Privacy Policy for BitLocal

Last updated: April 26, 2026

BitLocal is developed by Brink 13 Labs, LLC. This Privacy Policy explains how BitLocal handles information when you use the BitLocal iOS app.

BitLocal is designed to work without accounts, ads, analytics SDKs, or third-party tracking. We do not sell personal information.

Information BitLocal Collects

BitLocal does not require you to create an account or provide personal information to use the app.

BitLocal does not use advertising identifiers, analytics SDKs, or tracking SDKs. The app's Apple privacy manifest declares no collected data types and no tracking.

Location Information

BitLocal may ask for access to your location so it can show nearby Bitcoin-accepting businesses, center the map, suggest nearby alert cities, and calculate distances.

Location access is optional. You can deny or disable location access in iOS Settings, and BitLocal remains usable without location permission.

When location access is enabled, BitLocal uses your location for app functionality. BitLocal does not operate a user-location tracking service, does not sell location data, and does not use location data for advertising or analytics.

Some location-related features rely on Apple system services, including Core Location, MapKit, Apple Maps, local search, and geocoding. Apple may process requests needed to provide those services under Apple's privacy policies and system settings.

Merchant Data, Search, and Maps

BitLocal displays merchant and community information from third-party public data sources, including BTC Map and OpenStreetMap. This data can include business names, addresses, coordinates, websites, phone numbers, opening hours, payment method details, events, community information, and other public listing metadata.

BitLocal may request current merchant, search, event, and community data from BTC Map APIs. These requests are used to display and refresh app content. BitLocal does not send account information to BTC Map because BitLocal does not have BitLocal user accounts.

Map display, directions, geocoding, and place search may use Apple services such as MapKit and Apple Maps. If you open a third-party website, map link, social link, or other external resource from BitLocal, that service's privacy policy applies.

Adding or Updating Businesses

BitLocal does not currently collect in-app business submissions. When you choose to add a business, BitLocal links you to BTC Map so you can submit information there.

Information you provide to BTC Map is handled by BTC Map and any services it uses, not by BitLocal. Review BTC Map's policies and terms before submitting information.

Merchant Alerts and Notifications

BitLocal includes optional merchant alerts. If you turn on alerts, BitLocal may ask for notification permission and may require iCloud availability.

When alerts are enabled, BitLocal stores your selected alert city on your device. BitLocal also creates a CloudKit subscription in Apple's iCloud infrastructure so Apple can deliver notifications when matching city digest records are created. The subscription is based on a city or location identifier, not a BitLocal account.

BitLocal's alert system uses CloudKit records such as city digests that may include city names, merchant counts, merchant identifiers, and merchant names. BitLocal reads those records to show an in-app update and schedule a local notification. Notification text may include the city and names or counts of newly added merchants.

You can stop alerts in the app, disable notifications in iOS Settings, or manage iCloud availability through Apple settings.

Local Storage

BitLocal stores some information locally on your device to make the app work, remember preferences, and improve performance. This may include:

• App settings such as appearance, distance units, onboarding status, and feature hints.
• Cached BTC Map merchant, search, event, and community data.
• Last update timestamps and cache metadata.
• Optional merchant alert city settings and the latest alert digest.
• Recently needed app state used to restore or improve the user experience.

Some alert settings may be stored in the iOS Keychain for durability. Cached data may be removed by iOS or refreshed by the app.

Wallet Links and Bitcoin Payments

BitLocal may display Bitcoin or Lightning payment information from public merchant data. BitLocal may help copy a Lightning address or open a compatible wallet app or payment link using iOS URL handling.

BitLocal does not process, custody, broker, verify, or guarantee Bitcoin or Lightning transactions. If you open a wallet app or external payment link, that wallet or service's privacy policy and terms apply.

Support, Feedback, and Email

If you contact BitLocal by email for support, bug reports, or feature suggestions, we receive the information you choose to send, such as your email address, message, and any details you include. We use this information to respond to you, troubleshoot issues, and improve BitLocal.

Third-Party Services

BitLocal may interact with or link to third-party services, including:

• Apple services, including iOS, iCloud, CloudKit, Apple Push Notification service, Core Location, MapKit, Apple Maps, geocoding, and local search.
• BTC Map for merchant, event, community, and add-location workflows.
• OpenStreetMap for map and listing data attribution.
• External websites linked from merchant records or app resources.
• Wallet apps or payment links you choose to open.
• Email services used when you contact support.

We do not control third-party services and are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review each service's privacy policy before using it.

Data Sharing

BitLocal does not sell personal information. BitLocal does not share personal information with advertisers or analytics providers.

Information may be processed by third-party services only as needed for features you use, such as Apple services for maps, location, notifications, and iCloud; BTC Map for public merchant data and add-location workflows; external websites you open; wallet apps you choose to use; or email providers when you contact support.

Data Retention and Deletion

Local app data remains on your device until it is replaced, cleared by iOS, removed by app behavior, or removed when you delete the app.

CloudKit alert subscriptions can be removed by turning off alerts in BitLocal. You can also disable notifications in iOS Settings.

Support emails are retained as needed to respond, keep business records, and improve support. You can request deletion of support correspondence by contacting us, subject to legal or operational requirements.

Children's Privacy

BitLocal is a general-audience app and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted at the public privacy policy page and may also be reflected in this repository.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at [email protected].

Public privacy policy: https://www.bitlocal.app/privacy