Privacy Policy and End-User License Agreement (EULA) for the App Animal News by Animals Around The Globe GmbH
Effective Date: Oct. 28, 2024
Privacy Policy
Introduction
This Privacy Policy applies to the Animal News mobile application (the “App”) operated by Animals Around The Globe GmbH (“we,” “us,” or “our”). The App is designed to provide users with curated wildlife-related content and community features. It contains four main sections: wildlife news, educational videos, informational articles, and a map where users can share images of wildlife. By using the App, you confirm that you understand and agree to this Privacy Policy.
Contact Information
Animals Around The Globe GmbH
Kienberger Allee 4, 12529 Schoenefeld, Germany
Email: feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
1. Data We Collect, Process, and Use
We collect data to provide and enhance the App’s features. When you create an account, we collect personal data such as your email address, username, and profile picture to set up your account and ensure secure access. Additionally, we automatically collect certain technical information as you interact with the App, including your IP address, device type, operating system, and usage data, which helps us improve functionality and performance.
App Sections and Data Collection
- Wildlife News: The App features news articles from our Animals Around The Globe WordPress website. When you access these articles, we collect basic usage data (e.g., articles viewed, time spent) to understand engagement.
- Educational Videos: The App displays educational videos from our YouTube channel. Data from video interactions, such as viewing time and engagement metrics, is used to improve video recommendations and content relevance.
- Educational Articles: We provide educational content from our WordPress website. Data on article views and user interactions helps us improve our educational offerings.
- Map with Image Sharing: Users can upload wildlife images to a shared map hosted on our WordPress server. Images uploaded to the map must undergo a review and approval process by our team of wildlife experts to ensure they meet content guidelines. The map feature allows other users to view approved images of wildlife shared by the community. By using this feature, you agree that your uploaded content will be stored on our servers and may include associated metadata, such as location if enabled.
2. Content and Moderation
Animal News is a platform specifically for sharing wildlife-related content. Uploaded images for the map feature are stored on our servers and reviewed by wildlife experts to ensure they meet our standards. Only images featuring appropriate wildlife content will be approved. This moderation process prevents non-wildlife or inappropriate content from being accessible to the community, maintaining a safe, respectful, and focused environment.
3. Legal Basis for Data Processing
Our data processing relies on several legal bases under the GDPR. Primarily, processing is necessary to provide the services you request through the App, as per Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. We also rely on legitimate interests, such as analyzing app functionality and improving user engagement, as per Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.
4. Use of Analytics, Advertising, and Other Tools
To understand user preferences and optimize the App’s performance, we use various analytical tools, including Google Analytics, Firebase SDK, and Facebook SDK. Google Analytics provides insights into engagement with news articles and educational content, while Firebase SDK helps us monitor app stability, user sessions, and crash reports. Facebook SDK enables anonymized behavior analysis, assisting us in enhancing the App’s overall experience. Users may deactivate tracking and advertising identifiers in device settings, though certain functionalities may be limited.
5. Data Retention
Personal data is retained only as long as necessary to provide services or comply with legal obligations. If you delete your account, any publicly accessible data will be removed, though off-site backups may temporarily retain data as part of security protocols.
6. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict your personal data. Additionally, you may object to data processing or request data portability, allowing you to obtain and transfer your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format. To exercise these rights, contact us at the provided email address.
7. Security of Your Data
We prioritize data security with measures to prevent unauthorized access, alteration, and misuse. While we strive to ensure your information’s safety, please note that transmission over the internet carries inherent risks.
8. Permissions and Access
The App may request permissions to access your location, photos, and push notifications to provide an enhanced experience. These permissions can be granted or denied in your device settings at any time. Please note that certain functionalities may be limited without the necessary permissions.
9. Updates to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in data practices or regulatory requirements. Continued use of the App signifies acceptance of the most current policy version.
End-User License Agreement (EULA)
1. Preamble
This End-User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal agreement between you, the user, and Animals Around The Globe GmbH (“we,” “us,” or “our”), governing your use of the Animal News App. By installing or using the App, you confirm your acceptance of this EULA. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not install or use the App.
2. License Grant
Animals Around The Globe GmbH grants you a personal, non-commercial, non-transferable license to use the App on your device. You are not permitted to modify, distribute, resell, or use the App for commercial purposes, nor may you reverse-engineer or attempt to alter the App.
3. Privacy & Consent to Use of Data
By using the App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted our Privacy Policy. You consent to the collection and processing of technical and related data as described in this policy. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials, and we encourage you to notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
4. Community Rules and User-Generated Content
We strive to maintain a positive and respectful community. By using the App, you agree not to post or distribute content that is offensive, explicit, or inappropriate, including but not limited to hate speech, threats, sexually explicit material, and incitement to violence. Users are also prohibited from engaging in harassment, impersonation, solicitation, or creating multiple accounts if previously banned.
5. Image Upload Approval and Moderation
All uploaded images to the map feature are reviewed by our wildlife experts to ensure they meet our content guidelines. Content may be delayed or restricted if it does not meet our standards. By submitting content, you grant Animals Around The Globe GmbH a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, modify, and display the content within the App. This license allows us to display your images to the community, though you retain ownership of the original content.
6. Upgrades, Updates, and Fixes
The App may be updated periodically with new features, bug fixes, or improvements. Although we provide these updates free of charge, you may be asked to grant additional permissions to enable specific features. It is your responsibility to keep the App up-to-date to access the latest features.
7. Third-Party Services
Our App may include advertisements, links, or content from third-party services, such as YouTube or WordPress. Animals Around The Globe GmbH is not responsible for the availability or practices of these external services. Any interactions with third-party content are governed by their terms of service, and we are not liable for their actions or content.
8. Limitation of Liability
The App is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. Animals Around The Globe GmbH disclaims liability for any incidental, special, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of the App. In no event shall the total liability of Animals Around The Globe GmbH exceed €40/$40.
9. Limitation of Warranties
Animals Around The Globe GmbH provides the App without warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the App will operate uninterrupted, error-free, or free from harmful components.
10. No Refunds
As the App is provided as an intangible service, refunds are not issued except at the discretion of Animals Around The Globe GmbH following a written request.
11. Indemnification
By using the App, you agree to hold Animals Around The Globe GmbH harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from your use of the App that violates this EULA or infringes upon the intellectual property rights or rights of any third party.
12. Intellectual Property and Ownership
Animals Around The Globe GmbH retains all ownership, intellectual property, and proprietary rights in the App. This EULA grants you only the right to use the App as outlined and does not transfer any ownership rights.
13. Termination
This Agreement is effective until terminated. Animals Around The Globe GmbH may terminate this Agreement if you fail to comply with any terms. You may terminate it by uninstalling the App. Upon termination, you must cease all access and usage of the App.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Germany.
Here’s the complete Privacy Policy and End-User License Agreement (EULA) for Animal News by Animals Around The Globe GmbH, with the clear explanation of content moderation and wildlife-only content:
Privacy Policy and End-User License Agreement (EULA) for Animal News by Animals Around The Globe GmbH
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Privacy Policy
Introduction
This Privacy Policy applies to the Animal News mobile application (the “App”) operated by Animals Around The Globe GmbH (“we,” “us,” or “our”). Our mission is to foster a community-driven platform dedicated to sharing wildlife-related content. To maintain quality and appropriateness, all uploaded images are reviewed and approved by our team of wildlife experts before they are visible on the App. By using the App, you confirm that you understand and agree to this Privacy Policy and our content standards.
Contact Information
Animals Around The Globe GmbH
Kienberger Allee 4, 12529 Schoenefeld, Germany
Email: copyright@animalsaroundtheglobe.com
1. Data We Collect, Process, and Use
We collect several types of data to provide, enhance, and personalize our services. When you create an account, we collect personal data such as your email address, username, and profile picture to set up your account and ensure secure access. Additionally, we automatically collect information about your interactions with the App, including your IP address, device type, operating system, and usage patterns, which helps us optimize the App’s performance and features.
If you allow it, we may also collect your location data, which enables features like displaying animal sightings on our interactive map. Users also have the option to provide demographic information, such as age or gender, which is used solely to customize your experience within the App.
2. Content and Moderation
Animal News is a platform dedicated to sharing images of wildlife only. When a user uploads an image, it is stored on our servers and reviewed by our team of wildlife experts to ensure it meets our content standards. Images are approved only if they feature appropriate wildlife content. Any non-wildlife or inappropriate content will be rejected and removed. This moderation process helps ensure a safe, respectful, and focused experience for all users.
3. Legal Basis for Data Processing
Our data processing relies on multiple legal bases under the GDPR. Primarily, data processing is necessary to fulfill the services you request by using the App, as per Article 6(1)(b) GDPR. We also rely on our legitimate interests in enhancing the App’s functionality, improving engagement, and analyzing user interactions, as per Article 6(1)(f) GDPR.
4. Use of Analytics, Advertising, and Other Tools
To understand user preferences and optimize performance, we use analytical tools, including Google Analytics, Firebase SDK, and Facebook SDK. Google Analytics provides insights into user engagement and interaction with the App’s features, while Firebase SDK helps track app stability, user sessions, and crash reports. Facebook SDK enables anonymized behavior analysis to help improve the App’s user experience. Users may deactivate tracking and advertising identifiers in their device settings, though this may limit some functionalities.
5. Data Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide the App’s services or as legally required. If you delete your account, publicly accessible data will be removed. However, some off-site backups may temporarily retain your data as part of security measures.
6. Your Rights
Under GDPR, you have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict your personal data. Additionally, you may object to data processing or request data portability, allowing you to obtain your data in a structured, machine-readable format. If you wish to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the email above.
7. Security of Your Data
We prioritize data security and have implemented measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, and misuse. While we strive to ensure your information’s safety, please be aware that internet transmission carries inherent risks.
8. Permissions and Access
The App may request permissions to access your location, photos, and push notifications to enhance your experience. These permissions can be granted or denied in your device settings at any time. Please note that some features may be restricted without the necessary permissions.
9. Updates to the Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in data practices or regulatory requirements. Continued use of the App signifies acceptance of the most current policy version.
End-User License Agreement (EULA)
1. Preamble
This End-User License Agreement (EULA) is a legal agreement between you, the user, and Animals Around The Globe GmbH (“we,” “us,” or “our”), governing your use of the Animal News App. By installing or using the App, you confirm your acceptance of this EULA. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not install or use the App.
2. License Grant
Animals Around The Globe GmbH grants you a personal, non-commercial, non-transferable license to use the App on your device. You are not permitted to modify, distribute, resell, or use the App for commercial purposes, nor may you reverse-engineer the App in any way.
3. Privacy & Consent to Use of Data
By using the App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and accepted our Privacy Policy. You consent to our collection and processing of technical and related data to enhance the App’s functionality and ensure security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials, and we encourage you to notify us immediately if you suspect unauthorized access to your account.
4. Community Rules and User-Generated Content
We strive to maintain a positive and respectful community. By using the App, you agree not to post or distribute content that is offensive, explicit, or inappropriate, including but not limited to hate speech, threats, sexually explicit material, and incitement to violence. Users are also prohibited from engaging in harassment, impersonation, solicitation, or creating multiple accounts if previously banned.
5. Image Upload Approval and Moderation
All uploaded images are subject to review by our wildlife experts to ensure they comply with our content standards. Content may be delayed or restricted if it does not meet these standards. By submitting content to the App, you grant Animals Around The Globe GmbH a non-exclusive, worldwide license to use, modify, and display the content within the App. This license allows us to display your wildlife images to the community, though you retain ownership of the original content.
6. Upgrades, Updates, and Fixes
The App may be updated periodically with new features, bug fixes, or improvements. Although we provide these updates free of charge, you may be asked to grant additional permissions to enable certain features. It is your responsibility to keep the App up-to-date to access the latest features.
7. Third-Party Services
Our App may include advertisements, links, or content from third-party services. Animals Around The Globe GmbH is not responsible for the availability or practices of these external services. Any interactions with third-party content are governed by their own terms of service, and we are not liable for their actions or content.
8. Limitation of Liability
The App is provided “as is” without warranties of any kind. Animals Around The Globe GmbH disclaims liability for any incidental, special, indirect, or consequential damages arising from the use of the App. In no event shall the total liability of Animals Around The Globe GmbH exceed €40.
9. Limitation of Warranties
Animals Around The Globe GmbH provides the App without warranties, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. We do not warrant that the App will operate uninterrupted, error-free, or free from harmful components.
10. No Refunds
As the App is provided as an intangible service, refunds are not issued except at the discretion of Animals Around The Globe GmbH following a written request.
11. Indemnification
By using the App, you agree to hold Animals Around The Globe GmbH harmless from any claims or liabilities arising from your use of the App that violates this EULA or infringes upon the intellectual property rights or rights of any third party.
12. Intellectual Property and Ownership
Animals Around The Globe GmbH retains all ownership, intellectual property, and proprietary rights in the App. This EULA grants you only the right to use the App as outlined and does not transfer any ownership rights.
13. Termination
This Agreement is effective until terminated. Animals Around The Globe GmbH may terminate this Agreement if you fail to comply with any terms. You may terminate it by uninstalling the App. Upon termination, you must cease all access and usage of the App.
14. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Germany.
15. Final Provisions
In the event of force majeure or circumstances beyond our control, neither party is liable for delays or non-performance. If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining terms shall remain in effect.
Contact Information
For questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy and EULA, please contact us at feedback@animalsaroundtheglobe.com.