EarthAlert
Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 6, 2026
EarthAlert ("the App") displays nearby earthquake information. This policy explains how location, network services and advertising data are used. You do not need to create an account or provide your name.
Version note: Details marked "version 1.1.6" describe that update and apply when it is installed. Until the update is available on the App Store, those details do not describe an earlier installed version.
Device Location and Local Storage
- The App requests device location to calculate distances and filter nearby earthquakes on your device. We do not operate a server that stores your GPS coordinates.
- You can deny or revoke location permission in iOS Settings.
- In version 1.1.6: only the latest checked location and its timestamp are cached on your device. No location history is maintained. Nearby results pause when a current location is unavailable, and notifications pause after 24 hours without a new location.
- Preferences and notification bookkeeping are stored locally to remember your settings and avoid repeated notifications. These records are not an account or a location history.
Earthquake Feeds, Maps and External Links
The App retrieves public earthquake feeds from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Your GPS coordinates are used for filtering on your device and are not included in these feed requests. Like other internet services, USGS can receive ordinary connection information such as your IP address.
Maps and external links to earthquake reports, felt-report forms or official tsunami information are provided by third-party services. Those services may process connection and usage information under their own privacy policies when you use them.
Advertising and Google SDK Data
EarthAlert displays ads through Google AdMob. Google advertising SDKs may process the following categories for advertising, measurement, analytics, reliability and SDK operation:
- Approximate location: inferred from an IP address; the App does not supply its GPS location cache to AdMob.
- Device identifiers: app- or developer-bounded device identifiers and, where access is permitted, advertising identifiers.
- Advertising data: information about ads displayed.
- Product interaction data: app and advertising interactions.
- Crash data: crash logs used to diagnose problems.
- Performance data: information such as launch time, hangs or energy usage.
- Other diagnostic data: information needed to operate and improve the SDKs.
Google may associate some of these data with device or app identifiers. Non-personalized ads do not mean that no data is collected. Google's processing and retention are governed by its policies and the consent choices that apply.
In version 1.1.6: the App uses Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP) to manage advertising consent. Ad requests are configured as non-personalized. The App does not request Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) authorization. Ads are requested only when Google's consent status allows them. When Google indicates that privacy options are required, you can reopen advertising privacy choices from Settings in the App.
Learn more: Google Privacy Policy and Google Mobile Ads data disclosure.
Your Choices and Data Sharing
You can manage location and notification permissions in iOS Settings. Advertising privacy choices are described above. Third-party services can receive and process data as described in this policy; this App is not a promise of anonymous or data-free advertising.
Children's Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy when the App or its services change. The date above identifies the latest revision. Where a change requires consent, updating this policy does not replace that consent.