Effective Date: February 23, 2026
Introduction
Nathan Baker ("we", "us", or "our") operates the ParkAlert mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.
Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the App.
Information We Collect
1. Photos of Parking Signs
- What we collect: Images of parking signs that you capture using the App's camera feature
- How we use it: Photos are sent to our AI processing service (OpenAI GPT-4 Vision API) to extract parking rules and restrictions
- How long we keep it: Images are processed in real-time and are NOT stored on our servers after analysis is complete
- Why we need it: To provide the core functionality of interpreting parking signs
2. Location Data
- What we collect: Your device's GPS coordinates when you capture a parking sign
- How we use it:
- To remember where you parked
- To provide location-based reminders
- To enable location-targeted advertisements (for free tier users)
- How long we keep it: Location data is stored locally on your device and is automatically deleted when you close the results screen or cancel the timer
- Why we need it: To enhance the parking timer feature and provide contextual notifications
3. App Settings & Preferences
- What we collect:
- Vehicle type (car, motorcycle, truck)
- Disability permit status (yes/no)
- Notification preferences
- How we use it: To personalize parking rule interpretations and notifications
- How long we keep it: Stored locally on your device until you change or remove it
- Why we need it: To tailor the app experience to your needs
4. Usage & Diagnostic Data
- What we collect: Limited technical and diagnostic information such as app version, device type, crash logs, and basic performance data
- How we use it: To maintain app reliability, troubleshoot issues, and improve performance
- How long we keep it: Only for as long as reasonably necessary for operational support and issue resolution
How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide the core parking sign interpretation experience
- Enable parking timer reminders and contextual parking assistance
- Improve app reliability, performance, and usability
- Support free-tier advertising functionality where applicable
- Respond to support requests and app-related enquiries
How Your Information Is Stored
Privacy by design: ParkAlert is designed to minimize long-term data retention. Where possible, data is processed transiently or stored locally on your device rather than retained on our servers.
Third-Party Services
ParkAlert may rely on third-party service providers to operate parts of the experience. These may include:
- OpenAI: Used to process parking sign images and return parking rule interpretations
- Advertising providers: Used to display relevant ads for free-tier users
- Platform services: Apple and Google services related to app distribution, billing, notifications, or diagnostics
These providers handle data according to their own privacy policies and terms.
Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal information. We may share limited data only where needed to operate the app or comply with legal obligations, including:
- Image data sent for AI analysis
- Advertising-related context for supported free-tier experiences
- Diagnostic or operational information used by service providers for reliability and support
- Legal disclosures if required by law, regulation, or lawful request
Your Choices
- You can deny camera, location, or notification permissions, although some app features may be limited
- You can manage permissions through your device settings at any time
- You can stop using the app at any time if you do not agree with this policy
Children's Privacy
ParkAlert is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the app, please contact us so we can take appropriate steps.
Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. Use of the app is at your own risk, and you should take standard precautions to secure your device.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of ParkAlert after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the way ParkAlert handles data, please contact us via the support details provided on the ParkAlert support page.