Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 18, 2025 Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Introduction

TIME DROPS LLC ("we," "us," or "our") operates a suite of swimming timing products and services, including:

TIME DROPS Swim Timing System - Complete timing solution including:
- Hardware devices: STC-1 Swim Timing Controller, wireless buttons, wireless adapters
- Software applications: Console, TIME DROPS Live, TIME DROPS Scoreboard, MM-Link
- Cloud services and support
Website - time-drops.com, live.time-drops.com, scoreboard.time-drops.com

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our products and services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Important: Standard messaging and data rates may apply when using mobile applications (TIME DROPS Live) or cloud-connected features. Contact your mobile carrier or internet service provider for details on applicable charges.

1. Information We Collect

We collect different types of information depending on which Services you use:

1.1 Customer and Order Information

When you purchase products or subscribe to services, we collect:

Information You Provide:

Name
Email address
Phone number
Billing address
Shipping address

Information Collected by Payment Processors:

Payment card information (collected and processed by Stripe or PayPro Global, not stored by us)
Billing information
Transaction history

Purpose: Order fulfillment, product delivery, customer support, and transaction processing.

Storage: Basic customer information (name, email, phone, addresses) is stored in our Firebase database. All payment and financial data is processed and stored by our payment processors (Stripe for U.S. purchases and subscriptions; PayPro Global for international subscriptions) in accordance with their privacy policies and PCI-DSS requirements.

We do not store credit card numbers, CVV codes, or other payment card details on our servers.

1.2 Performance and Usage Statistics

Our Swim Timing System (hardware devices and software applications) collects technical performance data:

Data Collected:

System performance metrics (e.g., wireless transmission latency, timing accuracy, battery levels)
Usage patterns (features used, frequency of use)
Technical diagnostics (error logs, system events, firmware/software versions)
Meet metadata (number of events, swimmers, heats)
Hardware device telemetry (STC-1 Controller, wireless buttons, wireless adapters)

Important Notes:

This data is highly technical and used for troubleshooting, debugging, and product development
This data is NOT linked to personal information (names, email addresses, etc.)
While not containing personally identifiable information, this data IS attributable to specific teams or user accounts (e.g., "System ABC123 experienced latency of 15ms")
In rare cases (e.g., data loss recovery), this technical data could be used to reconstruct swim meet results (times, placements) but would not contain swimmer names or personal details

Purpose: Product improvement, troubleshooting, debugging, feature development, and technical support.

Storage: Firebase database.

1.3 Analytics and Crash Reporting

We use third-party analytics services to understand how our Services are used:

Plausible Analytics (Website):

Privacy-focused analytics - Does not use cookies or track individuals
Website only: www.time-drops.com
Collects: Aggregate usage statistics (page views, referrers, general location by country)
No personal data collected - GDPR compliant by design
Open source - Transparent about data collection
Data stored in EU data centers
Privacy Policy: https://plausible.io/privacy

Google Analytics (Mobile Apps):

Mobile Apps (Console and TIME DROPS Live): Used without opt-out
Collects: Device information, usage patterns, feature interactions, session duration
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Firebase Crashlytics:

Used on mobile apps without opt-out
Collects: Crash reports, device information, app state at time of crash
Purpose: Identify and fix bugs, improve app stability
Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

Data Sharing:

Plausible data is not shared with third parties (privacy-focused service)
Mobile app analytics and crash data is shared with Google in accordance with their privacy policies

1.4 TIME DROPS Live - Meet Publication and Spectator Features

TIME DROPS Live allows meet operators to publish results for spectators to view:

Meet Data (Published by Meet Operators):

Meet name and basic information
Session titles
Event names and numbers
Heat and lane assignments
Swimmer names and ages (encrypted in our database)
Race results (times, placements)

Encryption and Access Control:

Swimmer names and ages are encrypted in our database
Access requires a 4-digit PIN communicated to spectators out-of-band (e.g., meet announcements, flyers, emails from meet organizers)
We do not have access to unencrypted swimmer information without the PIN

Spectator App Features:

Push Notifications (Opt-In):

Users can enable push notifications for specific swimmers' results
Requires: Notification permission and device push token
Device push tokens are sent to our server to enable notifications
Users can disable notifications at any time in app settings

Favorite Swimmer:

Stored locally on your device only
Not transmitted to our servers (except push notification token if notifications are enabled)

"Meets Near Me" Feature:

Requires location permission (optional)
Location data is used locally on your device to find nearby meets
We do not collect, transmit, or store your location data
Search is performed on your device using meet locations already in the database

Purpose: Enable meet organizers to share results with spectators; provide real-time updates to interested parties.

1.5 Location Data

Console Application (Android version):

Requires location permission for network discovery only (Android NEVER_FOR_LOCATION flag)
NOT used to track your physical location
NOT collected, transmitted, or stored
Purpose: Enable discovery of timing hardware devices on local network (technical requirement for Android OS)

TIME DROPS Live Application:

Location permission is optional (only for "Meets Near Me" feature)
If granted, location is used locally on your device to calculate distance to meets
We do not collect, transmit, or store your location data

1.6 User-Generated Content

Limited User-Generated Content:

Meet names, session titles, event descriptions (entered by meet operators)
No photos, comments, or social features
Content is limited to meet logistics and results data

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

Customer Information:

Process orders and subscriptions
Deliver products
Provide customer support
Send transactional emails (order confirmations, shipping updates, support responses)
Maintain account records

Performance and Usage Statistics:

Improve product performance and reliability
Debug and troubleshoot technical issues
Develop new features
Provide technical support
Analyze product usage patterns

Analytics Data:

Understand how Services are used
Improve user experience
Identify and fix bugs
Optimize app performance

Meet Publication Data:

Display meet results to authorized spectators (PIN holders)
Send push notifications (if opted in)
Enable "favorite swimmer" features

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties.

We share information only in the following limited circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

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

Payment Processing:

Stripe (U.S. purchases and subscriptions): https://stripe.com/privacy
PayPro Global (International subscriptions): https://paymentspro.com/privacy-policy/

Cloud Infrastructure:

Google Firebase (database, analytics, crash reporting): https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

Analytics:

Plausible Analytics (website analytics): https://plausible.io/privacy
Google Analytics (mobile app analytics): https://policies.google.com/privacy

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

Valid legal requests (subpoenas, court orders)
Legal process or government requests
Protection of our rights, property, or safety
Investigation of fraud or security issues

3.3 Business Transfers

If TIME DROPS LLC is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change in ownership or use of your personal information.

4. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide Services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy:

Customer Information:

Retained for the duration of customer relationship
Order history retained for 7 years (tax and accounting purposes)
You may request deletion (see Section 8 - Your Rights)

Performance and Usage Statistics:

Retained for 2 years or until no longer needed for product development

Analytics Data:

Retained according to Google Analytics and Firebase retention settings (typically 14-26 months)

Meet Publication Data:

Retained for 90 days after meet date, then deleted
May be retained longer if meet operator requests extended availability
Can be deleted earlier upon request

5. Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction:

Security Measures:

Encryption of sensitive data in transit (TLS/SSL)
Encryption of swimmer names and ages in database
Access controls and authentication
Regular security assessments
Secure cloud infrastructure (Google Firebase)
Payment processing through PCI-DSS compliant processors (Stripe, PayPro Global)

Important: No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not directed to children under 13 years of age.

Swimmer Information:

Meet results may include information about swimmers under 13 (names, ages, times)
This information is provided by meet operators (coaches, parents, officials)
Swimmer data is encrypted and requires PIN for access
We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13

If you are a parent or guardian and believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately at support@time-drops.com and we will delete such information.

7. International Data Transfers

TIME DROPS LLC is based in the United States. If you use our Services from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States.

Data Protection:

We use Google Firebase (which complies with international data protection frameworks)
Payment processors (Stripe, PayPro Global) maintain international compliance certifications

By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate.

8. Your Rights and Choices

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

8.1 Access and Correction

You may request:

Access to personal information we hold about you
Correction of inaccurate information
Copy of your data in portable format

8.2 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

Legal retention requirements (e.g., tax records)
Legitimate business needs (e.g., warranty support)
Ongoing contractual obligations

8.3 Marketing Communications

Current Practice: We do not send marketing emails. All emails are transactional (order confirmations, shipping updates, support).

Future Marketing (if implemented):

We will obtain your consent before sending marketing emails
You will be able to opt out via unsubscribe link in each email
Opting out will not affect transactional emails (which are necessary for service operation)

8.4 Analytics and Cookies

Website Cookies:

We use a cookie consent popup when you first visit our website
You can accept or decline cookies via this popup
Declining cookies does not affect website functionality (Plausible does not require cookies)

Plausible Analytics (Website):

Does not use cookies
Does not track individuals
Collects only aggregate, anonymous statistics
No opt-out needed (privacy-friendly by design)
Learn more: https://plausible.io/privacy

Mobile Apps:

Google Analytics and Crashlytics currently cannot be disabled in mobile apps
This may change in future app versions

8.5 Push Notifications

TIME DROPS Live:

Disable in app settings or device notification settings
Disabling notifications does not affect other app features

8.6 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights:

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed (we do not sell personal information)
Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (not applicable - we don't sell data)
Right to deletion (subject to exceptions)
Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights:

Right to access your data
Right to rectification
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent
Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authority

Legal basis for processing:

Contract performance (order fulfillment)
Legitimate interests (product improvement, support)
Consent (where applicable)

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services (e.g., payment processors, social media).

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use:

Stripe Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
PayPro Global Privacy Policy: https://paymentspro.com/privacy-policy/
Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Firebase Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Notification of Material Changes:

Material changes will be announced via email (if we have your email address)
Or prominent notice on our website
Continued use of Services after changes constitutes acceptance

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

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

TIME DROPS LLC Email: support@time-drops.com Address: 1839 Ygnacio Valley Rd #165, Walnut Creek, California 94598, United States Website: https://time-drops.com

Response Time: We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.

12. Data Controller

For purposes of data protection laws:

Data Controller: TIME DROPS LLC Location: United States Contact: support@time-drops.com

Appendix: Summary of Data Collection

Data Type	Purpose	Storage	Sharing	Retention
Customer Info (name, email, phone, address)	Order fulfillment	Firebase	Payment processors only	Duration of relationship + 7 years
Payment Info	Transaction processing	Stripe/PayPro (not by us)	Payment processors	Per processor policy
Performance Statistics	Product improvement	Firebase	None	2 years
Analytics Data (Website)	Usage analysis	Plausible	None (privacy-focused)	12 months
Analytics Data (Mobile)	Usage analysis	Google Analytics/Firebase	Google	14-26 months
Crash Reports	Bug fixing	Crashlytics	Google	Per Firebase policy
Meet Results (encrypted)	Spectator viewing	Firebase	None (encrypted)	90 days after meet
Push Tokens	Notifications	Firebase	Google (FCM)	Until user disables
Location	Network discovery / Local search	Not collected	None	Not collected

This Privacy Policy is effective as of November 18, 2025 and supersedes all prior versions.