Privacy Policy

The Tick Stick™ App — Innovative Products Group, LLC

Last updated: April 9, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how The Tick Stick App ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information when you use the App:

Location Data: When you use the Tick Sighting Map feature, we collect approximate geographic coordinates to place your tick sighting report on the map. We do not track your location continuously or in the background.
User-Submitted Content: When you submit a tick sighting or post a community tip, we collect the information you provide including display name, tip content, tick species, sighting details, and any notes you choose to include.
Usage Data: We may collect anonymous usage data such as which features are used most frequently. This data cannot be used to identify you personally.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Display community tick sighting reports on the map for all users
Show community tips and tricks on the Tips & Tricks board
Improve the accuracy and usefulness of the App
Understand how users interact with the App to guide future development

3. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase Firestore, a cloud database service provided by Google LLC. Firebase employs industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit and at rest. We implement access controls to prevent unauthorized modification or deletion of data.

While we take reasonable steps to protect your information, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. We encourage you to avoid submitting sensitive personal health information beyond what is necessary for tick reporting purposes.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We share data only in the following circumstances:

Google Firebase: Your submitted content is stored on Google Firebase infrastructure. Google's privacy policy applies to their handling of this data and can be found at policies.google.com/privacy.
Public Community Data: Tick sighting reports and community tips are visible to all users of the App. Do not include personally identifying information in your sighting notes or tip content.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal process.

5. Community Content

The Tips & Tricks feature allows users to post community tips using a self-selected display name. This content is public and visible to all users of the App. Do not post personal health information, real names, addresses, or any other sensitive information in community posts. Tips shared in the community are not medical advice.

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has submitted information through the App, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Request deletion of content you have submitted by contacting us directly
Opt out of any future analytics collection
Request information about what data we hold related to your submissions

8. Medical Disclaimer

The Tick Stick App is an informational tool only. Nothing in the App constitutes medical advice. Tick testing results, community tips, and any information provided through the App should not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Always seek professional medical advice regarding tick bites, tick-borne illness, and treatment options.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes by updating the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

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

Email: thetickstickco@gmail.com
Business: Innovative Products Group, LLC
Location: Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, USA

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