Privacy Policy — BoneID SAR

Last updated: July 23, 2026

BoneID SAR ("the app," "we," "us") is a decision-support tool for search-and-rescue and forensic identification of skeletal remains. This policy explains what data the app collects, why, and your choices.

Contact: reverendbaca369@gmail.com

What we collect

Account information. When you open the app, it signs you in anonymously with a random ID (no name or email required). Staff (moderators, admins, authorities) sign in with an email address and password created for them by an administrator.

Content you submit. If you upload a "find," we store the photo, the details you enter (bone type, suspected species, estimated age, confidence, and field notes), and a timestamp.

Location. If you choose to attach a location to a find, we collect the device's GPS coordinates at that moment. Two versions are stored: a blurred/approximate location (offset up to ~3 km and rounded) — the only location shown in the public community list — and the precise coordinates, stored in a separate, access-controlled record that only authorized staff (authorities/moderators/admins) can view. Location is only collected when you tap "Use GPS coordinates."

Technical identifiers. Your anonymous or staff user ID is attached to content you submit so moderators can manage it. The app contains no ads and no third-party advertising trackers.

How we use it

To operate core features (the bone reference library, uploading/browsing finds, reporting/flagging, and moderation); to keep precise remains-locations private and available only to authorized personnel; and to review and remove reported or violating content. We do not sell your data or use it for advertising.

Who processes it

The backend runs on Google Firebase (Authentication, Firestore, Storage), which processes and stores this data on our behalf under its own terms. Reference images in the bone library may load from Wikimedia Commons.

Data retention & deletion

Content and accounts persist until removed. You can delete your submitted finds and account at any time using "Delete my data & account" on the app's Home screen, or by emailing reverendbaca369@gmail.com.

Sensitive information & legal note

Find locations of possible human remains can be sensitive (crime scenes, protected or Indigenous burials). The app is decision support only — not a forensic determination — and directs users to preserve scenes and notify authorities. Do not use the app to unlawfully collect, disturb, or disclose protected sites or remains.

Children

The app is intended for adult SAR/forensic users and is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from them.

Changes

We may update this policy; the "Last updated" date reflects the current version.

Contact

Questions or deletion requests: reverendbaca369@gmail.com