Privacy Policy

LightCast Suite is a photography forecasting app. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your choices.

What we collect

We collect only what is necessary to provide the app's features:

• Location input: When you search for a location, the place name or coordinates you enter are sent to third-party weather and mapping services to return forecast data. We do not store your location on our servers.
• Email address (optional, web version only): If you sign up for forecast alerts on the LightCast website, we store your email address and alert preferences in a restricted Google Sheet with limited access. This data is used only to send you alerts. You can unsubscribe at any time by contacting us at [email protected].
• Push notification token (optional, app only): If you opt in to push notifications in the app, we collect a device token solely to send you forecast alerts. This token is not used for tracking or shared with third parties. You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings.
• Anonymous usage data: We use Google Analytics in aggregate mode to understand general app usage (such as which features are opened and session activity). We do not use this data to track users across apps or websites, and it does not identify you personally. We do not use any data for tracking across third-party apps or websites.

What we do not collect

• We do not create user accounts or collect passwords or payment information within the app. App purchases are processed entirely by Apple via In-App Purchase and are subject to Apple's privacy policy. We never see or store your payment details.
• We do not automatically access your device’s GPS. Location is provided by you through manual search or selection.
• We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for advertising purposes.

Third-party services

LightCast uses the following services, each governed by their own privacy policies:

• Open-Meteo — weather data. Receives latitude and longitude to return forecast information. Privacy policy.
• Geoapify — location autocomplete. Receives your typed location input solely to suggest matching place names and is not used for profiling or stored by us. Privacy policy.
• Google Analytics 4 — anonymous usage analytics. Privacy policy.
• Google Apps Script / Google Sheets — stores email alert subscriptions for the web version. Privacy policy.

Data retention

Alert email addresses and push notification tokens are retained until you unsubscribe or request deletion. Anonymous analytics data is retained per Google Analytics' standard settings. Location searches are not stored by us.

Children's privacy

LightCast is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal information through LightCast, contact us and we will delete it promptly.

Your choices

• To unsubscribe from email alerts (web-only feature), contact us at [email protected].
• To disable push notifications (iOS version), go to Settings on your device and turn off notifications for LightCast Suite.
• To opt out of Google Analytics, use the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The effective date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of LightCast after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Questions: [email protected]