Last updated: February 7, 2026
HWA NYC ("HWA", "we", "us") is a location-based service available as a web app and iOS mobile application, designed to work only within New York City. We built HWA NYC to be usable without accounts and without collecting personal identity data. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, what we don't collect, and how the app works.
HWA NYC is operated by Heavy Fish Inc., Brooklyn, New York, United States.
Contact: privacy@hwa.nyc
We do not ask for or store:
HWA NYC collects limited data that is necessary to provide the Service:
A) Location (required during the session). HWA NYC requires access to your device location during your session to confirm you are within New York City and to enable core features. If you do not allow location access, HWA NYC will not function.
Location is processed at the level of NYC census block groups (clusters of blocks within census tracts). There are 15,464 block groups in New York City.
We do not maintain user accounts and we do not store your precise GPS coordinates as a user profile. Instead, the app uses your location to determine the relevant block group and records activity as aggregated counts.
Votes are stored as hourly totals per block group in our database. This means we keep counts by place and hour, not a user history.
B) Essential cookie (required). We use one essential cookie to maintain voting integrity and apply voting limits. It is not optional because it is required for the Service to function.
Cookie name: hwa_session_id
Purpose: Identify a device/browser anonymously for the voting system (not to identify a person).
Format: hwa_[random]_[timestamp] (example: hwa_abc123xyz_1k2j3k4)
Duration: 365 days (1 year)
Attributes: path=/; SameSite=Lax
Content: Random ID only. It does not contain personal data.
Created: The first time you visit the app.
Used to:
This cookie is essential, anonymous, not used for advertising, and not shared with third parties for marketing.
Cookies and similar technologies used on HWA NYC:
Essential cookie (always on). hwa_session_id (described above) is required for core functionality and voting integrity.
Analytics cookies (Google Analytics). We use Google Analytics (GA4) to understand general usage (for example: page views, session patterns, and aggregated traffic trends). We do not use Google Analytics for advertising, remarketing, or user-level ad targeting.
Google Analytics may set the following cookies (names may vary based on your GA configuration):
If you prefer, you can limit cookies through your browser settings. Note that blocking or deleting the essential cookie may impact voting limits and certain functionality.
We use trusted service providers to operate and improve the Service, including:
These providers may process limited technical data (such as device/browser information, IP address, and event data) to deliver their services. We do not provide them with names, emails, or user account data because we do not collect it.
We use the limited information described in this Policy to:
We do not sell personal data (we do not collect it). We may share limited information only:
Aggregated vote counts (block group + hour) may be retained to support trends and historical views. The hwa_session_id cookie remains in your browser for up to 365 days unless you delete it. Analytics retention depends on our Google Analytics settings and Google's systems.
HWA NYC is intended for users 16 years of age or older and is not directed to children under 13.
We may update this Policy from time to time. We will update the "Last updated" date at the top when we do.
Questions or requests: privacy@hwa.nyc
Operator: Heavy Fish Inc., Brooklyn, New York, United States
This section applies to users of the HWA NYC iOS application distributed via the Apple App Store.
Location permissions on iOS. The mobile app requests access to your device location through the iOS permission system. You will be prompted to allow location access when you first use the app. You can review or revoke this permission at any time in Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → HWA NYC. The app requests location access "While Using the App" only. It does not request background location access.
Local storage (mobile equivalent of session cookie). The mobile app does not use browser cookies. Instead, it stores an anonymous session identifier in your device's local storage to maintain voting integrity and apply voting limits. This identifier serves the same purpose as the hwa_session_id cookie described in Section 3B. It does not contain personal data and is not shared with third parties.
Crash and diagnostic data. If you have enabled sharing of diagnostic data with app developers in your iOS device settings, Apple may provide us with anonymized crash reports when the app encounters an error. This data is used solely to diagnose and fix technical issues. It does not include personal identity information.
Apple App Store. The HWA NYC iOS app is distributed through the Apple App Store. Apple's collection and use of your data in connection with the App Store is governed by Apple's Privacy Policy, available at https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy.