Route Relief - Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 8, 2026

1. Introduction

Route Relief ("the Service") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our website and application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Location Data

• GPS Coordinates: Your precise location (if you grant GPS permission)
• IP-Based Location: Your approximate location based on your IP address (used as fallback)

We use location data to:

• Show you nearby facilities
• Center the map on your position
• Calculate distances to facilities
• Load relevant pins in your viewport

You can use the Service without granting precise GPS permission — we'll use IP-based location instead.

2.2 Information You Voluntarily Provide

When you contribute a pin or facility information, you provide:

• Facility name and description
• Facility type (gas station, park, library, business, etc.)
• Cleanliness rating
• Operating hours
• Accessibility information (key required, parking, etc.)
• Notes and user comments

2.3 Device and Usage Information

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Device type (mobile, desktop, tablet)
• Pages visited and features used
• Timestamps and duration of use
• Referring website

2.4 Cookies and Local Storage

We use browser localStorage to store:

• myPins: IDs of pins you created (stored only on your device)
• routeReliefDarkMode: Your dark mode preference
• routeReliefFirstVisit: Whether you've visited before

These are stored only on your device and not transmitted to our servers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Display bathroom facilities and locations relevant to you
• Calculate distances and driving times
• Improve map accuracy and facility information
• Moderate content and remove prohibited submissions (gate codes, personal information)
• Respond to user reports of violations
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
• Provide customer support

We do NOT:

• Sell your data to third parties
• Share your location with other users
• Use your data for advertising or marketing
• Combine your location data with other companies' data
• Build profiles for tracking or surveillance

4. Data Storage and Retention

4.1 Where Data Is Stored

All user-contributed pin data is stored securely in Supabase, a PostgreSQL database with row-level security policies.

4.2 Retention Period

• Your contributed pins: Stored until you delete them. If you mark a pin "removed," it's soft-deleted and purged 30 days later.
• Your location data: Not permanently stored. Location is used for the current session only.
• Usage analytics: Retained for up to 90 days

4.3 Automatic Deletion

• Pins marked as "removed" by users are automatically deleted after 30 days
• Account data associated with deleted pins is removed

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

• Secure HTTPS connections for all data transmission
• Row-level security policies in our database
• Limited access to user data (only creators can edit/delete their own pins)
• Regular security reviews

However, no security system is 100% impenetrable. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, which may collect data:

6.1 Supabase

• Hosts our database and API
• Supabase Privacy Policy

6.2 Leaflet.js

• Open-source mapping library (no data collection)
• Leaflet Documentation

6.3 OSRM (Open Source Routing Machine)

• Provides driving distance and time calculations
• May log your route requests
• OSRM Privacy

6.4 IP Geolocation Service

• Used for approximate location if GPS is disabled
• IP Geolocation Privacy Practices

You are responsible for reviewing the privacy policies of these third-party services.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

• You can view all pins you've created
• You can edit or delete your own pins at any time
• You can disable GPS permission in your browser settings

7.2 Data Deletion

To request deletion of your account and associated pins:

• Email: admin@routerelief.org
• Subject: [DELETE] Route Relief Account Data

We will process deletion requests within 30 days. Note: Copies may remain in backups for up to 90 days.

7.3 Opt-Out

• Disable GPS permission in your browser
• Clear localStorage to reset your preferences
• Stop using the Service

8. Children's Privacy

Route Relief does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If we learn we've collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. Parents or guardians who believe a child has provided information should contact us immediately at admin@routerelief.org

9. International Users

Route Relief is operated from the United States. If you're located outside the U.S., note that your data may be transferred to and stored in the U.S. By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

GDPR Compliance (EU Users):

• We only process data where you've consented
• You have the right to access, correct, or delete your data
• Email admin@routerelief.org to exercise these rights

10. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of changes.

11. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or requests about your privacy:

• Email: admin@routerelief.org
• Subject: [PRIVACY] Route Relief - [Your Question]

We will respond to privacy inquiries within 7 days.

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Your privacy matters. If you have questions, please reach out.