TrapTracker Privacy Policy
Providing clear information about the data we collect, store, use, and/or share
TrapTracker Privacy Policy
Effective Date: September 11, 2026
Overview
TrapTracker collects and maintains information necessary to support biodiversity research and policy development. We gather only the minimum amount of personal information required to appropriately credit contributions and ensure an efficient user experience.
The use of personal information is strictly limited to the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, and TrapTracker does not sell personal information to third parties. We apply the same level of privacy protection for all users, regardless of their location or nationality.
Information We Collect
We collect personal and non-personal information when you interact with TrapTracker. This includes:
- Personal Information:
- This may include your name, email address, affiliation, and other details you provide when creating an account, submitting data, or engaging with our services. TrapTracker accesses your device’s location services while the app is in use to capture GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, and elevation).
- Android allows you to choose between precise and approximate location when granting permission and TrapTracker will use whichever level of accuracy you select. Location data is recorded and stored only during trap deployment or collection, and it is not logged continuously or transmitted in the background.
- You can change your location permission or disable location services for TrapTracker at any time through your device settings, though this will prevent automatic coordinate capture.
- Non-Personal Information:
- This may include technical data such as an app instance ID that can be linked to a known user account, local timestamps, unique IDs, sync logs, and error messages used to diagnose connectivity and confirm successful transmission.
- Records are stored on your device until data is successfully synced. This technical data is not used to identify or profile individual users and is not shared beyond what is necessary to support the sync and verification process.
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to:
- Provide and maintain our services, including data submission, storage, and access. Your submitted data is synced to CBG servers automatically when a network connection is available, or manually upon request. Syncing over a mobile network may use your data plan and incur charges from your carrier. You can manage network permissions for the app through your device settings.
- Communicate with you regarding updates, news, and research developments related to TrapTracker.
- Analyze and improve the functionality and performance of TrapTracker.
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of use.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
TrapTracker may share your information under the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties if you explicitly consent to such disclosure.
- For Reporting Purposes: TrapTracker is a publicly funded platform that facilitates biodiversity research and may share de-identified or aggregated data with funding agencies and institutions.
- Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to legal processes, such as subpoenas or court orders.
- Research Data and Publication: Location coordinates collected through TrapTracker are associated with both the user account that records the sample and the resulting sample and specimen records. These coordinates are collected to support research, specimen management, and curation activities. Location information is initially private and access is restricted to authorized users. Any release of location information is governed by the CBG Data Release Policy that defines embargo periods and conditions for public data release.
Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. When your data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you.
- Correct any inaccuracies in your personal data.
- Request the deletion of your personal data, subject to certain exceptions such as compliance with legal obligations.
- To exercise these rights or to inquire about our data practices.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated as the app evolves. We will notify users of material changes to this policy via the app or by email. Continued use after notification constitutes acceptance.
Cookies and Analytics
TrapTracker does not use browser cookies. The app may collect anonymized usage analytics (such as feature usage frequency and crash reports) to help improve the application. This data is not used to identify individual users. If any analytics tools are used, they will be disclosed here along with options to opt out where available.
Third-Party Links
TrapTracker and related web pages may contain links to external sites. These sites are not under our control, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites before providing personal information.
Contact Information
For any questions or concerns related to the field or malaise traps/bottles, please contact [email protected]
For any technical support related to the app and its functionality, please contact [email protected]