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📡 Privacy Policy 📡
Effective Date: January 2025 | Last Updated: January 2025
Welcome to the ATLAS Data Center Intelligence Map ("Service", "we", "us", or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about data collection practices. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our interactive data center mapping service.
⚠️ IMPORTANT - HOW WE COLLECT DATA:
By using this Service, you consent to the following data collection practices:
AUTOMATIC COLLECTION (No Permission Required):
- IP addresses and browsing behavior
- Usage analytics (searches, clicks, interactions)
- Technical data (browser type, device info, timestamps)
CONDITIONAL COLLECTION (Only IF You Grant Browser Permission):
- Webcam Images: ONLY collected if you click "Allow" when your browser prompts for camera access
- GPS Location: ONLY collected if you click "Allow" when your browser prompts for location access
YOU CONTROL WEBCAM/LOCATION: When your browser asks for camera or location permission, simply click "Block" or "Deny" to prevent collection. You can still use the map without granting these permissions.
Data Retention: Any data collected (whether automatically or through granted permissions) is stored indefinitely and anonymized after 12 months. By using this Service, you consent to indefinite retention of collected data.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Location Data
- GPS Geolocation (Permission Required): IF you click the "My Location" button AND grant browser permission, we collect your device's GPS coordinates to show your position on the map and calculate distances to nearby data centers. You must explicitly allow location access in your browser for this data to be collected.
- IP Address (Automatic): Your IP address is automatically logged when you access the Service. This may be used for approximate location via geocoding services.
- Geocoding Services: When you search for addresses, third-party geocoding APIs may process your IP address to provide location results.
- Storage: GPS coordinates (if granted) are stored on our admin dashboard. IP addresses are logged indefinitely.
1.2 Camera/Webcam Access (ONLY IF YOU GRANT PERMISSION)
- ⚠️ PERMISSION REQUIRED: Webcam images are ONLY collected if you explicitly click "Allow" when your browser prompts for camera access. If you click "Block" or "Deny", NO webcam data is collected.
- When We Request Access: The Service may request webcam access for security monitoring, user verification, and analytics purposes.
- What Happens IF You Grant Permission: Images may be captured and stored on our admin dashboard for:
- Security analysis and abuse detection
- Usage analytics and demographic research
- Service improvement and feature development
- Retention Period (IF Collected): Webcam images and associated metadata are retained indefinitely for security, research, and analytics purposes. After 12 months, images are anonymized (personally identifiable information is removed) but may be retained for statistical analysis.
- Security Measures: Images are encrypted during transmission (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest. Access is restricted to authorized administrators only.
- How to Prevent Collection: Simply deny/block camera permission when your browser prompts you. You can also revoke previously granted permissions in your browser settings at any time.
- Can You Use the Service Without Granting Webcam Access? YES! The map works perfectly fine without webcam permissions. Denying camera access does not affect core functionality.
1.3 Analytics & Tracking
- Usage Analytics: We collect anonymous usage data including:
- Pages visited and features used
- Browser type, device type, and operating system
- Session duration and interaction patterns
- Search queries (addresses/facilities searched)
- Map interactions (zoom level, areas viewed, filters applied)
- Cookies & Local Storage: We use browser local storage to save your preferences (theme selection, view mode) for improved user experience.
- Purpose: Analytics help us understand usage patterns, improve functionality, and fix bugs.
1.4 Technical Data
- Automatically Collected:
- IP address (for geocoding and analytics)
- Browser fingerprint and user agent
- Referral source (where you came from)
- Timestamp of access
- Performance metrics (page load times, errors)
1.5 User-Submitted Content
- Search Queries: Addresses and facility names you search for may be logged for analytics.
- Exported Data: If you export data (CSV, JSON, GeoJSON, screenshots), these files are generated locally and are NOT sent to our servers.
- Shared Links: If you use the "Share" feature, we may generate a unique URL that stores your map state (zoom, filters, location).
2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
- Service Functionality: To provide core features (geocoding, location search, distance calculations, map rendering)
- Personalization: To remember your preferences (theme, view mode, language)
- Analytics: To understand user behavior, identify popular features, and improve the Service
- Security: To detect and prevent abuse, spam, and malicious activity
- Technical Support: To diagnose issues, fix bugs, and respond to user inquiries
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes
We DO NOT:
- Sell your data to third parties for profit
- Use your data for third-party advertising or marketing purposes
- Track you across other websites (no cross-site tracking)
- Share your personal information with data brokers
- Share webcam images with any third parties (stored securely on our servers only)
3. Third-Party Services
Our Service relies on the following third-party services that may collect data:
3.1 Geocoding & Mapping APIs
- OpenStreetMap Nominatim: Address geocoding and reverse geocoding
- Geocode.maps.co: Backup geocoding service
- Leaflet.js: Open-source mapping library (does not collect user data)
- Data Handling: When you search for addresses, your query is sent to these services. Review their privacy policies:
3.2 Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
- Cloudflare: We use Cloudflare R2 for data storage and Workers for API hosting. Cloudflare may process IP addresses for performance and security. Review their privacy policy: https://www.cloudflare.com/privacypolicy/
- Map Tiles: We use tile services from CartoDB, ESRI, and OpenStreetMap. Loading map tiles may send your IP address to these providers.
3.3 Analytics Providers
- Custom Analytics: We use a custom analytics tracker (
tracker.js) that logs usage data.
- Data Retention: Analytics data is stored for up to 24 months for trend analysis.
4. Data Storage & Security
4.1 Where We Store Data
- Client-Side Processing: Map interactions and basic functionality are processed in your browser (client-side).
- Admin Dashboard Storage: The following data is stored on our secure admin dashboard:
- Webcam images (when permission granted)
- Analytics logs and usage metrics
- IP addresses and session data
- Search queries and user interactions
- Server Locations: Data is stored on servers located in the United States and distributed via Cloudflare's global CDN network.
- Encryption: All stored data is encrypted at rest (AES-256) and in transit (TLS 1.3).
4.2 Security Measures
- HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data transmission
- Regular security audits and vulnerability scanning
- Access controls and authentication for backend systems
- Automated backups and disaster recovery procedures
4.3 Data Retention
- Webcam Images: Retained indefinitely on admin dashboard for security and research purposes. After 12 months, images are anonymized (personally identifiable metadata removed) for statistical analysis.
- Analytics Data: Retained indefinitely for trend analysis and service improvement. May be anonymized after 24 months.
- Session Data: Cleared when you close your browser (unless you use "Remember Me" features)
- IP Addresses & Search Logs: Retained indefinitely for security monitoring, fraud detection, and analytics. May be anonymized after 12 months.
- Exported Files: Generated locally on your device; we do not retain copies
Anonymization Process: After the specified periods, personally identifiable information (timestamps, IP addresses, session IDs) is removed from data sets. Anonymized data cannot be linked back to individual users and is used solely for aggregate statistical analysis.
5. Your Privacy Rights
5.1 GDPR Rights (EU Users)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
- Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
- Right to Object: Opt-out of certain data processing activities
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke previously granted permissions at any time
5.2 CCPA Rights (California Users)
If you are a California resident, you have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected, used, shared, or sold
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do NOT sell data)
- Non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
5.3 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the information provided in Section 11. We will respond within 30 days.
⚠️ Data Deletion Requests - Important Limitations:
- Verification Required: You must provide sufficient identifying information (approximate access date/time, browser type, IP address range, geographic location) to verify your identity and locate your data. Requests without adequate verification will be denied.
- Anonymized Data: Once data has been anonymized (typically after 12 months), it is no longer considered "personal data" under GDPR/CCPA and cannot be deleted, as it cannot be linked back to you.
- Security & Legal Retention: We may retain certain data if required for:
- Compliance with legal obligations (law enforcement, court orders, subpoenas)
- Security investigations (abuse detection, fraud prevention, cybersecurity incidents)
- Defending legal claims or disputes
- Exercising our legal rights
- Processing Time: Deletion requests may take up to 90 days to process and verify. You will receive confirmation once completed.
- Excessive Requests: Under GDPR Article 12(5) and CCPA regulations, we reserve the right to charge a reasonable fee for "manifestly unfounded or excessive requests" (e.g., repeated requests within short periods, requests for data already anonymized). Fees may range from $25-$100 USD depending on request complexity.
- One Request Per Year: To prevent abuse, we process a maximum of ONE deletion request per individual per 12-month period. Additional requests may be denied or charged a processing fee.
How to Submit a Valid Deletion Request:
- Open a GitHub Issue with title: "GDPR/CCPA Data Deletion Request"
- Include: Full name, email, approximate access dates (month/year), browser/device info, and reason for request
- We will verify your identity (may require additional verification steps)
- Upon verification, data will be deleted within 90 days (excluding legally retained or anonymized data)
⚠️ WARNING: By using this Service, you acknowledge that certain data may be retained indefinitely for security and research purposes. If you do not consent to this retention, DO NOT use this Service and deny all browser permissions.
5.4 Browser Controls - YOU Are In Control
IMPORTANT: Webcam and Location data are ONLY collected if you grant browser permissions.
How to Prevent Webcam/Location Collection:
- When First Prompted: Click "Block", "Deny", or "Not Now" when your browser asks for camera or location access
- Revoke Previously Granted Permissions: Go to your browser settings → Site Settings → Camera/Location → Find this website → Select "Block"
- Chrome: Click the lock icon in address bar → Site Settings → Camera/Location → Block
- Firefox: Click the lock icon → Permissions → Camera/Location → Block
- Safari: Safari → Settings → Websites → Camera/Location → Deny
Other Privacy Controls:
- Clear Cookies: Use browser settings to clear local storage and cookies (removes theme preferences)
- Do Not Track (DNT): We honor DNT browser signals
- Private/Incognito Mode: Using private browsing reduces tracking but doesn't prevent permission-based collection if you grant access
⚠️ Reminder: You can use the entire map service without granting webcam or location permissions. Core functionality is NOT affected by denying these permissions.
6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
We use the following types of cookies and tracking technologies:
6.1 Essential Cookies
- Purpose: Required for basic functionality (session management, security)
- Can be disabled? No - Service will not function without these
6.2 Preference Cookies
- Purpose: Remember your settings (theme, language, view mode)
- Can be disabled? Yes - Clear browser local storage
6.3 Analytics Cookies
- Purpose: Track usage patterns and improve the Service
- Can be disabled? Yes - Enable DNT in your browser
7. Children's Privacy
Our Service is NOT intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using the Service, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for EU data transfers
- Encryption during transmission and storage
- Compliance with GDPR and Privacy Shield frameworks (where applicable)
9. Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:
- Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery via email (if available) or prominent website notice
- Report to relevant data protection authorities (GDPR/CCPA requirements)
- Provide details on the nature of the breach and steps taken to mitigate harm
- Disclose what specific data was compromised (e.g., webcam images, IP addresses, etc.)
- Offer guidance on protective measures you can take
- Post breach details on our GitHub repository for transparency
⚠️ High-Risk Data Notice: If a breach involves webcam images or other sensitive biometric data, we will provide immediate individual notification and offer free identity monitoring services where applicable.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via:
- A prominent notice on the homepage
- Email notification (if we have your email)
- In-app notification banner
Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Information
12. Legal Disclaimer
This Service is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. The data center location information is compiled from open-source intelligence (OSINT) and may not be 100% accurate. We are not responsible for:
- Inaccuracies in data center locations or information
- Third-party privacy practices (geocoding APIs, CDNs, etc.)
- Unauthorized access to your device or browser data
- Damages resulting from use or inability to use the Service
13. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the United States. Any disputes arising from this policy will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in the United States.
By using the ATLAS Data Center Intelligence Map, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.
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