🔒 Privacy Policy for TimeNow
Effective Date: March 5, 2026
Last Updated: March 5, 2026
At TimeNow, we respect your privacy and are committed to protecting any information we may come across while you use our service. TimeNow is a free web application that helps users view accurate times, timezones, sun information, and scheduling tools worldwide.
This Privacy Policy explains what information (if any) we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information. We designed TimeNow to require as little personal data as possible.
1. Information We Collect
We collect very limited information, and most of it is non-personal or stays entirely on your device:
Automatically collected technical data (non-personal):
- Your IP address (temporarily used to auto-detect approximate location/timezone on first load, e.g., to default to Central Standard Time if you're in Wisconsin).
- Browser type, device type, operating system, and basic usage stats (e.g., pages visited, time spent) — collected anonymously via standard server logs.
- These help us improve performance, fix bugs, and ensure the site works across devices.
Browser-stored preferences (localStorage only):
- Pinned cities, reordered world clocks, theme preference (light/dark/system), and 12/24-hour format toggle.
- This data never leaves your device, is not sent to our servers, and is used solely to personalize your experience on TimeNow.
No accounts, no sign-ups: We do not collect names, emails, passwords, or any login information.
We do not collect:
- Precise geolocation beyond IP-based approximation (which is imprecise and not stored).
- Browsing history outside our site.
- Any financial, health, or sensitive personal data.
2. How We Use Information
We use the limited data we collect only to:
- Provide core features (e.g., auto-detect timezone, show sun data, maintain your pinned clocks).
- Improve site performance, security, and user experience (anonymous analytics).
- Respond to technical issues or abuse (e.g., server logs for debugging).
We do not:
- Sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing.
- Use data for targeted advertising.
- Build user profiles or track you across other websites.
3. Data Sharing & Third Parties
We may share anonymized, aggregated data (e.g., total visits, popular cities) with analytics partners, but never in a way that identifies you.
Third-party services we use (minimal):
- OpenStreetMap (city maps): Embed only — no tracking scripts.
- Server hosting provider (e.g., Render): Standard logs (IP, requests) for operation/security.
These providers follow strict privacy standards and do not receive identifiable user data from us.
4. Data Storage & Security
- LocalStorage data stays in your browser (you can clear it anytime via browser settings).
- Server logs are retained only as long as necessary (typically days to weeks) for operational purposes and then deleted.
- We use industry-standard security (HTTPS, secure headers) to protect any transient data.
5. Your Rights & Choices
Depending on your location (e.g., GDPR in EU/EEA, UK GDPR, CCPA in California):
- Access, correct, or delete any limited data we hold (contact us — most is already local to you).
- Opt out of any future processing (though we collect almost nothing).
- Object to processing or request restriction.
- Clear localStorage/cookies in your browser to reset preferences.
To exercise rights: Email us at the contact address below. We'll respond within one month (free of charge).
You can also:
- Use private/incognito browsing.
- Disable JavaScript (some features won't work, but core clock still functions).
6. International Transfers
TimeNow servers may be located in the US or other countries. If data is transferred outside your region, we rely on adequacy decisions or appropriate safeguards.
7. Children's Privacy
TimeNow is not directed at children under 13 (or 16 in some jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect data from children.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy occasionally (e.g., to reflect new features). Changes will be posted here with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use after changes means acceptance.
9. Contact Us
Questions about this Privacy Policy? Reach out:
Email: privacy@timenow.example.com (replace with your real address)
Or use the Contact form on our site.
Thank you for trusting TimeNow with your time — we keep your privacy just as precise.