Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how TALA ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our traffic flow simulation system. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Simulation Configuration Data:

• Day of week and time settings
• Weather conditions selected
• Traffic density scenarios
• Vehicle mix percentages
• Signal timing configurations
• Accident placement and parameters

Note: This data is stored locally in your browser and is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly save or share scenarios.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Usage Data:

• Simulation run duration
• Number of simulations executed
• Features used (e.g., accident placement, signal adjustments)
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Screen resolution
• General location (city/country level only)

Technical Data:

• IP address (anonymized)
• Session duration
• Error logs and crash reports
• Performance metrics

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We do not collect:

• Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
• Precise geolocation data
• Payment information (the system is free to use)
• Biometric data
• Social media profiles

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Uses

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the simulation system
• Improve system performance and user experience
• Identify and fix bugs and technical issues
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance features
• Generate anonymized statistics for research purposes

3.2 Research and Educational Purposes

Anonymized, aggregated data may be used for:

• Academic research publications
• Educational presentations
• System improvement studies
• Traffic modeling research

Important: Individual user data is never published or shared in identifiable form.

4. Third-Party Services

4.1 Mapbox

TALA uses Mapbox for map visualization. When you use the map features:

• Mapbox may collect usage data according to their privacy policy
• Map tile requests are sent to Mapbox servers
• Your IP address may be visible to Mapbox

Mapbox Privacy Policy: https://www.mapbox.com/legal/privacy

4.2 Geocoding Services

When using the search feature:

• Location search queries are sent to Mapbox Geocoding API
• Search terms and results are processed by Mapbox
• We do not store your search history

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Local Storage

Most of your data is stored locally in your browser using:

• LocalStorage (simulation configurations)
• SessionStorage (temporary session data)

You control this data and can clear it at any time through your browser settings.

5.2 Server-Side Data

If we collect analytics data:

• Data is stored securely on our servers
• Data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS)
• Access is restricted to authorized personnel only
• Data retention: 12 months maximum

5.3 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit
• Secure server configurations
• Regular security updates
• Access controls and authentication

However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information.

6. Cookies and Tracking

6.1 Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies:

• Session management
• User preferences (theme, language)
• Security tokens

Analytics Cookies (if applicable):

• Usage statistics
• Feature adoption rates
• Performance monitoring

6.2 Your Cookie Choices

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling essential cookies may affect system functionality.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access your locally stored data through browser developer tools
• Delete your local data by clearing browser storage
• Request information about any server-side data we hold (if applicable)

7.2 Opt-Out Options

You can opt out of:

• Analytics tracking (via browser settings or extensions)
• Third-party cookies (via browser settings)

8. Children's Privacy

TALA is designed for educational use but is not specifically directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete it promptly.

9. International Users

TALA is operated from the Philippines. If you access the system from outside the Philippines, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the Philippines, where data protection laws may differ from your jurisdiction.

10. Data Retention

10.1 Local Data

• Stored indefinitely in your browser until you clear it
• Under your complete control

10.2 Server Data (if applicable)

• Usage logs: 12 months
• Error reports: 6 months
• Aggregated statistics: Indefinitely (anonymized)

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be prominently announced.

Your continued use of TALA after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Academic Research Context

TALA was developed as an academic research project. Any data collected is used primarily for:

• Improving the simulation model
• Academic publications (anonymized and aggregated)
• Educational demonstrations
• System development and maintenance

13. Your California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell your information)

14. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have rights under GDPR:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing

15. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices:

For privacy-specific inquiries, please include "Privacy Policy" in your email subject line.

16. Data Protection Officer

For formal privacy requests or concerns: