1. Introduction

Interstate Bridge Monitor ("we," "our," or "us") operates the website i5bridgestatus.com and mobile applications for iOS and Android (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our notification services.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

We may collect information you voluntarily provide when using our Service:

• SMS Alert Service (Web): If you sign up for bridge lift alerts via our website, we collect your phone number to send you notifications.
• Mobile App Users: If you use our iOS or Android app and subscribe to notifications, we collect:
  • Device token (a unique identifier assigned by Apple or Google to deliver push notifications to your specific device)
  • Your timezone (to respect quiet hours settings)
  • Notification preferences (quiet hours, weekday-only settings, minimum lift duration filters)
  • Platform type (iOS or Android)
• Contact Information: If you contact us directly, we may receive your name, email address, and the contents of your message.

Automatically Collected Information

When you access the Service, we may automatically collect certain information:

• Log Data: Your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, and access times.
• Device Information: Device type, screen resolution, and general location (city/region level, not precise location).
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device to improve your experience. See Section 7 for more details.

Information We Do NOT Collect

• Precise GPS location data
• Financial information (payments are processed by third-party providers including Apple, Google, and Stripe)
• Social Security numbers or government IDs
• Information from children under 13

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Service
• Send SMS alerts about bridge lift events (if you've subscribed via web)
• Send push notifications about bridge lift events (if you've subscribed via mobile app)
• Respect your notification preferences (quiet hours, weekday-only, filters)
• Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
• Monitor and analyze usage patterns to improve the Service
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We use third-party services to operate our Service:
  • Twilio for SMS delivery
  • Stripe for web payment processing
  • Apple (App Store) for iOS app subscriptions and push notification delivery via APNs
  • Google (Play Store) for Android app subscriptions and push notification delivery via FCM
  • Google Cloud Platform for data storage and processing
  These providers only receive information necessary to perform their services and are obligated to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request.
• Safety: We may disclose information to protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or the public.
• Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Notification Services

5.1 SMS Alert Service (Web)

If you subscribe to our SMS alert service:

• We store your phone number securely to deliver bridge lift notifications
• Message frequency varies based on bridge lift activity (typically 0-5 messages per week)
• Standard message and data rates from your carrier may apply
• You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to any message or through your account settings
• We will not use your phone number for marketing or share it with third parties for their marketing purposes

5.2 Mobile App Push Notifications (iOS & Android)

If you subscribe through our mobile app:

• We store your device token to deliver push notifications to your device
• Device tokens are unique identifiers assigned by Apple (APNs) or Google (FCM) — they do not reveal personal information about you
• We store your notification preferences (quiet hours, weekday settings, filters) to customize when you receive alerts
• Your timezone is stored to correctly apply quiet hours in your local time
• You can disable notifications at any time through your device settings or by cancelling your subscription
• When you unsubscribe or delete the app, your device token and preferences are removed from our servers

5.3 Data Storage for Notifications

Notification-related data is stored in Google Cloud Platform (BigQuery) with the following protections:

• Data is encrypted at rest and in transit
• Access is restricted to essential service operations
• Data is deleted when you unsubscribe or upon request

6. Payment Processing

We do not directly collect or store your payment information:

• Web Subscriptions: Payments are processed by Stripe. Your payment details are handled directly by Stripe and are subject to their Privacy Policy.
• iOS App Subscriptions: Payments are processed by Apple through the App Store. Your payment details are handled by Apple and are subject to their Privacy Policy.
• Android App Subscriptions: Payments are processed by Google through the Play Store. Your payment details are handled by Google and are subject to their Privacy Policy.

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for the Service to function properly (e.g., session management)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some features of the Service.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Secure storage with access controls
• Regular security assessments
• Limited employee access to personal data

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this policy:

• SMS Subscribers: Phone numbers are retained until you unsubscribe
• App Subscribers: Device tokens and preferences are retained until you unsubscribe or delete the app
• Log Data: Automatically deleted after 90 days
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized after 26 months

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from notifications at any time
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

12. Children's Privacy

The 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 so we can delete it.

13. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., WSDOT, the official IBR Program site, Apple App Store, Google Play Store). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we may also notify subscribers via their chosen notification method.

Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: