser Live ("we," "our," or "the app") is operated by National Meteorological Storm Chasers (NMSC). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and web platform.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

• Email address (used for authentication)
• Display name (shown to viewers during live streams)

Location Data

• Precise GPS location (latitude and longitude) collected during active live streams
• Approximate location as a fallback when precise GPS is unavailable

Location data is only collected while you are actively streaming and is used to display your position on the viewer map in real time.

Camera and Microphone

When you start a live stream, we access your device's camera and microphone to capture video and audio. This data is transmitted in real time to viewers and is not stored permanently on our servers.

Device and Usage Data

• Firebase instance identifiers (for authentication and app integrity)
• Crash reports and diagnostics (via Firebase Crashlytics)

3. How We Use Your Information

• Live streaming: Camera and microphone data is streamed to viewers via Cloudflare Stream
• Real-time map tracking: Your GPS location is displayed on an interactive map so viewers can follow your storm chase
• Authentication: Your email and account information are used to manage your account and verify your identity
• App integrity: Firebase App Check verifies that requests come from our genuine app
• Crash reporting: Diagnostic data helps us identify and fix bugs

4. Data Sharing

We share data with the following third-party services:

• Cloudflare Stream: Video and audio streams are routed through Cloudflare for delivery to viewers
• Firebase Authentication: Account credentials are managed by Google Firebase
• Firebase App Check: Device attestation data is sent to Firebase for app integrity verification

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

5. Data Retention

• Location data is buffered locally on your device for up to 45 minutes during a stream and cleared automatically afterward. Location data is also cleared when you sign out.
• Stream recordings may be retained on Cloudflare for replay purposes. Live streams are not permanently stored on our servers.
• Account information is retained for as long as your account exists. You can request deletion at any time (see Section 7).

6. Data Security

All data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS and SRT encryption). Sensitive credentials are encrypted at rest using AES-GCM. We do not permit cleartext network traffic from the mobile app.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Delete your account and all associated data
• Withdraw consent for location, camera, or microphone access at any time through your device settings

To request data access or account deletion, contact us at the email address below.

8. Children's Privacy

Storm Chaser Live is not intended for use by children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data rights, contact us at:

privacy@nmscas.org