Privacy Policy for Evacuation Route Map App
For a smartphone application that provides evacuation support during tsunamis and other disasters
The Coastal and Port Laboratory, Chuo University (the "Laboratory") handles information relating to users as follows in connection with the provision of the smartphone application for evacuation support during tsunamis and other disasters (the "App") provided by the Laboratory.
The Laboratory recognizes the importance of protecting personal information and will handle acquired information properly and securely in compliance with applicable laws, guidelines, and relevant university regulations.
【Key Points】
1.Information We May Collect
In providing the App, the Laboratory may collect the following information:
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Information Entered by Users
・ Name, affiliation, email address, and other contact information entered or sent by users when making inquiries
・Survey responses and any other information voluntarily provided by users -
Location Information
・ Information regarding the user's current location
The App may obtain the user's location information for the purpose of displaying evacuation routes, guiding users to nearby evacuation sites, displaying disaster-related information, and providing other evacuation support functions. -
Information Regarding Devices and Usage Status
・ Device identifiers, OS information, and app version
・ Date and time of use, operation history, screen transitions, and application launch status
・ Identifiers required for notification delivery
・ Crash information, error logs, and other information required for troubleshooting and malfunction analysis
2.Purposes of Use
The Laboratory uses the acquired information for the following purposes:
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To provide functions of the App, including evacuation route display, evacuation site guidance, disaster-related information display, and other support functions
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To deliver disaster-related notices such as tsunami warnings, alerts, and evacuation support information
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To respond to inquiries regarding the App, communicate with users, and verify identity when necessary
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To maintain, operate, and improve the App, investigate malfunctions, and enhance quality
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To analyze usage status, create statistical data, and conduct research and development
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To comply with applicable laws, exercise rights, or perform obligations
3.Handling of Location Information
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The App uses location information to provide evacuation support functions.
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Location information is obtained within the scope of the user's consent.
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The method and scope of obtaining location information may vary depending on the user's device settings, OS specifications, use of the App, and other conditions.
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The Laboratory uses acquired location information to display evacuation routes, guide users to nearby evacuation sites, display disaster-related information, and improve functions.
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The Laboratory does not intend to identify any specific individual solely from location information.
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Location information will be retained only to the extent necessary to achieve the purposes of use, and information that is no longer necessary will be deleted or anonymized by appropriate means.
4.Use of External Services
The Laboratory may use external services to improve the quality of the App, analyze malfunctions, and improve operations.
For example, analytics and notification services such as Google Firebase may be used to process the following information:
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App usage status
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Device information
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Crash logs
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Information required for notification delivery
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Other technical information necessary for service improvement
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Such information will be handled in accordance with the privacy policies established by the respective service providers.
5.Provision to Third Parties
Except in the following cases, the Laboratory will not provide acquired personal information to any third party without obtaining the prior consent of the individual concerned:
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Where required by law
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Where necessary for the protection of a person's life, body, or property and it is difficult to obtain the individual's consent
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Where especially necessary for improving public health or promoting the sound development of children and it is difficult to obtain the individual's consent
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Where cooperation is necessary with a national government organ, local public entity, or a person entrusted by such an organ or entity in executing affairs prescribed by law, and obtaining the individual's consent is likely to impede the execution of such affairs
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Where information is provided as statistical or anonymized data that cannot identify any individual
6.Security Control Measures
The Laboratory will take necessary and appropriate security control measures to prevent leakage, loss, damage, unauthorized access, and similar risks with respect to the information it has acquired.
The Laboratory will also review retention periods, impose access restrictions, and implement other controls as appropriate to the nature of the information handled.
7.Retention Period
The Laboratory will retain acquired information only for the period necessary to achieve the purposes of use.
Unless retention is required by law, information that is no longer necessary will be deleted, anonymized, or its use will be suspended by appropriate means.
8.User Rights
In accordance with applicable laws, users may request that the Laboratory disclose, correct, add to, delete, suspend the use of, or suspend third-party provision of their personal information.
If you wish to make any such request, please contact the inquiry desk set out below.
9.Important Notes
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The App provides reference information intended to support evacuation during tsunamis and other disasters.
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Information displayed in the App may be delayed, inaccurate, or unavailable due to communications conditions, device conditions, external service conditions, or other circumstances.
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Users shall not rely solely on the information provided by the App and shall take evacuation actions based on their own judgment and responsibility in accordance with information and instructions issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency, local governments, police, fire departments, and other public authorities.
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Except in cases of willful misconduct or gross negligence, the Laboratory shall not be liable for any damage incurred by users or third parties arising from use of, or inability to use, the App.
10.Changes to This Privacy Policy
The Laboratory may revise this Privacy Policy as necessary.
If any material changes are made, the Laboratory will notify users within the App or by any other appropriate means.
11.Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the handling of personal information, please contact:
Privacy Information Inquiry Desk
〒112-8551
1-13-27 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 112-8551, Japan
Room 2404, 4th Floor, Building No. 2, Korakuen Campus
Coastal and Port Laboratory, Chuo University
Established: January 29, 2026