Privacy Policy — AstroSlot

1. Overview

AstroSlot is a sky- and satellite-tracking app that helps you plan viewing windows for celestial events. This Privacy Policy explains what data AstroSlot collects, how it is used, and what choices you have.

2. Data We Collect and How We Use It

A. Location Data (Precise Location)

What:  Precise location (when you grant permission).  

Why:  To calculate accurate satellite flyovers (e.g., ISS/Starlink visibility) and to show local sky conditions (including WeatherKit-based conditions).  

How it’s handled:

- Location is used to provide app functionality.  

- We do not require you to create an account.

Note: Some features may not work correctly without location access.

B. Calendar Data

 What: Calendar write access (if you grant permission).  

 Why: To let you add celestial events to your Apple Calendar.  

 How it’s handled:

- AstroSlot adds events you choose to your calendar.  

- AstroSlot does **not** read your existing calendar events.

C. Notifications

What: Notification permission (if you grant permission).  

Why: To send reminders (for example, before an event or before a satellite pass).  

How it’s handled:

- AstroSlot uses notifications to deliver reminders you request.  

- Notifications are delivered through iOS.

D. Advertising Data (Google Mobile Ads / AdMob)

AstroSlot uses **Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)** to display ads.

Google may collect data automatically* to provide advertising services, which can include:

- Device identifiers (such as Advertising Identifier / IDFA, depending on your device settings and consent)

- Usage data (such as interactions with ads, app usage signals)

- Approximate location derived from IP address (as part of ad delivery and fraud prevention)

Purpose: Third-party advertising, ad measurement, and fraud prevention.  

Tracking: Depending on your iOS settings and choices, some advertising data may be used for **tracking** as defined by Apple.

To learn more, see:

- **Google Privacy Policy:** https://policies.google.com/privacy  

- **How Google uses data:** https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites  

 3. Data Sources and Network Requests

AstroSlot fetches space and weather-related data from third-party APIs (for example NASA, NOAA, SpaceX-related APIs, and similar public data sources). These requests are used to display event information within the app.

We do not operate our own backend server for user accounts or user profiles.

4. Do We Sell Your Personal Data?

We do not sell your personal information in the traditional sense. However, third-party advertising partners (such as Google) may process certain device and usage data to provide personalized or contextual advertising, subject to your device settings and their policies.

5. Data Retention

- Location:** Used while the app is running (and as needed for app functionality). We do not maintain a user account history for your location.  

- Calendar entries:** Events you add are stored in your iOS Calendar until you remove them.  

- Advertising data:** Retention is governed by Google/AdMob policies.

6. Your Choices and Controls

You can control permissions and advertising settings at any time:

iOS Permissions

- **Location:** Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → AstroSlot  

- **Calendars:** Settings → Privacy & Security → Calendars → AstroSlot  

- **Notifications:** Settings → Notifications → AstroSlot  

Advertising / Tracking (iOS)

- **Tracking permission:** Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking  

- **Apple advertising identifier behavior** is also affected by your device settings and consent prompts.

7. Children’s Privacy

AstroSlot is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, contact us at **[Support Email]** and we will address the request.

8. Security

We use reasonable safeguards to protect information processed by the app. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. International Users

If you access the app from outside your country, your information may be processed in jurisdictions with different data protection laws. Third-party partners (such as Google) may process data on servers located in various countries.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will update the “Effective date” at the top when changes are made. Material changes will be posted on this page.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or requests related to privacy, contact:  

**Email:**mmelcher@gmail.com