Privacy Policy for PlugLocate

Last Updated: December 3, 2025

Introduction

PlugLocate ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Location Data

• GPS Location: We access your device's location to show nearby EV charging stations and provide location-based search results.
• Usage: Location data is used in real-time and is not stored on our servers.
• Control: You can disable location access at any time through your device settings, though this will limit the app's functionality.

User-Generated Content

• Photos: Users may voluntarily upload photos of EV charging stations to help other users identify locations.
• Approval Process: All uploaded photos are reviewed and approved by our team before being displayed in the app.
• Metadata: When you upload photos, we may collect associated metadata such as the charging station location and timestamp.

Device Information

• Technical Data: We may collect device type, operating system version, and app version for troubleshooting and improving app performance.
• Crash Reports: Anonymous crash and error logs may be collected to improve app stability.

Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do NOT collect personal information such as name, email, phone number, or payment information.
• We do NOT track your browsing history or app usage patterns.
• We do NOT use advertising identifiers or third-party tracking.
• We do NOT sell, rent, or share your data with third parties.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information solely for the following purposes:

1. Location Services: To display nearby charging stations and provide accurate distance calculations.
2. Photo Moderation: To review and approve user-submitted photos of charging stations before publication.
3. App Improvement: To diagnose technical issues and improve app performance.
4. Service Delivery: To provide core functionality of finding and displaying EV charging stations.

Data Storage and Security

• Local Storage: Most data is processed locally on your device and not transmitted to our servers.
• Photos: User-uploaded photos are stored securely on our servers for moderation and display purposes.
• Security Measures: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data.
• Data Retention: Photos are retained indefinitely to maintain the community-contributed database. Device and technical data is retained only as long as necessary.

Third-Party Data Sources

PlugLocate uses the following third-party services:

• Open Charge Map: We retrieve charging station data from Open Charge Map's public API (licensed under CC BY 4.0).
• OpenStreetMap: Map tiles and geocoding services are provided by OpenStreetMap contributors.
• Supabase: Backend infrastructure for photo storage and moderation.

These services have their own privacy policies and data practices. We do not control their data collection.

Children's Privacy

PlugLocate does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13. The app is designed for drivers and EV owners who are at least 16 years old.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access Location Settings: Enable or disable location permissions through your device settings.
• Delete Photos: Request deletion of photos you've uploaded by contacting us.
• Opt-Out: Uninstall the app at any time to stop all data collection.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Data Processing and Compliance

• No User Accounts: PlugLocate does not require user registration or accounts.
• Minimal Data Collection: We practice data minimization and only collect what is necessary for app functionality.
• Transparency: This policy outlines all data collection and usage practices.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

App Store Compliance

This app complies with Apple App Store privacy requirements:

• Location data usage is disclosed to users before collection
• User-uploaded photos are moderated before public display
• No personal data is sold or shared with third parties
• No third-party advertising or tracking
• All data collection serves legitimate app functionality

Open Source Acknowledgments

PlugLocate uses open-source mapping data and services. We are grateful to the OpenStreetMap and Open Charge Map communities for their contributions.

By using PlugLocate, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.