Privacy Policy for National Parks Journal
Effective Date: March 1, 2026
National Parks Journal ("we," "our," or "the App") is a mobile application available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the App.
By using National Parks Journal, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
Email Address. When you use the Passport feature, we collect your email address to verify your identity and deliver your passport document.
Park Visit History. When generating a passport, your visited parks and visit dates are transmitted to our servers to create your document.
Name (Optional). You may choose to include your name on your passport. This is transmitted solely for document generation and is not stored on our servers.
1.2 Information Stored Locally on Your Device
The following data is stored exclusively on your device and is never transmitted to our servers:
Park visit status and dates
Journal entries, notes, and companion names
Photos and gallery images
Custom cover images
1.3 Information Collected Automatically
Region. We derive your general region (US or EU) from your device locale settings to route requests to the appropriate server and comply with applicable data regulations.
1.4 Information We May Collect in the Future
We may update the App to collect additional information such as device identifiers, usage analytics, or other data to improve your experience, support new features, or display relevant content. We will update this Privacy Policy before any such changes take effect.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
Provide and maintain the App and its features
Verify your identity and deliver your passport via email
Route your data to the appropriate regional server
Communicate with you regarding the App
Improve, personalize, and expand the App
Develop new features, products, and services
Comply with legal obligations
3. Data Storage and Security
Local Data. Photos, journal entries, notes, and visit records are stored locally on your device. We do not have access to this data.
Server Data. Email addresses and associated visit history submitted through the Passport feature are stored on our servers. We maintain separate database instances in the United States and the European Union. Your data is routed to the appropriate region based on your device locale.
Security. We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your data. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information.
We may share your data in the following circumstances:
Service Providers. We may share data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App, processing data, or delivering services on our behalf.
Legal Requirements. We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
Business Transfers. In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Advertising and Analytics. We may in the future partner with third-party services for analytics, advertising, or similar purposes. If we do, this policy will be updated accordingly.
5. Data Retention
Server Data. We retain email addresses and associated data for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.
Local Data. Data stored on your device persists until you delete it or uninstall the App.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:
Access the personal data we hold about you
Correct inaccurate personal data
Delete your personal data from our servers
Object to or restrict the processing of your data
Data Portability — receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA): We process your data based on your consent (provided when you use the Passport feature) and our legitimate interests in operating and improving the App. You may withdraw consent at any time. Our EU data is stored within the European Union.
For California residents: Under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), you have the right to know what personal information we collect, request its deletion, and opt out of its sale. We do not sell personal information.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the address listed below.
7. Children's Privacy
National Parks Journal is suitable for users of all ages. The core features of the App — tracking park visits, adding photos, and writing journal entries — store data exclusively on your device and do not collect personal information.
The Passport feature, which requires an email address, is intended for users aged 13 and older. If you are under 13, please have a parent or guardian use this feature on your behalf. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at the address listed below.
8. Third-Party Links and Services
The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data:
contact@nationalparksjournal.org