🔒 Privacy Policy

At What Is My Country, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our IP geolocation service.

1. Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and connection:

• IP Address: Your public IP address is collected to provide geolocation services
• User Agent: Browser and device information for display and analytics purposes
• Connection Details: Network information including ISP, connection type, and VPN detection data
• Geolocation Data: Country, city, region, and approximate coordinates based on your IP address

Usage Data

We may collect information about how you interact with our service, including:

• Pages visited and features used
• Time and date of access
• Referring website or source
• Click and navigation patterns

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To provide accurate IP geolocation and network information
• Service Improvement: To enhance and optimize our service functionality and user experience
• Analytics: To understand usage patterns and improve our service
• Security: To detect and prevent abuse, fraud, and security threats
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

3. Data Storage and Retention

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information. Data is stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

Log data may be retained for up to 90 days for security and service improvement purposes, after which it is automatically deleted or anonymized.

4. Information Sharing

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

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our service
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Protection of Rights: To protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit certain functionality of our service.

6. Third-Party Services

Our service may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

7. GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have specific rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Legitimate Interest: To provide our IP geolocation service and prevent abuse
• Consent: For optional analytics and non-essential cookies (obtained via consent banner)
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

Your GDPR Rights

• Right to Access: Request a copy of personal data we process about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we process your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (via cookie settings)
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local data protection authority

8. CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Your CCPA Rights

• Right to Know: Request disclosure of categories and specific pieces of personal information collected
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the "sale" of personal information (we do not sell personal data)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: Equal service and pricing regardless of privacy rights exercise

Categories of Personal Information Collected

Under CCPA, we collect the following categories:

• Identifiers: IP address
• Internet Activity: Browsing behavior, user agent strings
• Geolocation Data: Approximate location based on IP address

Important: We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties. We do NOT share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

9. Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of your privacy rights (GDPR, CCPA, or other applicable regulations), please contact us:

• Email: privacy@whatismycountry.com
• Subject Line: "Privacy Rights Request - [GDPR/CCPA/Other]"
• Information to Include: Your request type, contact information, and any relevant details

We will respond to verified requests within 30 days (GDPR) or 45 days (CCPA). For data deletion requests, we will retain only what is legally required.

You may also manage your cookie preferences at any time by clearing your browser's local storage or using the cookie consent banner that appears on your first visit.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws (including GDPR Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable).

12. Changes to This Privacy 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. Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@whatismycountry.com

Website: https://whatismycountry.com