1. Overview
LeelaMaps is a location-based social mapping platform. Because location data is central to what we do, we take your privacy seriously. This Policy explains exactly what data we collect, why we collect it, and how you stay in control.
🔒 Short version: We collect what you give us (account info, notes, location) to run the map. We don't sell your data. You control who sees what with Private / Friends / Public settings on every note.
2. Data We Collect
| Category |
What |
Why |
| Account |
Username, email address, hashed password |
To create and secure your account |
| Profile |
Display name, bio, avatar photo (optional) |
To personalise your presence on the map |
| Notes |
Note text, attached media, location (lat/lng), timestamp, privacy setting |
Core service — pinning content to the map |
| Location |
GPS coordinates when you use the map or GPS-follow feature |
To show notes near you; to power GPS-follow pins |
| Interactions |
Comments, votes, RSVPs, saved lists, friend connections |
Social features and notifications |
| Technical |
Browser type, IP address, session tokens |
Security, abuse prevention, debugging |
We do not collect data beyond what's necessary to operate the Service.
3. Location Data
Location is at the heart of LeelaMaps. Here's how it works:
- Map browsing: The map viewport (the area you're looking at) is stored in your browser's URL and local storage to remember your last position. It is not sent to our servers except when loading nearby notes.
- Note location: When you pin a note, the coordinates you choose are stored and associated with your note. The privacy of this location follows the note's privacy setting.
- GPS follow: When enabled, your device's real-time GPS position is broadcast to users viewing your note. You can turn this off at any time — when disabled, the pin locks at the last recorded position.
- Precision: We store the exact latitude and longitude you provide. We do not reduce precision on your behalf — this is your responsibility when choosing a note's location.
⚠️ Think before you pin: Posting a note with your home address or workplace as a Public note is visible to everyone. Consider using Private or Friends-only for notes near sensitive locations.
4. How We Use Your Data
We use the data we collect to:
- Operate and improve the LeelaMaps service
- Show notes relevant to your map view and social circle
- Send notifications you've opted into (new notes matching saved searches, friend activity)
- Detect and prevent abuse, spam, and violations of our Terms
- Respond to your support requests
- Analyse aggregate, anonymised usage patterns to improve the product
We do not use your data for advertising profiling or sell it to third parties.
5. Data Sharing
We share data only in these limited circumstances:
- With other users: According to the privacy settings you choose on each note
- Service providers: Hosting (maps tiles, media storage) under strict data processing agreements
- Legal obligation: If required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of users
- Business transfer: If LeelaMaps is acquired, your data may transfer as part of that transaction — you will be notified in advance
We never sell your personal data.
6. Content Visibility
Every note you post has a visibility setting you choose:
- 🌍 Public — visible to all LeelaMaps users and potentially discoverable by search engines
- 👥 Friends — visible only to users you have approved as friends
- 🔒 Private — visible only to you
Changing the privacy setting of an existing note takes effect immediately. However, we cannot guarantee that content shared publicly has not already been viewed, saved, or shared by others.
7. Data Storage & Security
Data is stored on secured servers. Passwords are stored as one-way hashes (bcrypt) — we cannot read your password. We use encrypted connections (HTTPS) for all data in transit.
While we take reasonable steps to protect your data, no security system is perfect. Please use a strong, unique password for your LeelaMaps account.
8. Data Retention
We retain your data as long as your account is active. When you delete your account:
- Your profile and public notes are removed within 30 days
- Backup copies may persist for up to 90 days in disaster-recovery systems
- Aggregate anonymised statistics are retained indefinitely
- Data required for legal or fraud-prevention purposes may be retained longer
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access — request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Correction — update or correct your account information at any time via settings
- Deletion — delete your account and associated data
- Portability — request an export of your notes and content
- Opt-out — disable email notifications in your account settings at any time
To exercise these rights, use the in-app settings or contact us through the feedback form.
10. Cookies
We use a small number of cookies and similar local storage to:
- Keep you logged in (session cookie)
- Remember your last map position
- Store your UI preferences (theme, panel state)
We do not use third-party advertising cookies. You can clear cookies in your browser settings, though this will log you out.
11. Children's Privacy
LeelaMaps is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has created an account, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification before they take effect. Your continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance.