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Privacy Policy

Version 2026-07-27 · Read together with our Terms of Service

RCSpotter (“we”, “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, why we use it, and your choices. It applies to RCSpotter websites, apps, and APIs.

1. Who we are

RCSpotter is an online platform for the worldwide radio-controlled (RC) hobby community. Contact details for privacy requests are published on our contact page.

2. Data we collect

  • Account data: email, display name, password hash, profile fields, unit preferences, tier status, agreement acceptance records.
  • Activity data: check-ins, flight logs, hangar aircraft specifications, club memberships, steward actions, messages you send through platform tools.
  • Location data: when you enable check-in, geofencing, or map features — approximate or precise coordinates as permitted by your device and settings.
  • Club and listing data: information stewards submit about fields, events, news, and media.
  • Technical data: IP address, browser/device type, cookies, analytics events, security logs, and error diagnostics.
  • Payment-related data: processed by third-party providers; we do not store full payment card numbers on our servers.

3. Why we use data

  • Provide and secure the Services (authentication, check-in, logbook, club lounge, VOLMET display).
  • Operate club verification, steward tools, and support.
  • Improve features, fix bugs, and understand aggregate usage.
  • Compile aggregated and anonymized community statistics — for example popular model types, fleet composition trends, field activity patterns — to grow RCSpotter and serve the RC community.
  • Comply with law, enforce our Terms, and prevent abuse or fraud.
  • Send service emails (verification, password reset, important notices) and, where permitted, product updates you can opt out of.

4. Legal bases (EEA/UK)

Where GDPR applies, we rely on: performance of a contract (providing the Services), legitimate interests (security, analytics, product improvement, aggregated community insights), consent where required (e.g. non-essential cookies or marketing where applicable), and legal obligation.

5. Sharing

We may share data with:

  • Infrastructure and hosting providers, email delivery, maps, weather APIs, analytics, and payment processors — only as needed to operate the Services.
  • Other users, according to your settings (e.g. display name at a field, club lounge presence, public club pages).
  • Authorities when required by law or to protect rights and safety.

We do not sell personal profiles for unrelated third-party marketing.

6. Aggregated community data

Aircraft specifications, log statistics, and club activity may be combined into datasets that no longer identify individual pilots. We may use and retain such datasets to analyze trends, publish community insights, and improve RCSpotter. This is described further in our Terms (§62).

7. Retention

We keep personal data while your account is active and as needed for backups, legal obligations, dispute resolution, and security. You may request deletion subject to exceptions (e.g. records we must keep by law or anonymized aggregates).

8. Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or port your data, and to object to certain processing. Contact us via the contact page. You may also lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

9. Cookies and analytics

We use cookies and similar technologies for login sessions, preferences (theme, units, language), and analytics (e.g. Google Analytics). You can control cookies through your browser; some features may not work without essential cookies.

10. Children

The Services are not directed at children under 16 without appropriate parental involvement where required by law. If you believe a child provided personal data without consent, contact us.

11. International transfers

Data may be processed in the EU and other countries where our providers operate. We use appropriate safeguards where required for cross-border transfers.

12. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data. No online service is 100% secure; use a strong unique password and report suspected breaches promptly.

13. Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy. Material changes will be communicated by reasonable means. The version date at the top indicates the current revision.

14. Contact

Privacy questions: use Contact us and mention “Privacy” in your message.