Black Rock Compass is an independent companion app for the Burning Man event in Black Rock City.
It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or verified by Burning Man Project.
Overview
Black Rock Compass ("we", "our", "the app") helps attendees of Black Rock City browse the event
schedule, navigate a map, and find and message friends on the playa. This policy explains what
information we collect, how we use it, and your rights. We do not sell your personal information
and we do not share it with third-party advertisers.
Information We Collect
Google account information: When you sign in with Google, we receive your
name and email address (and profile photo, if available).
This is used only to create and identify your Black Rock Compass account. We request only basic
profile and email scopes; we do not access your Gmail, Drive, contacts, or other Google data.
Precise location: With your permission, we collect your precise GPS coordinates
to power the Friend Finder and map. Location is shared only with friends you have connected with,
and only while sharing is on and the app is open. It is overwritten on each update (no history)
and is automatically deleted after 12 hours. Turn sharing off to delete it immediately; Ghost Mode
keeps you connected but hides your coordinates (they are redacted, not stored).
User-submitted content: Messages you send to friends, saved events, an optional
playa name, camp name, and camp location, and other content you create in the app.
Device information: Basic device and browser information for functionality and
debugging (for example, platform type and screen size).
How We Use Your Information
To provide the app's features: schedule, map, friend finder, and messaging.
To show your location to friends you have connected with (only while sharing is on).
To personalize your experience (saved events and preferences).
To improve the app and fix bugs.
Data Storage, Sharing & Retention
Your data is stored in Google Firebase (Firestore and Authentication) with security rules that
restrict access. Personal data (messages, saved events) is accessible only to you and intended
recipients. Google Firebase processes data as our infrastructure provider, subject to Google's
privacy policies. Location data is overwritten on each update and deleted after 12 hours. We may
disclose information if required by law.
Your Rights
Sign out at any time to stop data collection.
Disable location sharing at any time.
Delete your account and all associated data at any time from the Settings menu, or by emailing us.
Use the app without signing in to browse public content.
Children's Privacy
Black Rock Compass is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal
information from children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes are reflected by the "Last updated" date above.