Legal
Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 14, 2026
Plain-language summary: This explains what information Pipit collects, why, and what choices you have. In short: we collect the email you give us and, in the app, your account info and the birding data you create (sightings, photos, locations, etc.). We use it to run Pipit and never sell your personal data. This is a starting-point document — before launch, we recommend validating it with a privacy-policy generator or legal professional, especially for GDPR/CCPA compliance and app-store approval.
This Privacy Policy describes how Pipit ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares your information when you use our website (pipitbirding.com) and our mobile application (together, the "Service"). By using Pipit, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information We Collect
Information you give us:
- Email address — when you join our waitlist or newsletter through the website.
- Account information — such as your username, email, and password when you create an account in the app.
- Birding content — sightings you log, including species, notes, photos, audio recordings, dates, and locations you choose to record.
- Profile and social data — profile details, friends or follows, comments, and interactions within the community feed and competitions.
- Messages — information you send us via our contact form or by email.
Information collected automatically:
- Location data — if you enable it, we collect location information to tag sightings and power location-based features and games. You control this through your device and app settings.
- Device and usage data — basic technical information such as device type, app version, and how you interact with the Service, used to keep it working and improve it.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide, operate, and improve the Service;
- Create and manage your account and life list;
- Display your sightings, profile, and competition activity according to your privacy settings;
- Send you emails you've signed up for, including launch updates and, if applicable, a welcome message;
- Respond to your messages and support requests;
- Keep the Service secure and prevent misuse.
3. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We share it only in these limited ways:
- With other users — content you choose to make public (like sightings in the community feed or leaderboard standings) is visible according to the privacy settings you select.
- With service providers — we use trusted third parties to operate Pipit, such as our email provider (Kit) for newsletters, our hosting provider (Netlify), and our contact-form processor. These providers only access what they need to perform their services.
- For legal reasons — if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, or property of Pipit, our users, or others.
- In a business transfer — if Pipit is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
4. Your Choices and Rights
- Email: You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time using the link in any email we send.
- Location: You can turn off location sharing through your device or app settings.
- Your content: You can edit or delete sightings and profile information within the app.
- Access and deletion: Depending on where you live (for example, under GDPR or CCPA), you may have the right to access, correct, or delete your personal data, or to request that we stop processing it. Contact us to make a request.
5. Data Retention
We keep your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account or ask us to remove your data, we will delete it within a reasonable period, except where we're required to retain it for legal reasons.
6. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. Please use a strong password and keep your login details private.
7. Children's Privacy
Pipit is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will delete it.
8. International Users
Pipit is operated from the United States. If you access the Service from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We'll revise the "last updated" date above and, for material changes, provide additional notice where appropriate. Your continued use of the Service means you accept the updated policy.
10. Contact
Questions or requests about your privacy? Reach us at support@pipitbirding.com or through our contact page.