1. Information We Collect
We collect the following information:
- Account information: Email address, name, and password (hashed, never stored in plain text)
- Payment information: Processed and stored by Stripe. We do not store credit card numbers.
- Usage data: Pages visited, layers toggled, and general interaction patterns for service improvement
- Location data: Map click coordinates and GPS location (only when you explicitly use the radar GPS feature)
- Device information: IP address, browser type, and screen resolution for analytics and security
- Communication preferences: Phone number and email alert settings (PRO subscribers only, opt-in)
2. How We Use Your Information
- Provide and improve the weather visualization Service
- Process subscription payments and manage your account
- Send weather alerts via SMS or email (PRO subscribers, opt-in only)
- Send important account notifications (password resets, subscription changes)
- Analyze usage patterns to improve performance and features
- Prevent fraud and enforce Terms of Service
3. SMS & Email Weather Alerts (PRO Feature)
VectorWX PRO subscribers may opt in to receive weather alert notifications via SMS text messages and/or email. By opting in, you agree to the following:
- Opt-In: Weather alert SMS and email notifications are strictly opt-in. You will never receive SMS or marketing emails without your explicit consent.
- Message types: Severe weather alerts (tornado, severe thunderstorm, flash flood warnings), lightning proximity alerts, and custom threshold alerts you configure.
- Frequency: Message frequency varies based on weather activity in your alert area. During active severe weather, you may receive multiple messages in a short period.
- Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS alerts at any time by replying STOP to any message, or by updating your alert preferences in your account settings. You may opt out of email alerts by clicking the unsubscribe link in any alert email or updating your account settings.
- SMS rates: Standard message and data rates may apply. VectorWX does not charge for SMS delivery, but your carrier may.
- Phone number: Your phone number is stored securely and used exclusively for delivering weather alerts you have subscribed to. It is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes.
4. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We share your information only in these limited circumstances:
- Stripe: Payment processing (email, name for billing)
- SMS provider: Phone number for alert delivery (PRO opt-in only)
- SMTP2GO: Email delivery for account notifications and alert emails
- Vercel Analytics: Anonymous usage metrics
- Google Analytics: Anonymous site traffic analysis
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing or advertising purposes.
5. Data Storage & Security
Account data is stored in a secure PostgreSQL database hosted by Neon (US-East region). Passwords are hashed using PBKDF2 with 100,000 iterations. Sessions use cryptographically random tokens with 7-day expiry. All connections use TLS encryption. Payment data is handled entirely by Stripe and never touches our servers.
6. Cookies & Local Storage
VectorWX uses a session cookie (vectorwx_session) for authentication. We also use local storage to save your layer preferences, map position, and UI settings. No third-party tracking cookies are used beyond Google Analytics and Vercel Analytics.
7. Data Retention
- Account data: Retained while your account is active. Deleted upon request.
- Session data: Automatically expired and cleaned after 7 days
- Analytics data: Aggregated and retained for up to 12 months
- Social posts: Retained while visible; may be removed per moderation policy
- Weather alert history: Retained for 30 days, then automatically deleted
8. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access and download your personal data
- Correct inaccurate information
- Delete your account and associated data
- Opt out of SMS and email alerts at any time
- Withdraw consent for data processing
To exercise these rights, click the VectorWX icon in the bottom-left corner of the application to contact support.
9. Children's Privacy
VectorWX is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance.
11. Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data? Click the VectorWX icon in the bottom-left corner of the application to contact support.