Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Countries of Earth (“we”, “us”) collects, uses, and shares information when you use this website (the “Service”).
Who we are
Countries of Earth is a free online tool for tracking countries you have visited and sharing a read-only view with people you choose. If you have questions about this policy or your data, contact us at mdahlbom666@gmail.com.
Information we collect
Sign-in (OAuth2)
The Service uses standard OAuth2-based sign-in. You may choose among the identity providers we make available (the exact options may change over time). When you sign in, the provider you select shares with our application the profile details you authorize—such as an account identifier, email address, display name, and profile photo URL—according to that provider’s consent screen and policies. Our authentication service maintains a sign-in record for your account tied to those identifiers.
User profile in our database
When you complete sign-in, we create or update a user profile in our database to operate the Service. Our application data is hosted on a cloud service located in Finland.
For each account, we store information including:
- A unique token we generate for you, used only to build read-only share links so others can view your visit list without editing your data.
- Your name — typically the display name from your sign-in profile.
- Your email address — from your sign-in profile.
- Your profile picture URL — from your sign-in profile; we refresh this when you sign in so avatar changes apply.
Travel data and related features
We store the travel-related information you add in the app (for example, countries visited, visit dates, and optional links to media you attach) in our database, associated with your account. We also store data you use for optional features such as friends and share links as implemented in the Service. This data is stored in the same cloud environment in Finland as described above.
Sharing and public access
If you use a share link, anyone who has that link can retrieve a read-only view of the visit information we expose for that feature (for example, your visit list and display name as shown in the shared view). Do not share links with people unless you accept that they can see that information.
Analytics and diagnostics
We use usage analytics to understand how the Service is used (for example, feature usage and interactions). Analytics may process events and device or technical metadata in line with the analytics provider’s documentation and policies.
Local and session storage on your device
The app may store data in your browser, such as a short-lived session token for API requests and a cached list of countries, to improve performance and keep you signed in for your session as designed.
How we use information
We use the information above to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve the Service;
- Authenticate you and keep your account secure;
- Enable sharing features you choose to use;
- Measure usage and improve reliability and user experience.
We do not sell your personal information.
Service providers
We rely on third-party identity providers (for OAuth2 sign-in), analytics providers, and cloud infrastructure to run the Service. Core application data is stored in Finland as described above. Sign-in and analytics may involve processing outside Finland by those providers in accordance with their terms and privacy policies. These providers process data on our behalf or as independent controllers as applicable.
Retention and deletion
We retain information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Service, unless a longer period is required by law. You may request deletion of your personal information or help closing your account by contacting us at mdahlbom666@gmail.com. We may need to verify your request.
Children
The Service is not directed at children under 13 (or the age required by your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected such information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
International users
Our application database is hosted in Finland. OAuth2 sign-in through a third-party identity provider may involve processing by that provider outside Finland according to its practices. If you access the Service from another country, your information may be transferred to or from Finland and other locations as needed to operate the Service.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will adjust the “Last updated” date when we do. Continued use of the Service after changes means you accept the updated policy.
Contact
For privacy questions or requests: mdahlbom666@gmail.com.