Privacy Policy

Effective Date: December 2025
Last Updated: December 2025

Introduction

Earthquakes Worldwide (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates https://www.earthquakesworldwide.com (the “Site”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our Site.

Information We Collect

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity:

  • Server Log Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, date/time of visits
  • Analytics Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, device information, general geographic region (country/city level)
  • Technical Data: Screen resolution, device type (desktop/mobile/tablet), browser language

Information You Provide

We do not require user registration or accounts. We do not collect names, email addresses, or other personal information unless you voluntarily contact us via email.

How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

  • Analyze Site traffic and usage patterns
  • Improve Site functionality and user experience
  • Monitor Site performance and identify technical issues
  • Understand which earthquake regions are of most interest to visitors
  • Ensure Site security

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our Site. Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect information about:

  • Pages you visit
  • Time spent on the Site
  • How you arrived at our Site
  • General geographic location (country/city level, not precise location)

Google Analytics data is aggregated and anonymized. We have enabled IP anonymization, which means your full IP address is not stored.

To opt out of Google Analytics: Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.

Google’s Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Essential Cookies

Our Site may use essential cookies necessary for basic functionality such as:

  • Remembering your filter preferences on earthquake maps
  • Maintaining session state for interactive features

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Site functionality.

Third-Party Services

Earthquake Data Sources

Our Site retrieves real-time earthquake data from:

  • U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – earthquake.usgs.gov
  • European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) – emsc-csem.org

When you view earthquake data, your browser makes requests to these services’ APIs. These requests may include your IP address and are subject to each organization’s privacy policies.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)

We use third-party CDNs to deliver JavaScript libraries and map tiles:

  • unpkg.com – For Leaflet mapping library
  • Tile servers – For interactive map display

These services may log requests including your IP address. We do not control and are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services.

Map Services

Our interactive earthquake maps use Leaflet.js, an open-source mapping library. Map tiles are loaded from third-party tile providers. When you view maps, your browser requests map tiles from these providers, which may log your IP address.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes.

We may disclose information if:

  • Required by law or legal process
  • Necessary to protect our rights or property
  • Necessary to investigate potential violations of our Terms of Service

Data Retention

  • Server Logs: Retained for 90 days, then automatically deleted
  • Google Analytics Data: Retained for 26 months (Google’s default)
  • Contact Emails: Retained as long as necessary to respond to your inquiry, then deleted

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information:

All Users

  • Access: Request information about data we hold about you
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data (except data we’re required to retain)
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information

EU/EEA Users (GDPR Rights)

  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing
  • Right to restrict processing
  • Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

To exercise these rights, contact us at Info@earthquakesworldwide.com

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For EU/EEA visitors, we process your data based on:

  • Legitimate Interests: Operating and improving our Site, analyzing usage patterns, ensuring security
  • Consent: Where you have provided consent (e.g., accepting cookies)

Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect information. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. Use our Site at your own risk.

International Data Transfers

Our Site is hosted in the United States. If you access our Site from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the U.S.

Do Not Track Signals

Some browsers transmit “Do Not Track” (DNT) signals. Our Site does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we minimize data collection and do not engage in cross-site tracking.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or requests, contact us:

Email: Info@earthquakesworldwide.com

For questions about data collected by third parties (Google Analytics, USGS, etc.), please refer to their respective privacy policies.

Additional Resources

By using Earthquakes Worldwide, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.

Scroll to Top