Last updated: January 1, 2026
This Privacy Policy describes how Walking Key West (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, and protects information when you use the Walking Key West mobile application and the website hosted at this domain (collectively, the “Service”). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described here.
1. Information We Collect
a. Anonymous device information
The mobile app does not require an account, email address, or password. When you first open the app, we automatically register your device using:
- A randomly generated device identifier created by the app on your phone.
- The platform your device runs on (for example, iOS or Android).
- An optional cruise ship selection, if you choose to tell us which ship you arrived on.
- The date and time your device was last seen using the Service.
We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or government identifiers through the mobile app.
b. Location and visit data
The Service is location-aware. With your permission, the app uses your device’s location to identify nearby points of interest (“POIs”) and to trigger audio and content as you walk. When you visit a POI, we record:
- The POI you visited and the time of the visit.
- The approximate latitude and longitude reported by your device at the time of the visit.
- The anonymous device identifier described above.
You can disable location access at any time in your device settings. Without location access, the auto-trigger and nearby-POI features will not function.
c. Audio narration
Audio narration is delivered using Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services (Speech). Text content from POIs is sent to Microsoft to synthesize audio. We do not send your device identifier or location data to Microsoft as part of speech synthesis. Microsoft’s handling of that request is governed by their own privacy terms.
d. Administrator accounts
A small number of administrators sign in to a private admin area to manage POI and ship content. For those accounts only, we store an email address and a securely hashed password. Administrator accounts are not available to the general public.
e. Server logs
Like most online services, our servers automatically record technical information about requests, including IP address, request path, status code, and timestamp. These logs are used to operate, secure, and troubleshoot the Service.
2. How We Use Information
- To provide and operate the Service, including showing nearby POIs and playing narration.
- To remember the cruise ship you selected so we can tailor recommendations.
- To compile aggregate, non-identifying statistics about how the Service is used (for example, total visits, popular POIs, and ship-level usage counts).
- To maintain security, prevent abuse, and diagnose technical problems.
3. How We Share Information
We do not sell your information. We share information only:
- With service providers who host or power the Service (for example, our cloud hosting provider and Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services), strictly to operate the Service.
- When required by law, legal process, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of users or the public.
- In aggregated or de-identified form that cannot reasonably be used to identify you.
4. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The public website does not use advertising or analytics cookies. The administrator area uses a single, essential authentication cookie to keep signed-in administrators logged in. This cookie is not used by the public-facing pages or the mobile app.
5. Data Retention
We retain anonymous device records and visit history for as long as needed to operate the Service and produce usage statistics. Server logs are retained for a limited period for security and troubleshooting purposes. Administrator account records are retained for the life of the account.
6. Security
We use industry-standard technical and organizational measures to protect information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS), hashed passwords for administrator accounts, and access controls on backend systems. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Children’s Privacy
The Service is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us so we can delete it.
8. Your Choices and Rights
- Location: You can grant or revoke location access at any time in your device settings.
- Reset device identity: Reinstalling the app generates a new anonymous device identifier and disconnects you from prior anonymous activity.
- Access and deletion: Depending on where you live, you may have the right to request a copy of, or deletion of, information associated with your device. Because we do not collect personally identifying information from app users, we may need additional information (such as your device identifier) to locate the records associated with you.
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.
9. International Users
The Service is operated from the United States. If you use the Service from outside the United States, you understand that your information will be processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Material changes will be highlighted on the website and, where appropriate, within the app.
11. Contact Us
Questions or requests about this Privacy Policy can be sent to privacy@walkingkeywest.com.