Gatepost privacy policy
Gatepost doesn't ask for your name, email address or an account. Here's exactly what it does use, and why.
Who we are
Gatepost is made by Daisy Pixel, the trading name of Liz Wilson, a sole trader based in the UK. Liz Wilson is responsible for your information under UK data protection law. Contact us at gatepost@daisypixel.com.
The short version
- Reports you add to the map are public, but nothing in them says who you are.
- Your location stays on your iPhone. Other people never see where you are.
- Anonymous usage stats help us improve the app, and you can switch them off.
- Crash reports help us fix problems.
- We never sell information, and Gatepost has no adverts.
What we use and why
Reports you add
When you mark a field or add a fireworks display, we store where it is, what you chose (such as "sheep" or "dogs on leads", or a display's date, time and size) and when it was saved. Reports are shown to everyone who uses Gatepost. They're stored on servers run by Cloudflare.
A random install ID
The first time Gatepost runs, it creates a random code on your phone. It's sent with each change you make, and kept with the latest change to each report. We use it to stop anyone flooding the map with changes and, if needed, to block someone misusing the app. It isn't linked to your name, phone number or Apple account.
Your internet address
Like any online service, Gatepost's servers receive your internet (IP) address when the app connects. Cloudflare uses it to deliver the service and protect it from attack. To limit how many changes can be made from one address, we keep a scrambled version of it in a counter that's deleted within a day. Cloudflare also keeps short-lived technical logs of requests, which can include your address, for a few days.
The area you're looking at
To load reports, the app asks for the area of map on screen, in squares several kilometres across. These requests aren't stored with your install ID, but may appear in Cloudflare's short-lived logs.
Your location
If you allow it, Gatepost uses your location on your iPhone to open the map where you are and sort nearby reports. It isn't sent to us. You can use Gatepost without sharing your location, and change your choice at any time in your iPhone's Settings.
Usage stats
To understand which features are used, Gatepost uses Google Analytics for Firebase. It records which screens are opened and which buttons are tapped, without any details of what you chose or where. Google also records things like how long the app is open, the app and iOS versions, your device model, language and approximate location (such as your region), worked out from your internet address. These are tied to a random ID created by Firebase, not to you.
Usage stats are on by default in the UK, and off elsewhere unless you switch them on. To switch them off, tap the i button on the map and turn off Share app usage stats. Gatepost doesn't use your iPhone's advertising identifier, and we've turned off Google's advertising and data-sharing features.
Crash and problem reports
If Gatepost crashes, or hits a problem that means something isn't working properly (such as a report that couldn't be saved), it sends a report through Firebase Crashlytics. Reports include technical details of what went wrong, the app and iOS versions, your device model and a random ID created by Crashlytics. They never include your location or reports. Crash reports aren't affected by the usage stats switch, because we need them to keep the app working.
Emails you send us
If you email us, we'll have your email address, your name if you include it, and what you write. We use these only to reply and to fix any problem you report. Our email is provided by Apple's iCloud Mail.
Tips
Tips are handled entirely by Apple. We never see your payment details. Apple only tells us totals, such as how many tips were made.
Our lawful basis
We rely on our legitimate interests to run and protect the map, prevent misuse, fix crashes and understand how Gatepost is used so we can improve it. We've kept the information we use to a minimum so it doesn't override your rights. UK law allows usage stats like these when there's a clear way to opt out, which the switch in the app provides. For emails, we rely on our legitimate interest in answering you.
Who we share it with
Reports are public, but contain nothing about who added them. Otherwise, we only use these companies to run Gatepost, and they act on our instructions:
- Cloudflare, which hosts Gatepost's servers and database
- Google, which provides Firebase usage stats and crash reports
- Apple, which provides the App Store, tips and our email
These companies may handle information outside the UK, including in the United States. When they do, it's protected by safeguards recognised under UK law. We'd only share information with anyone else if the law required it.
How long we keep it
| Information | How long |
|---|---|
| Field reports and their install ID | Until someone updates or clears the report |
| Fireworks displays and their install ID | Deleted within a day after the display |
| Scrambled internet address counters | Deleted within a day |
| Cloudflare's technical logs | A few days |
| Usage stats | Deleted 2 months after you last use the app. Summary reports, which can't identify anyone, may be kept longer |
| Crash and problem reports | 90 days |
| Emails | While we deal with your message, then deleted within 12 months |
| The install ID on your phone | Until you delete the app |
Your rights
You can ask to see the information we hold about you, to correct or delete it, or to object to how we use it. Email gatepost@daisypixel.com and we'll reply within a month.
Because Gatepost never knows who you are, we usually can't tell which information is yours unless you can tell us which reports you made. We'll always do our best to help. Deleting the app removes everything stored on your phone, including the install ID.
If you're unhappy with how we've handled your information, you can complain to the Information Commissioner's Office.
Children
Gatepost is for a general audience and doesn't have accounts or ask for personal details. We don't knowingly collect information about children beyond what's described here.
Changes to this policy
If we change how Gatepost uses information, we'll update this page and the date at the top. If a change is significant, we'll also tell you in the app.