privacy_policy

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

At OpenRue, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your data. This privacy policy explains our practices in detail.

1. Introduction & Scope

Welcome to OpenRue. This privacy policy applies to all users of our website and services. By using OpenRue, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

OpenRue is a street directory and local business finder that uses publicly available data from OpenStreetMap. We believe in minimal data collection and maximum transparency.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Contact Us: Name and email address when you send inquiries
• Report Issues: Details you provide when reporting data errors

Important: OpenRue does not require user accounts, so we do not collect passwords or personal profiles.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Like most websites, we automatically collect certain information when you visit:

• Browser Information: Browser type, version, and language preferences
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, screen resolution
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent, click patterns
• IP Address: For analytics and security purposes (anonymized after 24 hours)

2.3 Location Data

We DO NOT track your physical location. OpenRue never requests access to your device's GPS or location services. All geographic data you see (cities, streets, coordinates) comes from OpenStreetMap and is purely informational.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information only for legitimate purposes:

• Service Provision: Display street maps and business directories
• Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Communication: Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
• Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws and regulations

We will NEVER:

• Sell your personal data to third parties
• Use your data for profiling or targeted advertising beyond standard web analytics
• Share your contact information without your explicit consent

4. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

OpenRue uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience:

4.1 Essential Cookies

Required for basic website functionality (session management, security).

4.2 Analytics Cookies

We use analytics services to understand how visitors use our site. This helps us improve content and navigation. These services may use cookies to collect anonymized data.

4.3 Advertising Cookies (Google AdSense)

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other sites. You can opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings.

4.4 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We share data only when necessary:

• Service Providers: Hosting, analytics, and email services (bound by confidentiality agreements)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government request
• Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated statistics that cannot identify individuals

We DO NOT: Sell, rent, or trade your personal information to marketers or data brokers.

6. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

• Contact Emails: Until the inquiry is resolved, then deleted or anonymized
• Analytics Data: Aggregated data retained for 26 months, then deleted
• Server Logs: IP addresses anonymized after 24 hours, logs deleted after 90 days

7. Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security practices:

• HTTPS encryption for all data transmission
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication for internal systems
• Secure data storage with encryption at rest

However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify users of any data breaches as required by law.

8. Your Privacy Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Restriction: Limit how we process your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, contact us at contact@openrue.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

OpenRue does not knowingly collect data from children under 13 (or applicable age in your jurisdiction). If you believe we have inadvertently collected such data, please contact us immediately for deletion.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this privacy policy.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes by posting a notice on our website or via email. Last updated date is always shown at the top.

12. Third-Party Links

OpenRue contains links to OpenStreetMap and other external sites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests about this privacy policy or your data:

• Email: contact@openrue.com
• Response Time: Within 30 days for rights requests

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority in your jurisdiction.