Privacy Policy

Draft for review. This text describes how the new Monitco system works and must be checked by the owner, ideally with a lawyer, before it is published. Highlighted parts in [brackets] need the owner's facts.

Last updated: [date it is published]

This policy explains what information Monitco [legal company name, e.g. "Monitco LLC"] ("Monitco", "we") collects when you use our website monitco.net, the Monitco dashboard at app.monitco.net, and Monitco monitoring devices, and how we use and protect it. We are based in San Diego, California, USA.

1. The short version

  • We collect what is needed to run your monitoring service: your account details, the people you ask us to alert, and the readings your Monitco device sends — including its GPS location.
  • We do not sell your information, and we do not use advertising or tracking cookies.
  • Your data is stored on our own server in the United States [confirm: Hostinger VPS location] and is only shared with the service providers listed below, to deliver the service.
  • You can see your data in the dashboard, and you can ask us to export or delete it at any time.

2. Information we collect

When you create an account

  • Your name, email address and password. Passwords are stored only as a one-way scrambled value (Argon2); we cannot read them.
  • Optional profile details: phone number and postal address.
  • Extra alert contacts you add: up to three email addresses and three mobile numbers. Each one must confirm a code before we send it alerts.

From your Monitco device

  • The SIM card number (ICCID) that identifies the device, and the device's settings and firmware version.
  • Sensor readings, for example battery and shore-power voltage, temperature, noise level, door and alarm inputs, smoke detector and switch states, and cell signal strength — with the time of each reading.
  • Location: devices with GPS send their position. We store a location history so you can see where the asset has been and so we can warn you if it moves. Only you (and anyone you give your login to) can see it in the dashboard.

When you use the website or dashboard

  • Messages you send through our contact forms (name, email, phone if given, and your message).
  • Basic server logs (IP address, browser type, page requested, time), kept for security and troubleshooting for up to [14] days.
  • Billing details when online payment is enabled. Card details are entered on the payment provider's page and never reach our server; we keep only the plan, status and a customer reference from the provider.

3. How we use your information

  • To provide the monitoring service: show your readings, send the alerts you set up by email and text message, run the remote switches you control, and show your device's location.
  • To run your account and subscription: sign-in, verification codes, password resets, trial and billing notices.
  • To support you, answer messages and fix problems.
  • To keep the service secure: detecting abuse, limiting repeated sign-in attempts, and protecting devices from forged reports.

We do not use your information for advertising, and we do not sell or rent it.

4. Who we share it with

Only with companies that help us deliver the service, and only what they need:

  • Hostinger — hosts our server and sends our email (alerts, codes, receipts).
  • Your device's cellular carrier [e.g. Hologram] — carries the device's reports to our server.
  • Text-message provider [e.g. Twilio, when enabled] — delivers alert and code text messages to the numbers you add.
  • Payment provider [Stripe or PayPal, when enabled] — processes payments.
  • Map and chart providers — the dashboard map is drawn with OpenStreetMap map images (or Google Maps [if enabled]), and the dashboard loads its chart and map code from the jsDelivr and cdnjs services. These providers receive your IP address and the map area being viewed, but not your account details.

We may also disclose information if the law requires it, or to protect the rights and safety of our customers or the public.

5. Cookies

The monitco.net website sets no cookies. The dashboard at app.monitco.net uses one essential cookie that keeps you signed in for up to 14 days. We do not use analytics, advertising or tracking cookies.

6. How long we keep it

  • Account and contact details: while your account is open.
  • Device readings, location history and alert history: [proposed: 13 months], then deleted automatically.
  • Contact-form messages: [proposed: 2 years].
  • Billing records: as long as tax law requires [typically 7 years].

When you close your account we delete your account, contacts, readings and location history within [30] days, except records we must keep by law.

7. How we protect it

All connections to monitco.net and app.monitco.net are encrypted (HTTPS). Every Monitco device has its own secret key and signs each report, so reports cannot be faked or replayed. Passwords are stored scrambled, accounts are locked after repeated wrong passwords, and our server is limited to the people who run Monitco. No system is perfectly secure; if a breach affects your information, we will tell you as the law requires.

8. Your choices and rights

  • See and change your profile, contacts and alert settings in the dashboard at any time.
  • Remove extra alert contacts, turn alerts off, or turn off GPS movement alerts for a device.
  • Ask us for a copy of your information, to correct it, or to delete your account — email support@monitco.net.
  • California residents can ask what personal information we hold about them and request its deletion; we do not sell or share personal information for advertising. [lawyer to confirm which state laws apply]

9. Location of a device you don't own

Only install a Monitco device on property you own or are authorized to monitor. Do not use Monitco to track a person without their consent.

10. Children

Monitco is not intended for children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their information.

11. Changes to this policy

If we make important changes, we will post the new version here and email account holders before it takes effect.

12. Contact us

Monitco [legal company name and mailing address]
San Diego, California
Email: info@monitco.net · Phone: (951) 520 3552