Privacy Policy
Last Updated: November 2024
Global TimeSync ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our timezone converter and meeting planner service.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide
When you use Global TimeSync, we may collect:
- Timezone Preferences: The timezones you add, remove, or track
- Custom Nicknames: Any custom names you assign to timezones
- Meeting Details: Information you enter when creating meeting invitations (meeting titles, descriptions, links)
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
We automatically collect certain information through Firebase and Google Analytics:
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type
- Usage Data: Features used, pages visited, time spent on site
- Location Data: General geographic location (city/country level) derived from IP address
- Anonymous User ID: A randomly generated identifier to maintain your preferences
1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Remember your timezone preferences
- Analyze site usage and performance
- Provide personalized features
- Serve relevant advertisements (if applicable)
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve our timezone conversion and meeting planning features
- Personalization: To remember your timezone preferences across sessions
- Analytics: To understand how users interact with our service and improve functionality
- Communication: To respond to your inquiries or provide support (if you contact us)
- Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
3. Data Storage and Security
3.1 Where We Store Data
Your data is stored using:
- Firebase Firestore: Google Cloud infrastructure with data centers in the United States
- Google Analytics: Data processed and stored according to Google's privacy practices
3.2 How We Protect Your Data
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/SSL)
- Secure Firebase authentication
- Access controls and monitoring
- Regular security updates
3.3 Data Retention
We retain your data as follows:
- Timezone Preferences: Stored indefinitely until you clear your browser data or we delete inactive anonymous accounts (after 30+ days of inactivity)
- Analytics Data: Retained according to Google Analytics data retention policies (26 months by default)
4. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may collect information:
4.1 Google Firebase
For data storage and authentication. Firebase Privacy Policy
4.2 Google Analytics
For usage analytics and site performance monitoring. Google Privacy Policy
4.3 Google AdSense (When Active)
For displaying advertisements. Google Ads Privacy Policy
4.4 Cloudflare
For CDN and performance optimization. Cloudflare Privacy Policy
5. Your Rights and Choices
5.1 Access and Control
You have the right to:
- Access: View the timezone preferences stored in your browser
- Modify: Change or update your timezone preferences at any time
- Delete: Remove all saved timezone data by clearing your browser's local storage or cookies
- Opt-Out: Disable cookies in your browser settings (may affect functionality)
5.2 Analytics Opt-Out
To opt-out of Google Analytics tracking:
5.3 Advertising Preferences
To manage personalized advertising:
6. Children's Privacy
Global TimeSync is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
7. International Users
If you are accessing Global TimeSync from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our service, you consent to this transfer.
8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: Request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we collect
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (clear browser data to delete timezone preferences)
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
9. European Users (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- Legal Basis: We process your data based on your consent and our legitimate interests in providing the service
- Data Portability: Export your timezone preferences by using our export feature
- Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for direct marketing
- Right to Lodge Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Posting a notice on our website
- For material changes, we may provide additional notice
Your continued use of Global TimeSync after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
12. Data Processing Agreement
By using Global TimeSync, you acknowledge that:
- You have read and understood this Privacy Policy
- You consent to the collection and use of information as described
- You understand that your data may be processed in the United States
- You can withdraw consent at any time by ceasing to use the service and clearing your browser data