Galamsey Reporter

Your privacy

Privacy policy

Plain-language explanation of what data we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.

The short version:

  • We don't ask for your name in reports
  • We don't sell your data
  • Photo location data helps map reports accurately
  • You can request to delete your data

What we collect

Report submissions

Location, date, description, and photos of illegal mining activity. We don't ask for your name or contact details in reports.

Account information (optional)

If you create an account, you can optionally add an email or phone number for account recovery. This is stored securely and never shown publicly.

Usage data (anonymized)

We collect anonymous information about how people use the platform (pages visited, features used) to improve the service. This cannot be linked to you personally.

What we don't collect

  • Your real name (accounts use auto-generated names)
  • Your home address or personal location history
  • Information about your other online activity
  • Biometric data

How we use your data

  • Display reports: Your submitted reports appear on the public map so the community can see and verify them.
  • Share with partners: Verified partner organizations (NGOs, government agencies) receive access to reports for enforcement and advocacy.
  • Account management: If you provided contact details, we use them only for account recovery and important platform notifications.
  • Improve the platform: Anonymous usage data helps us understand what works and what needs improvement.

What we don't do with your data

  • Sell it. We never sell your personal data to advertisers or data brokers.
  • Show ads. This platform has no advertising.
  • Track you across websites. We don't use third-party tracking cookies.
  • Share contact details publicly. Optional email/phone stays private.

How we protect your data

  • Encryption: Data is encrypted when it travels between your device and our servers, and when stored.
  • Access controls: Only trusted moderators and verified partners can access report details. Regular users see public information only.
  • Photo location data: Location data in photos helps accurately map reports of illegal mining. Your personal identity remains protected through anonymous accounts—we never link photos to your real name.
  • Secure infrastructure: We use industry-standard security practices for our database and servers, including encrypted connections and regular security reviews.

How long we keep your data

  • Reports: Kept indefinitely for historical record, unless you delete them.
  • Account data: Kept while your account is active. Deleted within 30 days of account deletion.
  • Analytics: Aggregated data kept indefinitely. Individual session data deleted after 90 days.
  • Backups: Encrypted backups are retained for up to 90 days for disaster recovery.

Who can access your data

Everyone sees:

  • Report location on the map
  • Report description
  • Submitted photos
  • Your public name (auto-generated)

Only moderators see:

  • Account details
  • Flagged content
  • Moderation history

Your optional contact details (email/phone) are never visible to other users or partners.

Your rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your data: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Delete your data: Request deletion of your account and associated data.
  • Delete reports: Request removal of your reports by contacting support.
  • Correct information: Update inaccurate personal information.

To exercise these rights, email privacy@galamseyreporter.org

Cookies and analytics

We use:

  • Essential cookies: Required for the platform to function (login sessions, preferences).
  • Analytics (anonymized): We use privacy-focused analytics to understand how people use the platform. This data cannot identify you.
  • Error tracking: Anonymous error reports help us fix bugs quickly.

We don't use advertising cookies or third-party tracking.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the platform evolves. We'll notify users of significant changes through the platform. Continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

Last updated: January 2026

Privacy questions

Questions about your privacy or data? privacy@galamseyreporter.org

We respond to privacy requests within 30 days.