This policy explains what PingLocate collects, why we collect it, how long we keep it, and the choices you have. We wrote it in plain language because a privacy policy should not hide the important parts in fine print.

The short version

To send a location request we need one thing: a phone number to reach. When the person you ping opens the link, their browser shares a location with us only after they accept. We use that location to show you the result, and we keep it only as long as needed to provide the service. We do not sell your data.

What we collect

When you send a request

The phone number you enter.
The time the request was sent.

When the other person accepts

The location their browser shares when they accept, which can include coordinates and the accuracy the device reports.
The time they accepted.

When anyone visits the site

Standard server logs such as IP address, browser type, and pages viewed.
Analytics to understand which pages are useful.

How we use it

We use this information to run and improve the service: to send the request, to show you the result, to keep the site working, and to stop abuse. We use Cloudflare Turnstile to block bots and abuse, and analytics to improve the site. We do not use location data for advertising.

How long we keep it

Location results and request data are kept only as long as needed to provide the service, then deleted on a rolling basis. Server logs are retained for a short period for security and then deleted.

Advertising

PingLocate is free to use. It carries no display advertising and no affiliate links today, so no advertising cookies are set. We never sell your personal or location data. See our Advertising Disclosure for what the site carries today.

Service providers

We rely on a small number of providers to run the service. Each one sees only what its job requires.

Cloudflare hosts the site, blocks bots through Turnstile, and serves the consent banner described below. It processes requests in order to deliver them and to keep the site online.
Our messaging service runs the ping service and delivers each request as a text message. It receives the number you enter and the message content.
Google Analytics measures which pages are useful, as aggregate traffic data. It loads through Cloudflare Zaraz and runs only after you accept analytics in the consent banner. It receives page views and an approximate location derived from your IP address, never your phone number and never a shared location.
Google's preferred-source script is served from google.com and provides the button on our content pages. Where the consent banner applies, it loads after you accept analytics, and it may set its own cookies.

Cookies and consent

We use a small number of cookies for essential functions and for analytics. If you are in the EEA, the UK, or Switzerland, we ask for your consent before analytics loads, through the banner shown on your first visit. You can accept or reject analytics there, and clearing the site’s cookies in your browser brings the choice back. The site sets no advertising cookies.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data, to object to processing, and to data portability. To exercise any of these, email [email protected] with “Data request” in the subject. We will respond as the law requires.

Children

PingLocate is not directed at children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect their data. If you believe a child has used the service, contact us and we will delete the data.

Changes to this policy

If we change how we handle data, we will update this page and change the date at the top. Material changes are announced here.

Contact

Questions about this policy: [email protected].

Privacy Policy