Privacy Policy - Canada Weather

Last Updated: February 26, 2026

At Canada Weather, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and usage when you use our weather forecasting service.

1. Information We Collect

We believe in minimal data collection. We only collect information necessary to provide and improve our weather services.

1.1 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit Canada Weather, we automatically collect certain technical information:

• Location Data: If you choose to share your location, we use it solely to provide weather forecasts for your area. Location data is not stored permanently.
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type (mobile/desktop), and screen resolution to optimize display.
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on site, and navigation patterns to improve user experience.
• IP Address: Used for approximate location (city/region level) and security purposes. Not linked to personal identity.
• Cookies: Small text files stored on your device for preferences (language, units, theme).

1.2 Information You Provide

We only collect information you voluntarily provide:

• Contact Forms: If you contact us via email, we collect your email address and message content.
• Feedback: Any feedback or suggestions you submit.
• Search Queries: City or location names you search for (not linked to personal identity).

1.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect:

• Personal identification information (name, address, phone number) unless you provide it voluntarily
• Financial information (credit cards, bank accounts)
• Social security numbers or government IDs
• Precise GPS coordinates (only city-level location)
• Browsing history outside our website
• Social media profiles or connections

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information solely for the following purposes:

2.1 Providing Weather Services

• Displaying weather forecasts for your location
• Personalizing content based on your preferences
• Remembering your settings (language, units, theme)
• Providing location-specific weather alerts

2.2 Improving Our Service

• Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Identifying and fixing technical issues
• Optimizing website performance and loading times
• Understanding which features are most valuable

2.3 Communication

• Responding to your inquiries and support requests
• Sending important service updates (if you opt-in)
• Notifying you of severe weather in your area (if enabled)

2.4 Security and Fraud Prevention

• Protecting against malicious activity and abuse
• Preventing unauthorized access
• Ensuring service availability and reliability

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience:

3.1 Essential Cookies

Required for basic functionality:

• Language Preference: Remembers your selected language (English, French, Turkish)
• Unit Settings: Stores your preference for Celsius/Fahrenheit
• Theme Preference: Remembers dark/light mode selection
• Session Management: Maintains your session while browsing

3.2 Analytics Cookies

Help us understand how visitors use our site:

• Page views and popular content
• User flow and navigation patterns
• Device and browser statistics
• Performance metrics

3.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect site functionality. Most browsers allow you to:

• View and delete existing cookies
• Block third-party cookies
• Block all cookies (not recommended)
• Receive notifications when cookies are set

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share data only in these limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website:

• Hosting Providers: Store website data and ensure availability
• CDN Services: Deliver content quickly and reliably
• Analytics Services: Help us understand usage patterns

All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security threats
• Protect user safety

4.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user data may be transferred. We will notify users of any such change.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: HTTPS/SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Secure Servers: Data stored on secure, monitored servers
• Access Controls: Limited employee access to user data
• Regular Audits: Periodic security assessments and updates
• Backup Systems: Regular backups to prevent data loss
• Firewall Protection: Network security to prevent unauthorized access

While we strive to protect your data, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to maintain the highest standards.

6. Data Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

• Usage Data: Retained for 90 days for analytics purposes
• Cookies: Expire after 1 year or when you clear browser data
• Contact Information: Retained for 2 years after last contact
• Location Data: Not permanently stored; used only for active sessions

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have control over your data:

7.1 Access and Correction

You can request access to any personal data we hold about you and request corrections if inaccurate.

7.2 Deletion

You can request deletion of your data. Note that some data may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.

7.3 Opt-Out

You can opt-out of:

• Location services (use manual city search instead)
• Analytics cookies (through browser settings)
• Email communications (unsubscribe links provided)

7.4 Data Portability

You can request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.

8. Children's Privacy

Canada Weather is a general audience service. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. If we discover we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. Parents who believe we may have collected information from their child should contact us.

9. International Users

Canada Weather is operated from Canada. If you access our service from outside Canada, your data may be transferred to and processed in Canada. By using our service, you consent to this transfer.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., Environment Canada, Open-Meteo). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for material changes (if you've provided an email)

Continued use of our service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

13. Compliance

Canada Weather complies with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including:

• Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
• Provincial privacy legislation where applicable
• Industry best practices and standards

Your privacy matters to us. We are committed to transparency, security, and responsible data handling.