Privacy Shield

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 14, 2026

1. Policy Overview

At HookSpot, your privacy is paramount. This Privacy Policy describes how HookSpot ("we", "us", or "our") collects, protects, uses, and shares your personal data when you utilize our mobile application, services, and website.

By using the Service, you consent to the data collection and usage practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use HookSpot.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide a personalized angling experience, calculate tide predictions, and power community spot discovery.

  • Account Details: When logging in via Phone Verification (OTP), Google, LINE, or Facebook, we collect linked identifiers including your unique user ID, profile name, registered email address, and profile picture URL.
  • Geographic Location: To display fishing spots near you, calculate regional tides, and map catch records, we collect precise GPS location data. This occurs only while the app is active in the foreground, or when you explicitly pin a catch or spot. You can restrict location permissions via your device settings.
  • User Content & Media Metadata: We store the media files (photos, comments, catch stats) and coordinates you upload to the platform. If you grant permission, we may automatically extract EXIF metadata (such as GPS coordinates and time of capture) from your selected photos to streamline your catch logging experience and map your records accurately. Providing this data is completely optional.
  • Transaction Records: For Pro Memberships, we receive payment receipt tokens generated by Google Play Billing / App Store billing. We do not store or process your credit card numbers or financial passwords.

3. How We Use Data

Your data is processed to ensure stable operations, deliver features, and customize recommendations:

  • Core Features: Verifying authentication, rendering interactive Maps, saving catch logs, and managing bookings.
  • Localized Analysis: Utilizing coordinates to fetch weather reports from QWeather and matching hydrological tides to your local fishing spots.
  • Communications: Sending transactional alerts, system status notifications, or booking updates via Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM).
  • Abuse Prevention: Detecting fraudulent profiles, duplicate logs, and moderating reviews through our automated filters.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

HookSpot does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to advertisers or third-party marketers. Data is shared only under specific circumstances:

  • Identity Providers: Data tokens are exchanged with Google, LINE, and Facebook OAuth services during authentication to verify account integrity.
  • Service Providers: We employ trusted infrastructure services (such as cloud hosting, image servers, and database managers) to store uploaded images and data securely.
  • Legal Compliance: We may disclose data if legally required to do so by court order, law enforcement inquiry, or to protect the safety and rights of HookSpot, its members, or the public.

5. Your Controls & Account Deletion

We respect your right to control your personal details. You can inspect and update your username and profile picture directly inside the profile settings.

  • Location Restrictions: You can disable location tracking in your phone's OS settings, though this will limit local weather and map spot discovery features.
  • Account Deletion: You have the right to request the complete deletion of your account and associated personal data. You can initiate this request in the App Settings page, or by contacting support. Upon account deletion, all personal identifiers, social links, and private logs will be purged from our databases within 30 days.

6. Security and Retention

We implement appropriate technical and administrative safeguards to defend your information against theft, unauthorized access, or modification. All client-server communications are encrypted using secure protocols (HTTPS/TLS).

We retain your information as long as your account is active, or as needed to comply with administrative audit requirements, tax compliance, and legal logs.

7. Policy Modifications

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to match product evolution or regulatory compliance. The updated version will be posted here and is active immediately upon publishing. We suggest checking this page periodically to stay informed.

8. Privacy Contacts

If you have questions, feedback, or concerns regarding your privacy rights, or wish to make an inquiry regarding your data, please contact our Data protection channel through the Help Center in the HookSpot app.

App Compliance
This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with Google Play Developer policies regarding user data safety, local storage guidelines, and third-party login transparency. It will be updated remotely to align with play policies as they advance.