SpokaneWire Privacy Policy · Wire Local (mobile app)
Wire Local Privacy Policy
Wire Local by Tolowa Studio · companion app for SpokaneWire
Last Updated: May 22, 2026
This policy describes how Tolowa Studio ("we," "us") collects and uses information when you use the Wire Local mobile application for iOS and Android (the "App"). The App connects to SpokaneWire (spokanewire.com) for local incident data, community submissions, and account services. Our website privacy policy at spokanewire.com/privacy also applies where relevant.
Information We Collect
- Account information: When you sign in (Apple, Google, or email), we receive your email address and display name via Firebase Authentication. We create a mobile account linked to your city selection.
- Contributor profile: Tips, photos, reputation points, badges, and leaderboard ranking when you participate in community features.
- Location: Foreground location only — when you submit a report or use map features. We do not track your location in the background.
- Photos: Images you capture or choose for community submissions. Faces may be blurred before review. Photos are stored on Cloudinary and reviewed by our newsroom before publication.
- Push notification token: An Expo push token and your alert category preferences to deliver incident notifications you opt into.
- Device information: Platform (iOS/Android), app version, and city slug for service delivery.
How We Use Information
- Provide live incident feeds, maps, and push alerts for your selected city
- Moderate and publish community submissions
- Operate contributor points, leaderboards, and sponsor giveaways
- Send email updates from SpokaneWire (e.g. The Dispatch) when you create an account, unless you opt out in the App or via unsubscribe links
- Improve reliability, security, and abuse prevention
What We Do Not Do
- Sell your personal information
- Use precise real-time location for advertising
- Track you across other companies' apps for ads
- Target children under 13 — the App is not directed at kids
Third-Party Services
We use trusted processors including Google Cloud, Firebase, Cloudinary, OpenAI (optional AI photo captions), Expo push delivery, and email/newsletter providers. Data is transmitted over HTTPS.
Your Choices
- Read incidents without an account
- Control push categories and quiet hours in App settings
- Opt out of marketing email in account settings
- Delete your account in Settings → Delete my account (permanent after grace period)
Contact
Questions about Wire Local or this policy: privacy@spokanewire.com