Our Commitment to Privacy
ICEwhistle is designed with privacy as a core principle. We believe that access to know-your-rights information and community safety resources should not require sacrificing your privacy. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.
Privacy-First Design:
- • No account required - Use the app without signing up
- • No tracking or analytics - We don't track your behavior
- • No precise location - We only use ZIP code, never GPS
- • No advertising - We don't show ads or sell data
- • Works offline - Critical features work without internet
Information We Collect
Information You Provide (Optional)
- ZIP Code: If you choose to set your home area for location-based community updates. We never collect or store your precise GPS location.
- Language Preference: Your selected language (English, Spanish, or Portuguese) to display content in your preferred language.
- Notification Preferences: If you opt-in to push notifications, we store your push token and notification settings.
- Community Reports: If you choose to submit a community report, the report content and approximate location (rounded to protect privacy).
Information We Do NOT Collect
- • Your name, email, or phone number
- • Precise GPS location or location history
- • Device identifiers or advertising IDs
- • Browsing history or app usage patterns
- • Contacts, photos, or other personal files
- • Immigration status or any legal information
How We Use Information
- ZIP Code: To show community updates relevant to your general area and send location-based notifications if enabled.
- Language Preference: To display the app and send notifications in your preferred language.
- Push Token: To deliver notifications about community updates in your area (only if you opt-in).
- Community Reports: To share community safety information with other users in the relevant area, after moderation review.
Data Storage and Security
Most of your preferences are stored locally on your device and never leave it. If you opt-in to notifications, minimal data (ZIP code, language, push token) is stored on our secure servers.
- • Data is encrypted in transit using TLS/HTTPS
- • Server data is stored in secure, access-controlled databases
- • We do not store IP addresses with user data
- • Community reports are reviewed before publication
Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share data only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We use Mapbox for maps (they receive only the map area being viewed, not your stored location) and push notification services to deliver alerts.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, such as in response to a valid court order. We will attempt to notify affected users when legally permitted.
- Community Reports: Reports you submit may be shared publicly with other app users after moderation, but without any identifying information.
Your Rights and Choices
- Delete Your Data: Use the "Delete my device data" option in Settings to clear all local data and unregister your push notification token.
- Opt-Out of Notifications: Disable notifications at any time in the app settings or your device settings.
- Change Preferences: Update your ZIP code, language, or notification settings at any time.
- Use Without Data: You can use the app's know-your-rights information and resources without providing any personal information.
Children's Privacy
ICEwhistle is designed for general audiences and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app provides educational know-your-rights information that may be useful for families. If you believe a child has provided personal information, please contact us to have it removed.
California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Because we collect minimal data and do not sell personal information, most CCPA provisions are already satisfied by our privacy practices. California residents may request information about data collection and request deletion through the app's settings or by contacting us.
International Users
ICEwhistle is primarily designed for use in the United States. If you access the app from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the app, you consent to this transfer.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
ICEwhistle is a community project that provides general information for educational purposes. It is not affiliated with any government agency and does not provide legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, please consult a qualified immigration attorney.