Privacy Policy
Effective: 31 August 2026
Information we collect
Account information. When you create a GeoChronicle account we process your email address, account identifier, your chosen public GeoChronicle username and the preferences you choose for how history is presented. Your email address and real name are not used as your public explorer identity.
Location. When you ask GeoChronicle to use your location, we may process precise device location to show nearby history and to verify a genuine Passport visit. On supported builds, Background Discoveries can use location while GeoChronicle is not open, after you grant the required system permission, to notice meaningful movement into a new area and prepare verified nearby history. The feature uses low-power significant, passive or opportunistic location updates rather than continuous background GPS. It can be switched off in Account & Privacy or in your device location settings. A verified Passport stamp may store the visited place, visit time and location associated with your account. If you separately opt in to public visitor history, other signed-in explorers may see your chosen username, the place and the date of a verified visit; GeoChronicle does not expose your email, real name or precise GPS verification proof in that visitor list. Area-level location information may also be used to understand coverage and improve discovery.
Usage and interaction information. We record service events such as features opened, discovery interactions, session identifiers, place identifiers and related technical metadata. These records help us operate, secure and improve GeoChronicle.
User-provided content. If you use features that allow collections, research contributions, expert input, organisation information, event submissions, Community Today photos/comments or similar contributions, we process the information you choose to submit. Community Today content is shared publicly only after the consent shown at submission and moderation; external GeoChronicle social posts use your chosen username rather than your real name or email address.
Camera. “Enter the Past” can use your device camera to display historical overlays. In the current camera mode, the live camera stream is displayed on the device and is not recorded or uploaded by GeoChronicle.
Offline data. Trip packs and selected historical information may be stored locally on your device so relevant content remains available with weak or no connectivity.
App-store subscriptions. On iPhone, Apple processes subscription purchases through StoreKit. On Android, Google processes subscription purchases through Google Play Billing. GeoChronicle uses store-provided subscription entitlement information to unlock Explorer Premium. GeoChronicle does not receive your full card, Apple payment credentials or Google payment credentials.
How we use information
- Provide and personalise GeoChronicle’s historical discovery features.
- Show nearby history and verify Passport visits.
- Prepare trips, trails and offline history packs.
- Maintain account security, prevent abuse and troubleshoot problems.
- Measure feature performance and improve historical coverage and product quality.
- Meet legal obligations and respond to valid legal requests.
Sharing
We may use service providers that host or operate parts of GeoChronicle. They process information on our behalf for service delivery. When you choose public features, your chosen username and the content or visit information covered by that choice can be shown to other GeoChronicle users; Community Today content can also be published on GeoChronicle social channels after explicit submission consent and moderation. We may also disclose information where required by law, to protect users or the service, or as part of a lawful business transfer. We do not sell personal information or share it with data brokers for advertising.
Tracking and advertising
GeoChronicle does not currently use personal information for cross-app or cross-site advertising tracking. If this changes, we will update this policy and any Apple privacy disclosures before using the data in that way.
Retention and account deletion
We keep account information while your account is active and retain operational records only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described above. You can initiate deletion from Settings → Account & Privacy inside GeoChronicle. Deletion requests may take up to 30 days to complete. Some limited information may be retained where required for legal, security, fraud-prevention or accounting obligations.
Children and family use
GeoChronicle accounts are intended for people aged 16 or over. Family-friendly presentation settings may be selected by an adult or guardian for shared use. GeoChronicle is not designed for a child under 16 to create and manage an account independently.
Your choices
You can choose whether to grant location or camera permission in iOS or Android Settings. Where Background Discoveries are available, they can also be switched off inside Account & Privacy and the relevant system location permission can be revoked at any time. Public visitor history is optional and can be enabled or disabled from your Explorer identity settings. Community Today social sharing requires separate consent at submission. You can edit history preferences inside GeoChronicle and initiate account deletion from Account & Privacy.
Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect information. No internet-connected service can guarantee absolute security.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as GeoChronicle evolves. The effective date above will be changed when material updates are published.
Contact and privacy requests
For an account deletion or privacy request, use Settings → Account & Privacy in GeoChronicle. Technical support information is available on the GeoChronicle support page.