Privacy Policy — Backyard Hero

Why this page exists

This Privacy Policy is published primarily to satisfy the requirements for code-signing and distributing the Backyard Hero applications — app stores, signing authorities, and operating-system distribution channels require a published privacy policy before an application can be signed and shipped.

You are welcome to read through it, but the short version is simple: no information is being collected or sold. The desktop application runs locally and does not phone home. The details below describe the limited information handled only if you choose to use online features such as the Contributor Portal.

Scope of this policy

This Privacy Policy applies to the Backyard Hero website (backyard-hero.com), the Backyard Hero Contributor Portal (cloud.backyard-hero.com), and the Backyard Hero desktop and device software (collectively, the "Services").

The Backyard Hero desktop application runs locally on your computer. It does not require an account to operate, and it does not transmit your show files, hardware telemetry, or usage data to us unless you explicitly choose to use an online feature (for example, signing in to the Contributor Portal or importing cloud catalog data). This policy primarily concerns the information processed by our website and Contributor Portal.

By using the Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services.

Information we collect

We collect only the information needed to provide and improve the Services. This may include:

Information you provide to us

Account information. When you create a Contributor Portal account, we collect information such as your name (or username), email address, and login credentials.
Communications. When you contact us by email or submit a request (for example, a hardware request or support inquiry), we collect the information you choose to include in that message.
Optional profile or shipping details. If you request contributor hardware, we may collect the shipping and contact details necessary to fulfill that request.

Information collected automatically

Log and device data. Like most websites, our servers automatically record certain information when you visit, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring pages, and the dates and times of your requests. This is used for security, diagnostics, and basic analytics.
Cookies and similar technologies. We use a limited set of cookies to keep you signed in and to remember basic preferences. See the Cookies section below.

We do not knowingly collect sensitive personal information (such as government identifiers, health information, or precise geolocation), and we do not require it to use the Services.

How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide, maintain, and operate the Services, including authenticating your account.
Respond to your inquiries, support requests, and hardware requests.
Secure the Services, prevent abuse, and diagnose technical problems.
Understand how the Services are used so we can improve them.
Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

We do not use your personal information for third-party advertising, and we do not build advertising profiles about you.

Cookies and similar technologies

A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use cookies primarily for essential functions, such as keeping you signed in to the Contributor Portal and remembering basic preferences. We may also use limited, privacy-respecting analytics to understand aggregate usage.

You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Contributor Portal, including the ability to stay signed in.

How we share information

We do not sell your personal information. We do not rent, trade, or otherwise share your personal information with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

Service providers. With vendors who help us operate the Services (for example, hosting, email delivery, or shipping), only to the extent necessary to perform those services on our behalf, and under obligations to protect your information.
Legal requirements. When required to comply with applicable law, regulation, legal process, or an enforceable governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Backyard Hero, our users, or others.
Business transfers. If Backyard Hero is involved in a merger, acquisition, or transfer of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, subject to this policy.
With your consent. In any other case, only with your direction or consent.

Data retention

We retain personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Services, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer needed, we take reasonable steps to delete or anonymize it. You may request deletion of your account information as described in Your rights below.

Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect your information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your rights and choices

Depending on where you live, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or delete the information we hold about you, and the right to object to or restrict certain processing. Residents of the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and certain U.S. states (such as California) may have additional rights under laws like the GDPR and CCPA/CPRA.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request consistent with applicable law. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

Children's privacy

The Services are not directed to children under the age of 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

International users

Backyard Hero is operated from the United States. If you access the Services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate. By using the Services, you understand that your information may be processed in countries whose data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

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. If we make material changes, we will take reasonable steps to notify you, such as by posting a notice on the website. We encourage you to review this page periodically.

Contact us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

This Privacy Policy is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.