RangerTales is built by a small team that respects your privacy. This policy explains what we collect, why, and what we do with it. Plain English first, lawyer language only where the law requires it.
The short version
We collect your location while you use the app, so audio plays when you arrive at a park. We never store it on our servers — it stays on your phone.
We collect anonymous analytics (which chapters play, how long, crash reports) to make the app better. No personal identifiers tied to it.
We do not sell your data to anyone. We never have, we never will.
If you buy a tour through Viator, your purchase data stays with Viator + Apple. We never see your name, address, or payment info.
You can delete your data at any time by deleting the app. Nothing persists.
1. Who we are
RangerTales is published by DreamSeeds Software, a small US-based team. Founder: Mike. Contact: dreamseedsapp@gmail.com.
2. What we collect
Location data (Required for the app to function):
We use your iPhone's GPS to trigger audio playback when you arrive at a park, a trailhead, or a specific point of interest within a park.
Location is processed entirely on your device. We do not send location data to our servers, do not store it, and do not have access to your location history.
You can revoke location permission at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy → Location Services → RangerTales. The app will continue to work in manual-playback mode without auto-triggered audio.
Anonymous usage analytics (Optional, opt-in):
Which audio chapters you play, how long you listen, and which features you use. This helps us understand what content people love and what we should make more of.
Crash reports from the iOS framework (Apple's MetricKit). Helps us fix bugs faster.
None of this is tied to your name, email, phone number, or any personal identifier. We only see aggregate patterns.
You can opt out in the app: Settings → Privacy → Anonymous Analytics → Off.
What we do NOT collect:
Your name (unless you sign up for an email list, which is optional)
Your address, phone number, or birthday
Contacts, photos, calendar, or any other on-device data
Any data when the app is not running
Any data from children under 13. RangerTales is intended for general audiences but not directed at children.
3. Third-party services
RangerTales uses a small number of third-party services, each with their own privacy policy:
Apple App Store handles all app downloads and in-app purchases. Apple's privacy policy applies: apple.com/legal/privacy
Cloudflare R2 stores our audio files. Cloudflare logs cache requests but we don't tie them to user identity. Their privacy policy: cloudflare.com/privacypolicy
Superwall (if you encounter a paywall) handles paywall display and basic conversion analytics. Their privacy policy: superwall.com/privacy
National Park Service API (developer.nps.gov) — when you view a park's detail page, we may fetch live "Park Alerts" from the NPS. No personal data is sent.
NOAA / National Weather Service API (api.weather.gov) — when you view a park's detail page, we may fetch the current local weather. No personal data is sent.
Viator / TripAdvisor — if you buy a self-guided tour through Viator, your purchase data is handled entirely by Viator. We only receive the redemption code (no personal details).
4. How we use the data
The (very limited) data we do collect, we use exclusively to:
Make the audio play at the right place at the right time
Fix crashes and bugs
Decide which content to build next based on what people listen to
That's it. No advertising, no profile-building, no behavioral targeting.
5. Your rights
Regardless of where you live, you have the right to:
Know what data we have (it's listed above — there's not much)
Delete your data — delete the app, and any on-device data goes with it
Specifically for California residents under the CCPA: we do not sell personal information, and we do not have personal information to disclose, delete, or correct. If you have specific questions, contact us at the email above.
For EU/UK residents under GDPR: our lawful basis for processing the limited data we collect is legitimate interest (improving the product). You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
6. Data retention
Location data: never stored. Processed momentarily on your device, then discarded.
Anonymous analytics: retained for 90 days, then deleted.
Crash reports: retained for 180 days, then deleted.
Email if you opt into our list: retained until you unsubscribe.
7. Children's privacy
RangerTales is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, contact us and we will delete it immediately.
8. Changes to this policy
We'll post any changes here with an updated "Last updated" date. Significant changes will also be announced in the app via a one-time notification. We won't change this policy in ways that materially reduce your privacy without giving you advance notice and a chance to opt out.