Introduction

Welcome to Scout Hiking Trails. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy will inform you about how we look after your personal data when you visit our website and tell you about your privacy rights.

Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following data about you:

• Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, and password (encrypted).
• Trail Information: When you submit hiking trails, we collect the trail details, descriptions, locations, and any images you upload.
• Usage Data: We automatically collect information about your visit, including pages viewed, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns.
• Reports: When you report issues with trails, we collect your name, email (optional), and report details.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our service
• To manage your account and registration
• To enable you to submit and share hiking trails
• To respond to your questions and provide customer support
• To moderate content and handle reports
• To improve our website and user experience
• To detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• To send you important updates about the service

Data Storage and Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Your password is encrypted using industry-standard hashing algorithms. We store your data on secure servers with regular backups.

However, please note that no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Public Information: Trail submissions you make are publicly visible to all users, including your chosen display name.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted service providers who assist in operating our website (e.g., hosting providers, email services).

Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session and improve your experience. Essential cookies are required for the website to function properly, including authentication cookies that keep you logged in.

Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
• Objection: Object to processing of your personal data
• Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for 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 to have that information removed.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new privacy policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this privacy policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@scouthikingtrails.com
• Website: www.scouthikingtrails.com