Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 3, 2026

Going Blue is operated by Lane Aasen (help@going.blue).

Summary

To get a forecast from Going Blue, users send a location, forecast options, and an anonymous token generated by the app. There is no sign-up, name, email address, or password required. Going Blue uses no analytics, ads, or tracking.

Account Token

Going Blue does not require an account. Instead, it uses an anonymous token that is created on first launch. The token is a random value that is not tied to a name, phone number, email, or device identifier. The account token is only used to count requests against usage limits.

Data Retention

The server stores one record per request including time of the request, location rounded to 1 km, forecast options, reply size, timing information, and account token. Phone numbers are not stored. This data is stored for as long as the service runs. It is used for usage tracking and may be used for training the encoder on real-world usage.

Going Blue stores a token, previously decoded forecasts, settings, and downloaded offline maps on your phone.

Data Deletion

Steps:

1. Open the Going Blue app.
2. Tap the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
3. Scroll down to "Delete my data" and confirm.

This immediately erases your token from the server and erases all data stored on your phone. Request records are kept on the server with the token removed so that they can't be linked back to you.

Data cannot be deleted outside the app, since the app's stored token is the only way a token is linked to you. If you delete the app before deleting your account, the anonymous token will remain on the server but there will be no way to link to you. Delete your account before deleting the app if you want the token erased from the server.

App Permissions

Going Blue asks for location permission when requesting a forecast. It never uses your location in the background. Location permission is not required. If you don't want to grant location permission, simply set the location option to "Custom" and pick a forecast location on the map.

Third Parties

Going Blue sells no data. Data is only shared with the following third parties for operation of the service:

• Open-Meteo: Forecast coordinates and options. No account token.
• Twilio: SMS requests and replies, including phone number. Twilio retains the phone number and message text for 30 days. Mobile information and SMS opt-in consent are never shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.
• Google Cloud: Server hosting and production database. Server logs are retained for 30 days.
• Cloudflare: Serves maps.
• Expo: App update delivery.
• Carriers: Mobile carriers and satellite networks see your phone number and retain messages according to their own policies.
• Law enforcement: Only where required by law.

Text Messages

Going Blue only replies to forecast requests. It never sends marketing, recurring, or unsolicited messages. Going Blue may send multiple messages in response to a forecast request if "Multi-message forecast" is enabled in the app.

Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out and HELP for help.

Children

Going Blue is not directed to children under 13 and does not knowingly collect information from them.

Changes

Changes to this policy are posted here and the date at the top is updated.