Privacy Policy

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

The Pacific Islands Disaster Alert System (PIDAS) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our disaster alert service.

We understand the sensitive nature of disaster preparedness and are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of privacy protection while delivering life-saving alert services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you register for PIDAS, we collect:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number (optional)
• Location Data: Geographic coordinates, location names, alert radius preferences
• Alert Preferences: Disaster types to monitor, severity thresholds, notification methods
• Account Settings: Quiet hours, subscription status, notification preferences

Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: How you interact with our service, alert delivery statistics
• Technical Information: IP address, browser type, device information
• Location Data: Approximate location for geolocation services (when permitted)

How We Use Your Information

Primary Uses

• Disaster Alerts: Sending timely notifications about relevant disasters
• Geographic Filtering: Determining which disasters affect your specified locations
• Personalization: Customizing alerts based on your preferences and settings
• Service Delivery: Managing your account and subscription preferences

Secondary Uses

• Service Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns to enhance our alert system
• Security: Protecting against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Communications: Sending service updates, maintenance notifications
• Research: Anonymized analysis to improve disaster preparedness (opt-out available)

Information Sharing and Disclosure

Limited Sharing Scenarios

• Emergency Services: In life-threatening situations, we may share relevant location information with emergency responders (only with explicit consent or legal requirement)
• Service Providers: Trusted partners who help deliver our services (email providers, SMS gateways) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or business transfer (with continued privacy protection)

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmissions use SSL/TLS encryption
• Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can view your information
• Monitoring: Continuous security monitoring and threat detection
• Regular Updates: Regular security updates and vulnerability assessments
• Data Minimization: We only collect and retain necessary information

Your Rights and Choices

Account Control

• Access: View and download your personal information
• Update: Modify your account details and preferences anytime
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export: Request a copy of your data in portable format

Communication Preferences

• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from specific alert types or all alerts
• Frequency: Adjust how often you receive different types of notifications
• Channels: Choose email, SMS, or push notification preferences

Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations:

• Active Accounts: Information retained while your account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Deleted after 24 months of inactivity (with prior notification)
• Alert Logs: Kept for 36 months for service improvement and verification
• Anonymized Data: May be retained indefinitely for research and system improvement

International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed and stored in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place when transferring data internationally, including:

• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Standard contractual clauses
• Binding corporate rules
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct

Children's Privacy

PIDAS is not intended for use by children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

For users between 13 and 18 years old, we recommend parental guidance when setting up disaster alert subscriptions.

Cookies and Tracking

PIDAS uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand how you use our service
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some functionality may be limited.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notice on our website
• In-app notifications

Continued use of PIDAS after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us:

We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days of receipt.