Privacy Policy for Root Locale

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes the policies and procedures of Root Locale (“we,” “us,” or “our”) regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of your information when you use our mobile application (the “App”), which is an exploration app featuring maps, weather APIs, and user submissions. The App is designed for users to discover locations, view weather, and submit user-generated content (UGC) such as photos, reviews, or location notes. We are committed to minimal data collection in compliance with the Google Play User Data policy, collecting only information necessary to provide and improve the App’s services. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

This policy incorporates compliance with applicable laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Economic Area, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) for California residents, and other relevant privacy regulations. We also ensure compliance with third-party SDKs and APIs used in the App, such as mapping and weather services.

Interpretation and Definitions

The words of which the initial letter is capitalized have meanings defined under the following conditions. The following definitions shall have the same meaning regardless of whether they appear in singular or plural.

For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:

“Account” means a unique account created for you to access the App or parts of the App.
“Business”, for the purpose of the CCPA, refers to the Company as the legal entity that collects consumers’ personal information and determines the purposes and means of the processing of consumers’ personal information.
“Company” (referred to as either “the Company,” “We,” “Us,” or “Our” in this Agreement) refers to Root Locale, Halcyon Consulting LLC, 1001 S Main Kalispell, MT. For the purpose of the GDPR, the Company is the Data Controller.
“Country” refers to the United States.
“Consumer”, for the purpose of the CCPA, means a natural person who is a California resident.
“Cookies” are small files that are placed on your device by the App, containing details of your browsing history or usage.
“Data Controller”, for the purposes of the GDPR, refers to the Company as the legal person which determines the purposes and means of the processing of Personal Data.
“Device” means any device that can access the App, such as a cellphone or digital tablet.
“Do Not Track” (DNT) is a concept promoted by U.S. regulatory authorities for allowing users to control the tracking of their online activities.
“Personal Data” is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual. For GDPR, this includes name, identification number, location data, or online identifiers. For CCPA, this means information that identifies, relates to, describes, or could be linked to you.
“Sale”, for the purpose of the CCPA, means selling, renting, or otherwise communicating a consumer’s personal information to another business for valuable consideration.
“Service” refers to the Root Locale App.
“Service Provider” means any natural or legal person who processes data on behalf of the Company, such as third-party companies for facilitating the App. For GDPR, Service Providers are Data Processors.
“Usage Data” refers to data collected automatically, such as the duration of App sessions.
“You” means the individual accessing or using the App. Under GDPR, you are the Data Subject or User.

Data Collection

We collect minimal personal data necessary to provide the App’s exploration features, including maps, weather information via APIs, and user submissions. Collection complies with Google Play User Data policy, ensuring transparency and limiting data to what is essential for functionality, security, and improvements. We do not collect sensitive data unless explicitly required for core features.

Types of Data Collected

Personal Data
While using the App, we may ask you to provide personally identifiable information, but only if necessary. This may include:

Email address (for account creation or notifications).
First name and last name (for user profiles in UGC submissions).
Location data (approximate geolocation for map features and weather queries; precise location only with your consent for exploration submissions).
User-Generated Content (UGC): Photos, text reviews, or location notes you submit, which may include metadata like timestamps or device info. UGC is moderated and stored to enhance community exploration features.

We do not collect financial, medical, or biometric data.

Usage Data
Usage Data is collected automatically:

Device’s Internet Protocol address (IP address).
Browser type, device type, mobile OS, unique device identifiers.
Pages or features visited in the App, time and date of visits, time spent.
Location data for map interactions and weather calls (e.g., approximate coordinates to fetch relevant data).

When accessing via mobile device, we collect device ID, IP address, OS, and diagnostic data. For SDK compliance, we use tracking technologies only as needed for analytics and do not share with non-essential third parties.

Tracking Technologies and Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies (e.g., beacons, tags) to track activity, store preferences, and improve the App. These include:

Necessary Cookies: Session cookies for authentication and fraud prevention.
Functionality Cookies: Persistent cookies to remember login or language preferences.
Tracking Cookies: For analyzing usage trends, administered by third parties like Google Analytics (if used), but anonymized where possible.

You can manage cookies via device settings. For more on cookies, see our Cookies Policy section below.

Use of Collected Data

We use Personal Data and Usage Data only for purposes directly related to the App’s exploration features:

To provide and maintain the App, including displaying maps, fetching weather data via APIs, and hosting UGC.
To manage your Account and process UGC submissions (e.g., associating reviews with locations).
For performance of contracts: Enabling features like location-based explorations.
To contact you about updates, security, or App-related communications (e.g., UGC moderation notifications).
To analyze usage for improvements, such as optimizing map rendering or weather accuracy, without selling data.
For business transfers or legal compliance, as needed.

We adhere to minimal collection principles, retaining data only as long as necessary (e.g., UGC indefinitely for community value, unless deleted per user request; Usage Data for 12-24 months for analytics).

Sharing of Personal Data

We do not sell your Personal Data. Sharing occurs only in limited cases:

With Service Providers: To third parties for App functionality, such as mapping SDKs (e.g., Google Maps API) for location services, weather for data retrieval, and analytics tools. These providers are bound by contracts ensuring data security and minimal use.
With Affiliates: Shared with our affiliates under this Policy.
Business Partners: For joint promotions related to exploration features, with your consent.
Other Users: UGC (e.g., reviews) may be visible publicly in the App’s community sections.
Legal Requirements: Disclosed if required by law, to protect rights, or prevent wrongdoing.
Business Transactions: In mergers or acquisitions, with notice.

For international transfers, data may be processed in the US, where protections may differ. We use adequate safeguards like Standard Contractual Clauses for GDPR compliance.

Security of Personal Data

The security of your Personal Data is a priority. We implement commercially reasonable measures, including encryption, firewalls, and access controls, to protect against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. For UGC and location data, we use secure storage and moderation to prevent abuse. However, no method is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security. In case of a breach, we will notify affected users as required by law.

User Rights

You have rights regarding your data. To exercise them, contact us (see Contact section). We respond within legally required timelines (e.g., 45 days under CCPA).

Access and Correction: Request access, updates, or corrections to your Personal Data.
Deletion (Right to be Forgotten): Request deletion of your data, including UGC, subject to exceptions (e.g., legal obligations). Under CCPA, we honor verifiable requests unless needed for service completion.
Opt-Out: Revoke consent for processing; this may limit App features. Opt out of data sharing for targeted advertising or sales. For DNT, the App does not respond to browser signals but honors device-level opt-outs. Under GDPR, object to processing based on legitimate interests.
Portability: Receive your data in a structured format.
Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent at any time via settings or email.

For California residents under CCPA/CPRA: We do not sell data, but you can opt out of sharing. Categories collected (last 12 months): Identifiers (e.g., email), California Customer Records (e.g., name), Commercial Information (e.g., UGC interactions), Internet Activity (e.g., Usage Data), Geolocation Data (for maps/weather). Sources: Directly from you, automatically, or Service Providers. Disclosures: To Service Providers for business purposes only.

Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect Personal Data from children. If we learn we have collected such data without verifiable parental consent (per COPPA), we will delete it. Parents/guardians: Contact us if your child has provided data. We comply with COPPA by requiring parental consent for any child-directed features, though none are present.

Third-Party Compliance and SDKs

The App integrates third-party services and SDKs for core functionality:

Mapping SDKs: E.g., Google Maps SDK for location and exploration features; see their privacy policy for details.
Weather APIs: E.g., third-party weather services for real-time data; data is fetched on-demand with minimal storage.
Analytics SDKs: E.g., for usage monitoring, anonymized and compliant with Google Play policies.

These third parties may collect data per their policies, which differ from ours. We require them to adhere to privacy standards like GDPR and CCPA. Review their policies for full details. Links to third-party sites (e.g., weather providers) are not operated by us; we assume no responsibility for their practices.

DMCA and Copyright Complaints

The App respects intellectual property rights. UGC submissions must not infringe copyrights. If you believe content violates the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), submit a notice to our designated agent at [email protected]. Include: (1) identification of the copyrighted work, (2) identification of the infringing material, (3) your contact information, (4) a statement of good faith belief of infringement, (5) a statement under penalty of perjury, and (6) your signature. We will respond promptly, potentially removing content and notifying the user. Repeat infringers’ accounts may be terminated. For counter-notices, follow DMCA procedures.

Contact for Removals and Issues

For data removal requests, opt-outs, complaints, or issues (e.g., UGC takedowns, privacy concerns):

Email: [email protected]
In-App: Use the “Support” menu.

We will verify requests and respond as required by law. For GDPR complaints, contact your local Data Protection Authority. For CCPA, only you or an authorized representative may submit verifiable requests.

Liability Limitations

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for damages arising from use of the App, including data loss or privacy incidents, except where caused by our gross negligence. We are not liable for third-party actions or data transfers. This Policy does not create any third-party beneficiary rights.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy. Changes will be posted in the App with the new “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be notified via email or in-App notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Cookies Policy

As detailed above, we use essential, functionality, and tracking cookies. You can opt out via device settings or by contacting us. For more, see third-party SDK policies.

This Privacy Policy was customized based on standard templates and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a lawyer for specific needs.

Terms of Service for Root Locale

Last Updated: October 20, 2025

Welcome to Root Locale (“we,” “us,” or “our”), a mobile application and website at rootlocale.com (collectively, the “Service”) designed to facilitate exploration of historical and natural points of interest through interactive maps, weather data, and user-generated content. These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“you,” “User,” or “your”) and Root Locale, governing your access to and use of the Service. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, you must not use the Service. These Terms ensure compliance with applicable laws, including the Google Play Developer Program policies, and address intellectual property, user conduct, and data rights.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By using the Service, you agree to these Terms, which form a legal contract between you and Root Locale and the developer/owner Halcyon Consulting LLC, a limited liability company located at 1001 S Main, Kalispell, MT 59901. We may update these Terms periodically, with the updated version posted at rootlocale.com/terms and a revised “Last Updated” date. Significant changes will be communicated via the Service or email (if provided). Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. If you disagree with any changes, you must discontinue use.

2. Eligibility

To use the Service, you must be at least 13 years old (or 16 in jurisdictions requiring a higher age, per GDPR or similar laws). By using the Service, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement and have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms. If you are using the Service on behalf of an organization or entity, you represent that you have the authority to bind that organization to these Terms. Use by children under 13 is prohibited, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

3. License to Use the Service

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Service for personal, non-commercial purposes, subject to compliance with these Terms. This license permits you to:

Use the App to explore locations, view maps, access weather data, and submit user-generated content (e.g., location descriptions, images).
Access features like custom expeditions and QR scanning, as available.

You may not:

Modify, reverse-engineer, decompile, or create derivative works of the Service or its components (e.g., code, maps, or images like “rootLocale.png”).
Use the Service for illegal, harmful, or unauthorized purposes, including violating intellectual property or privacy rights.
Distribute, sell, sublicense, or otherwise transfer the Service or its content to third parties.
Circumvent any technical measures (e.g., access controls, encryption) used to protect the Service.

4. User Accounts and Responsibilities

Account Creation: You may create an account using an email address and password. Account data (e.g., email, display name, default locations, custom expeditions) may be stored locally on your device and synced with our servers for functionality.
Your Responsibilities: You are responsible for:
- Maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials and device.
- Providing accurate, lawful, and non-infringing information when creating an account or submitting content.
- Notifying us immediately at [email protected] of any unauthorized account use or security breaches.
Account Restrictions: You may not share your account with others or use it for purposes inconsistent with these Terms.

5. User-Generated Content

Submission: You may submit content, such as location names, descriptions, images, or custom expeditions, through the Service (e.g., via rootlocale.com/submit-new-location or in-app forms).
License Grant: By submitting content, you grant Root Locale a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and sublicensable license to use, reproduce, modify, display, distribute, and store such content within the Service for purposes like displaying locations, enhancing community features, or promoting the Service. You retain ownership of your content but waive any right to compensation for its use.
Content Guidelines: Your submissions must not:
- Infringe intellectual property, privacy, publicity, or other rights of third parties.
- Contain obscene, defamatory, discriminatory, or unlawful material.
- Include spam, viruses, or malicious code.
- Misrepresent your identity or affiliation.
Moderation: We reserve the right to review, edit, or remove user-generated content at our sole discretion, without prior notice, if it violates these Terms or applicable laws. We may also suspend or terminate accounts of users who repeatedly submit non-compliant content.
Content Removal Requests: To request removal of your submitted content, email [email protected] with details of the content and your identity. We will process verified requests within 14 days, subject to legal obligations.

6. Intellectual Property

Our Content: All content provided by Root Locale, including but not limited to text, maps, images (e.g., rootLocale badge icons), code, and design elements, is owned by Root Locale or our licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. You may not use our content except as permitted by these Terms.
Third-Party Content: The Service integrates third-party content, such as map data and weather data. Such content is subject to the respective providers’ licenses, with attributions displayed in-app.
Copyright Complaints (DMCA): If you believe content in the Service infringes your copyright, submit a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notice to our designated agent at [email protected], including:
- Identification of the copyrighted work claimed to be infringed.
- Identification of the infringing material (e.g., URL, app screen).
- Your contact information (name, address, email).
- A statement of good faith belief that the use is unauthorized.
- A statement under penalty of perjury that you are the copyright owner or authorized representative.
- Your signature (physical or electronic). We will review and remove infringing content within 14 days, notifying the submitter. Counter-notices may be submitted per DMCA procedures. Repeat infringers may have their accounts terminated.

7. Data Deletion and User Rights

Data Deletion: You may delete custom expeditions or submitted locations via in-app controls. To request deletion of other data (e.g., account information, analytics data), email [email protected]. We will process verified requests within 14 days, subject to legal obligations (e.g., retaining data for audits under GDPR or CCPA).
Other Rights: Per our Privacy Policy, you may request access, correction, or portability of your data, or opt out of data processing, by contacting [email protected]. California residents (per CCPA) and EEA users (per GDPR) have additional rights, such as opting out of data sharing or requesting deletion.

8. Service Features and Limitations

Location Data: The Service uses GPS and network location data with your explicit consent to provide features like map centering, expedition guidance, and weather updates. Accuracy depends on your device and network conditions.

9. Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

Use the Service to harass, harm, defame, or deceive others.
Attempt to access, interfere with, or disrupt our servers, systems, or other users’ data.
Scrape, harvest, or collect data from the Service without express written permission.
Misrepresent your identity, affiliation, or authority.
Use the Service for commercial purposes beyond the licensed scope (e.g., reselling map data).
Violate any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party terms.
Introduce malicious code, viruses, or other harmful elements.

10. Termination

By You: You may terminate your use of the Service at any time by uninstalling the App or ceasing to access rootlocale.com. Locally stored data (e.g., custom expeditions) remains on your device unless deleted.
By Us: We may suspend or terminate your access to the Service, with or without notice, for:
- Violation of these Terms or applicable laws.
- Suspected fraudulent or abusive activity.
- Protection of our rights, users, or systems.
Effect of Termination: Upon termination, your license to use the Service ends. Account data may be deleted per our Privacy Policy, subject to legal retention requirements. We are not liable for any loss resulting from termination.

11. Disclaimers

As-Is Basis: The Service is provided “as is” and “as available,” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy of content, or non-infringement.
Third-Party Content: We do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or availability of third-party content (e.g., weather data, user submissions, map data). Use of such content is at your own risk.
Risk of Use: Reliance on the Service, including maps, directions, or user-generated content, is at your sole risk. We are not liable for errors, delays, or damages resulting from use.

12. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Root Locale, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and licensors will not be liable for:

Indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages (e.g., loss of profits, data, or goodwill).
Damages arising from your use of or inability to use the Service, including interruptions or data loss.
Any amount exceeding the greater of $100 USD or the amount you paid us (if any) in the 12 months prior to the claim.

This limitation applies regardless of the legal theory (e.g., contract, tort, or statute) and even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Root Locale, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, and licensors from any claims, losses, damages, liabilities, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from:

Your use of the Service or violation of these Terms.
Your user-generated content, including claims of infringement or harm.
Your violation of any applicable laws or third-party rights.

We reserve the right to assume the defense of any claim for which we are entitled to indemnification, and you agree to cooperate with our defense.

14. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Montana, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.
Dispute Resolution: Any disputes arising from these Terms or the Service will be resolved through binding arbitration in Missoula, Montana, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), conducted by a single arbitrator. Exceptions:
- Small claims may be filed in a local court in Missoula, Montana.
- Injunctive relief (e.g., to stop unauthorized use) may be sought in any court of competent jurisdiction. You waive any right to participate in a class action, class arbitration, or representative action. Arbitration costs will be borne as determined by the arbitrator, subject to applicable law (e.g., GDPR or CCPA rights to reasonable dispute mechanisms).
Time Limit: Any claim must be brought within one (1) year of the event giving rise to the claim, or it is waived.

15. Compliance with Google Play Policies

We ensure compliance with Google Play Developer Program policies, including:

Third-Party SDKs: The Service uses minimal, open-source SDKs and APIs, verified for compliance with their licenses and Google’s User Data policy. Attributions are displayed in-app.
Data Collection: We collect only necessary data (e.g., location for maps, user submissions for community features), with disclosures in our Google Play Data Safety form.
Content Moderation: User-generated content is monitored to prevent infringement or harmful material, with removal processes outlined in Section 5.

16. Changes to the Service

We may modify, suspend, or discontinue the Service or any features at our discretion, with or without notice. We are not liable for any loss, inconvenience, or damages resulting from such changes. Updates may be rolled out during the beta phase to improve functionality or comply with third-party requirements.

17. Contact Us

For questions, complaints, content removal requests, or other concerns regarding these Terms or the Service, contact:

Email: [email protected]
Website: rootlocale.com/contact

We aim to respond to inquiries within 14 days. For GDPR-related complaints, you may contact your local Data Protection Authority.

18. Miscellaneous

Entire Agreement: These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Root Locale regarding the Service, superseding any prior agreements.
Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in full force and effect.
No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.
Assignment: You may not assign these Terms or your rights hereunder without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms in connection with a business transaction (e.g., merger, acquisition).
Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays or failures due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, server outages).
No Third-Party Beneficiaries: These Terms do not confer rights on any third party, except as expressly stated.

Thank you for choosing Root Locale to explore the world responsibly. We look forward to supporting your adventures!