Privacy, terms, and what this app is not
Written in plain language for a small, invite-only beta test — not formal legal advice, and not reviewed by a lawyer. We'll revisit and formalise this if MountainEars grows beyond testing.
Privacy Policy
This describes what MountainEars collects, why, and what you can do about it.
What we collect
- Account details — your name, email address, phone number, and a securely hashed password. We never store your password as readable text.
- Activity and location data — your GPS position while an activity is active, your planned and actual routes, your expected return time, and the type of activity.
- People you choose to share with — the trackers and tracking groups you approve to follow your activities, and the relationships that creates.
- Emergency contact details — names and numbers of people you list as emergency contacts. If you add someone else's details here, please make sure they know and are comfortable with that — they haven't agreed to this policy themselves.
- Alerts you raise — category, severity, description, location, and any photos you attach.
- Feedback you submit — bug reports and suggestions, along with your app version and device platform, attached automatically so we can investigate properly.
- A device token — so we can deliver push notifications to your phone.
- Beta sign-up details — if that's how you joined, the name, email, and phone platform you gave us on the sign-up form.
Why we collect it
Only to run MountainEars' core safety features: sharing your status and location with the trackers you've approved, alerting them if you go quiet, letting you raise and see hazard alerts near you, giving you relevant emergency numbers, and following up on feedback or support requests. We don't sell your information, and we don't use it for advertising.
Who can see it
- Your approved trackers and tracking groups can see your activity status and location while you're being tracked.
- Group administrators can manage who's part of their group and the areas it covers.
- We — the people operating the beta — can access what's needed to run and support the service, such as actioning a password reset you've requested, or reviewing feedback you've sent us.
- Nobody else. We don't share your information with third parties beyond what's needed to run the app itself (for example, our hosting and push-notification providers).
How it's stored and secured
Your password is hashed, not stored as readable text, and data is sent over encrypted connections. The app is designed to keep working offline and synchronise once you're back in range, so some information may sit briefly on your device before it reaches our server.
How long we keep it
During this beta, we keep your information for as long as your account is active or the beta is running. You can delete your account and associated data at any time, using the option under the Profile menu.
Your rights
You can ask us what information we hold about you, ask us to correct anything that's wrong, or ask us to delete it. You can stop using the app and withdraw from the beta at any time, with no obligation.
Age
MountainEars is intended for adult use. We don't currently have a process for handling children's information, so please don't sign up on behalf of a minor.
Changes to this policy
We'll update this page as the app and beta evolve, and note significant changes here.
Terms of Use
Using MountainEars
By using the app, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use it.
What the app is for
MountainEars is a personal safety companion for outdoor activities — helping you keep trusted people informed of where you are and whether you're on schedule, and helping the outdoor community share hazard information. See what this app is not, below, for what it's explicitly not intended to replace.
Your responsibilities
- Keep your account details accurate and your login secure.
- Use alerts honestly — don't raise false or misleading alerts.
- Respect the privacy of people tracking you or being tracked by you; don't misuse access you've been given.
No warranty
MountainEars is provided as-is, and especially during this beta, may contain bugs or behave unexpectedly. We don't guarantee constant availability, GPS accuracy, or that every alert or notification will be delivered promptly. Use your own judgement alongside the app, not instead of it.
Ending your use
You can stop using MountainEars at any time. We may suspend or remove access for anyone who misuses the app or these terms.
Changes
We may update the app and these terms as it develops. We'll try to flag anything significant.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of South Africa.
Beta Disclaimer — what this app is not
MountainEars is genuinely early-stage software, built and tested by a small group of volunteers. Please keep the following firmly in mind:
- It is not a substitute for emergency services. If you or someone with you needs urgent help, contact your local emergency services or mountain rescue directly — don't rely on this app to summon help.
- It is not a certified personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite communication device. It depends on your phone having a data connection at some point to synchronise; it cannot reach you or alert others in real time from genuinely no-signal areas.
- It is not a substitute for proper navigation equipment, skills, or preparation. Carry a map, know your route, and use appropriate outdoor equipment regardless of whether you're using this app.
- It only works if someone is actually watching. The app can flag that you're overdue, but it relies on a real person — your tracker — noticing and acting on that. Choose your trackers accordingly.
- Notifications, location, and connectivity can all fail or lag, especially in remote or mountainous terrain. Treat the app as a helpful layer of safety, not a guarantee.
We built MountainEars because we wanted this layer of safety for ourselves and the people we care about — but sound judgement, proper preparation, and knowing how to reach real emergency services always come first.