Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 25, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Tectonic Plates Map ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and use when you visit our website.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We currently do not require users to create accounts or provide personal information to use our service. If we add contact forms or user accounts in the future, we will update this policy accordingly.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with our site, including:

  • Browser type and version
  • Operating system
  • IP address (anonymized)
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Referring website or source
  • Date and time of visit

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us understand how you use our site.

3.1 Types of Cookies We Use

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
  • Advertising Cookies: May be used to display relevant advertisements (if applicable)

3.2 Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our website.

4. Third-Party Services

4.1 Google AdSense

We may use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our website. Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites. You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google's Ads Settings.

4.2 Analytics Services

We may use third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to help us understand how users interact with our website. These services may collect information about your use of our site and other websites over time.

4.3 Map Services

Our interactive map uses Leaflet and OpenStreetMap data. When you use the map feature, tile requests may be sent to OpenStreetMap's servers. Please refer to OpenStreetMap's privacy policy for information about their data practices.

5. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

  • To provide and maintain our website
  • To improve and personalize user experience
  • To analyze website usage and trends
  • To detect and prevent technical issues
  • To display relevant advertisements (if applicable)
  • To comply with legal obligations

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:

  • Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our website (e.g., hosting providers, analytics services)
  • Advertising Partners: Companies that serve advertisements on our behalf
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain automatically collected information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Analytics data is typically retained for 26 months.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website is educational in nature and may be used by children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

10. Your Rights and Choices

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

  • Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
  • Opt-Out: Opt out of certain data collection and processing activities
  • Cookie Control: Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected, the right to delete personal information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

13. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing of your personal data.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through the Contact page on our website.

16. Consent

By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website.