Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for DeepSkyLog

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 3, 2026

DeepSkyLog (“us”, “we”, or “our”) operates the DeepSkyLog application and website (the “Service”). This page informs you of our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal data when you use our Service and the choices you have associated with that data.

We use your data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

Account Information

  • Email address
  • Username
  • Password (encrypted)
  • Optional profile information

Astrophotography Data

  • FITS file metadata (exposure time, filter, date, coordinates, etc.)
  • Project names and descriptions
  • Equipment specifications
  • Location data for imaging sites
  • Frame group and session information
  • Mosaic configurations

User-Generated Content

  • Project notes and comments
  • Collaboration invitations
  • Equipment profiles
  • Dashboard configurations

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

Usage Data

  • IP address
  • Browser type and version
  • Pages visited and time spent
  • Referring website
  • Operating system
  • Device information

Cookies and Tracking

  • Session cookies for authentication
  • Preference cookies for user settings
  • Analytics cookies (with your consent)

1.3 Data We Do NOT Collect

Important: We do NOT store your actual FITS image files. We only store metadata extracted from the FITS headers. Your original image files remain on your local storage.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for:

2.1 Service Provision

  • Creating and managing your account
  • Storing and organizing your astrophotography metadata
  • Providing project tracking and management features
  • Enabling collaboration with other users
  • Displaying sky maps and astronomical visualizations
  • Processing and displaying statistics

2.2 Communication

  • Sending service-related notifications
  • Responding to your inquiries and support requests
  • Sending important updates about the Service
  • Collaboration invitations and notifications (with your consent)

2.3 Service Improvement

  • Analyzing usage patterns to improve features
  • Identifying and fixing bugs
  • Developing new features
  • Optimizing performance

2.4 Security

  • Detecting and preventing fraud
  • Monitoring for suspicious activity
  • Ensuring service security and integrity

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Data Storage

  • Your data is stored on secure cloud servers
  • Metadata is stored in encrypted databases
  • Regular backups are performed to prevent data loss
  • Data centers comply with industry security standards

3.2 Security Measures

  • All connections use SSL/TLS encryption
  • Passwords are hashed using industry-standard algorithms
  • Regular security audits and updates
  • Access controls and authentication mechanisms
  • Monitoring for unauthorized access

3.3 Data Retention

  • Account data: Retained while your account is active
  • After account deletion: 30-day grace period for data recovery
  • After grace period: Complete data deletion
  • Backup data: Removed within 90 days of account deletion

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

4.2 Sharing Within the Service

  • Collaboration Projects: Data you share in collaborative projects is visible to project members you invite
  • Public Profile: Only information you choose to make public
  • Project Statistics: Aggregate statistics may be visible to project collaborators

4.3 Third-Party Services

We may share data with third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Service:

Infrastructure Providers

  • Cloud hosting services for data storage
  • Database services
  • Email delivery services

Analytics Services

  • Usage analytics (anonymized where possible)
  • Error tracking and monitoring

Astronomical Data Sources

  • Aladin sky viewer for visualizations
  • Weather services for forecast data
  • Astronomical catalogs for object information

All third-party providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for providing services to us.

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

  • Valid legal requests from authorities
  • Enforcement of our Terms and Conditions
  • Protection of our rights, property, or safety
  • Protection of users or the public

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

  • View Your Data: Access all your data through the application
  • Export Your Data: Download your data in standard formats
  • Modify Your Data: Update or correct your information
  • Delete Your Data: Request account and data deletion

5.2 Communication Preferences

  • Opt-out of promotional emails (service emails still sent)
  • Control notification settings
  • Manage collaboration invitation preferences
  • Configure cookie preferences in your browser
  • Opt-out of analytics cookies
  • Essential cookies required for service functionality

5.4 Data Portability

You can export your data in common formats (CSV, JSON) at any time.

6. Children’s Privacy

Our Service is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will take steps to delete such information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction where data protection laws may differ.

By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to our facilities and the third parties with whom we share it as described in this policy.

8. European Users (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights:

  • Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide the Service
  • Legitimate Interests: Improving and securing the Service
  • Consent: Marketing communications and analytics (where required)

8.2 Your GDPR Rights

  • Right of Access: Obtain confirmation of data processing
  • Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
  • Right to Erasure: Request data deletion
  • Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
  • Right to Data Portability: Receive data in structured format
  • Right to Object: Object to certain processing activities
  • Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

8.3 Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, contact: privacy@deepskylog.com

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:

9.1 Right to Know

  • Categories of personal information collected
  • Sources of personal information
  • Business purpose for collecting data
  • Categories of third parties with whom we share data

9.2 Right to Delete

Request deletion of your personal information (subject to certain exceptions)

9.3 Right to Opt-Out

We do not sell personal information. If this changes, we will update this policy and provide opt-out mechanisms.

9.4 Non-Discrimination

We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

10. Cookies Policy

10.1 Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required)

  • Authentication and session management
  • Security features
  • Service functionality

Preference Cookies (Optional)

  • User settings and preferences
  • Dashboard configurations
  • Display preferences

Analytics Cookies (Optional, with consent)

  • Usage statistics
  • Feature adoption
  • Performance monitoring

10.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect service functionality.

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

  • Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
  • Updating the “Last Updated” date
  • Sending an email notification for material changes

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

13. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will:

  • Notify affected users within 72 hours of discovery
  • Describe the nature of the breach
  • Provide recommendations for protective measures
  • Report to relevant authorities as required by law

14. Your Responsibilities

To maintain security of your account:

  • Keep your password confidential
  • Use a strong, unique password
  • Log out from shared devices
  • Report suspicious activity immediately
  • Keep your contact information up to date

15. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@deepskylog.com Website: https://deepskylog.com Mail: [Your Physical Address]

For GDPR-specific inquiries: privacy@deepskylog.com For CCPA-specific inquiries: privacy@deepskylog.com

By using DeepSkyLog, you consent to our Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

Important Note: This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with GDPR, CCPA, and general privacy best practices. However, for specific legal compliance in your jurisdiction, we recommend consulting with a legal professional.