Privacy policy

Scope and controller

This policy applies to the SkyWatch web application and related SkyWatch mobile applications and services. SkyWatch OSINT is operated by Yehonatan Yanay in Israel, who is the controller of information processed for the service. Questions and privacy requests may be sent to support@skywatchintel.com.

Data we process

Firebase Authentication processes the account information and credentials used for Google or email/password sign-in, including identifiers, email address, user agent and IP address for authentication and abuse prevention. SkyWatch's application database stores an opaque Firebase user identifier, access and preview counters, and links that identifier to forum posts, replies, reports and blocks; it does not store the account name or email. Depending on the features you use, SkyWatch may also process a browser installation identifier and encrypted push subscription; optional location; images and notes submitted for aircraft identification; community content; and security, error and request metadata, including IP address.

Purposes

We use this information to authenticate accounts, provide community features, apply access tiers, administer subscriptions, deliver requested emergency-style notifications, process aircraft identification requests, prevent abuse, moderate objectionable content, secure the service, diagnose failures and comply with legal obligations.

Legal bases

Where applicable law requires a legal basis, processing is based on providing the service you request, our legitimate interests in operating, securing and improving SkyWatch, your consent for optional permissions, notifications and advertising technologies where required, and compliance with legal obligations. You may withdraw consent for optional processing through browser or device settings, without affecting earlier lawful processing.

Location and camera

Location, camera and photo-library access are requested only when needed for a feature. Location is optional for map centering, aircraft identification and satellite pass prediction. Identification images are sent to Google's AI service for the requested analysis and are not intentionally retained by the SkyWatch backend unless you later choose to publish them to the forum. Do not upload images containing private information or operationally sensitive details.

Analytics and performance measurement

Plausible Analytics measures aggregate page views, referral sources, countries, device classes, operating systems and browsers without cookies, persistent identifiers or cross-site tracking. Vercel Speed Insights separately measures aggregate performance and Web Vitals. SkyWatch does not send a Firebase user identifier, account email or precise location to Plausible.

Advertising

FREE and OBSERVER access may include first-party SkyWatch plan promotions, advertising inside aircraft, vessel and satellite cards, and periodic sponsor breaks. OBSERVER sponsor breaks are less frequent and use shorter inventory; INTELLIGENCE is ad-free. Third-party advertising requests remain inactive until Google Ad Manager inventory and the required privacy controls are configured. If activated, approved advertising partners may process browser and device information, IP address, page or ad interactions, and cookies or similar storage for ad delivery, fraud prevention, frequency capping, measurement and, where permitted, personalization. Where consent is required, SkyWatch will not request third-party advertising before an appropriate consent mechanism records the user's choice.

Service providers

SkyWatch uses infrastructure and technology providers that include Firebase and Google for authentication and AI processing, Railway for backend hosting, Vercel for web delivery and performance measurement, Plausible Analytics for aggregate website analytics, mapping and data providers for live layers, browser push services, Lemon Squeezy as merchant of record when paid billing is enabled, and Google Ad Manager only if third-party advertising is activated. SkyWatch sends the merchant of record the account email needed to prefill checkout and an opaque account identifier used to link subscription status; payment-card data is entered directly with and processed by the merchant of record. Data is shared only as needed to operate the selected feature or meet legal and security requirements.

Retention and deletion

We retain data for as long as needed to provide the service, maintain security and moderation records, meet legal requirements and resolve disputes. You may delete account data from Settings or follow the public account-deletion instructions. Some limited records may be retained where legally required or necessary for fraud, abuse and security protection.

Security and transfers

We use access controls, encrypted transport and operational safeguards. No internet service can guarantee absolute security. Providers may process data in other countries subject to their contractual and legal safeguards.

Children

SkyWatch is not directed to children and is intended for adults. We do not knowingly solicit personal information from children.

Your choices

You can deny location, camera or notification permission, use public read-only features without an account, sign out, delete your account data and contact us about access, correction or deletion requests.

Privacy rights and complaints

Depending on applicable law, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction or objection, and may withdraw consent. You may also complain to the privacy authority in your jurisdiction, including the Israel Privacy Protection Authority where applicable. Contact support to exercise a right; we may request limited verification before acting.