Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 12, 2026  |  Social Data Group, LLC

This Privacy Policy describes how Social Data Group, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you visit TwisterZone (twisterzone.com). We are committed to being transparent about our data practices.

1. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide

• Location searches: When you search for a county or location, that search string is processed to return weather data. We do not store individual search queries tied to your identity.

B. Information Collected Automatically

• Log data: Standard web server logs including IP address, browser type, referring URL, and pages viewed.
• Cookies: We and our third-party partners use cookies to enable site functionality, analytics, and advertising. See Section 3 for details.
• Device information: Browser type, operating system, screen resolution, and general location derived from IP address.

2. How We Use Information

3. Third-Party Services & Cookies

Google Analytics (GA4)

We use Google Analytics (Property ID: G-SSZ06S0Z8G) to collect aggregated, anonymized data about site usage. Google Analytics sets cookies to track sessions and page interactions. This data is used to improve TwisterZone's features and performance. You can opt out using the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.

HostSDG Stats

TwisterZone uses HostSDG Stats, a privacy-friendly analytics platform operated by Social Data Group, LLC. This collects aggregate page view and session data without cookies or personal identifiers. No data is sold or shared with third parties.

SocialDataGroup Pear

TwisterZone uses Pear, a lightweight event tracking tool operated by Social Data Group, LLC, to measure feature engagement. No personal data is collected, sold, or shared. All data remains within Social Data Group, LLC infrastructure.

Google AdSense

TwisterZone displays advertisements served by Google AdSense. Google uses cookies (including the DoubleClick cookie) to serve ads based on your prior visits to this site and other websites across the internet. You may opt out of personalized ads at Google Ad Settings or via the Digital Advertising Alliance opt-out tool.

National Weather Service (NWS) / NOAA APIs

Weather data is fetched from NWS/NOAA public APIs. No personal information is transmitted to NWS in connection with your use of TwisterZone.

Broadcastify

Links to Broadcastify scanner audio are provided. If you follow those links, Broadcastify's own privacy policy applies.

RadioReference

Links to RadioReference frequency data are provided. If you follow those links, RadioReference's own privacy policy applies.

Iowa Environmental Mesonet (IEM) / NWS NEXRAD Radar

Radar tiles are loaded from IEM's public WMS endpoint (mesonet.agron.iastate.edu). IEM may log tile requests including your IP address per standard server logging. IEM is operated by Iowa State University and serves public domain NWS NEXRAD data.

4. Cookies

TwisterZone uses the following types of cookies:

• Strictly Necessary: Required for basic site functionality (e.g., remembering your last searched location).
• Analytics: Google Analytics cookies (_ga, _gid, etc.) to measure usage patterns.
• Advertising: Google AdSense / DoubleClick cookies for personalized advertising.

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

5. Data Retention

TwisterZone does not maintain a persistent user database or user accounts. Server logs are retained for up to 30 days for security purposes and then deleted. Analytics data is retained per Google Analytics' default retention settings (26 months by default).

6. Children's Privacy

TwisterZone is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us and we will delete it.

7. Do Not Track

TwisterZone does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals. We encourage you to use the opt-out mechanisms described in Section 3 for analytics and advertising controls.

8. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to request information about the categories of personal information we collect, the purposes for which we use it, and whether we sell it. We do not sell personal information. To submit a request, contact us at the address below.

9. Your Choices

• Analytics opt-out: Google Analytics Opt-Out
• Ad personalization opt-out: Google Ad Settings
• Browser cookie controls: See your browser's help documentation

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The effective date at the top will be updated accordingly. Continued use of TwisterZone after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.