Data privacy and security information
About us
DXwatch is a website dedicated for amateur radio operators. We have been online since 2004, when we started as a simple web interface for the DX Cluster amateur radio network (DX Cluster).
The DX Cluster was created in the late 1980's, and it openly and publicly displays information about amateur radio stations' activities around the globe. This is a important tool for the hobby, as the information displayed there helps amateur radio operators to keep in contact with each other, and with rare places on earth. In the 2000's the DX Cluster has evolved and branched into other networks and services (DX Networks) like the Reverse Beacon Network, PSK Reporter, WSPRnet. These networks may collect data automatically, and that data is publicly available as well.
The bits of data that the DX Cluster and DX Networks produces are called DX Spots.
Here at DXwatch we are committed to maintain the trust and respect of our users, visitors and the amateur radio community, and we have never sold our user base to any business or company for marketing purposes.
This document details how we process DX Spots, information regarding DX activities and, of course, your personal data.
What data we collect, how do we keep and process it?
Personal data
You can navigate the site anonymously. However, some features will only be available when you are a registered user. Upon registration, we ask you for a bit of personal data like your name, email, city and province/state, website address (yes, we would like to link back to you, so you can get some traffic to your website), and grid locator (which lets us roughly know where in the world you are). We also store some IT-tech information like your IP address, browser and OS type.
Eventually, as new features are added (and only if you want to use them) you may provide some other information about means by which we can deliver information about stations, countries or entities on the air, based on filters that you can create yourself. Those means may be tools like (Telegram, whatsapp, IFTTT, etc). You will always be able to choose if you want to use these tools, and when to start and stop using them.
We will not share your personal data with any third party without your consent.
Your account data is kept in a database for as long as your account is active. Your password is saved using encryption in an irreversible way. All web access to the site uses encrypted connections (https).
Disclosure of personal data
Every registered user has the right to request a full copy of all personal data saved on this site about him or her. This can be requested at any time through our contact form.
Contact form
If you send us an email, directly or through our contact form, it, including its headers, will be archived indefinitely, but only accessible by the site operator. If you don't want this, let us know in the body of the e-mail, and we will burn it as requested.
We keep activity logs in our database, so, if needed, we can audit what is going on with your account, and provide you with support.
Electronic newsletters
If you decide to opt-in to our mailing list, you will receive emails that may include news, updates, and service information. We may use third-party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may need share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes, provided that you have given us your permission.
Public data
We also store, display and process public data that comes in the form of DX Spots from the DX Cluster or any other DX Network.
To enrich that data we may also collect public data from: news sites and sources that publish information regarding amateur radio DX activities, activations, DX expeditions and contest results; membership lists published by clubs or associations; amateur radio callsign lists provided by government organs that issue the licenses, etc.
Once you post a DX Spot on DXwatch, it will be forwarded to the DX Cluster network, and spread into hundreds of servers. DXwatch will have no control over the DX Spot once it has been forwarded.
Backup policy
We keep backup files of our data for up to 4 weeks. After that, the backup file is deleted. Any data removed from the system will still remain in the backup until it is deleted. The files are kept in a safe place, without third party access. DX Spots can be stored by anyone, everywhere in the world.
Cookies
Yes, we do use cookies. We use them to store information on your browser regarding your account. You may disable the cookies on your browser, but the site may behave oddly. Also, some 3rd party tools that we use may use cookies as well to provide their service, as stated below.
If you are not comfortable with the cookies, you can disable them by setting your browser software.
Third parties involved
Google Analytics
When someone visits DXwatch we use the third party service Google Analytics to collect standard internet log information and details of visitor behavior patterns, such as the number of visitors to the various parts of the site. This information is only processed in a way which does not identify anyone. We do not make, and do not allow Google to make, any attempt to find out the identities of those visiting our website. It also processes demographic information about our users, and this lead to a worrying conclusion that amateur radio is an aging hobby, as most of our audience is made up of guys older than 55 years old!
If you are not comfortable with Google Analytics, you can disable it by using this browser plugin: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
For more information on Google Analytics cookies, see the official Google Analytics page.
Ads & Donations: Google Adsense, Google DFP, PayPal
Yes, running this website is expensive, and it took hundreds of work hours to build it as it is today. We try to minimize out-of-pocket costs by generating some revenue through displaying some ads to our users. We also accept donations, which go through PayPal.
These partners will set cookies on your browser as well. These cookies may allow the ad server to recognize your computer each time they send you an online advertisement to compile non personal information about the users of your computer. This information allows ad networks to, among other things, deliver targeted advertisements that they believe will be of most interest to you.
This privacy policy does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. You may learn more about opting out of major ad networks at https://websitebuilders.com/tools/advertiser-opt-out/.
For more information on Google products, please read: https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads
For PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/en/webapps/mpp/ua/privacy-full
Programmatic Advertising
This website uses Adnimation to manage its programmatic ad sales, which may include the use of first and third-party cookies to collect non-sensitive, anonymized data for ad targeting purposes. Users can opt-out of personalized advertising by adjusting browser settings. You can review Adnimation's cookie and privacy policy here.
Third party websites
You will find advertising or other content on our site that links to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licensors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from DXwatch. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to DXwatch, is subject to that website's own terms and policies.
Compliance with children's online privacy protection act
Protecting the privacy of the very young is especially important. For that reason, we never collect or maintain information at our site from those we actually know are under 13, and no part of our website is structured to attract anyone under 13.
Changes to this privacy policy
DXwatch has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will post a dated notification on the main page of our site, at the bottom. We encourage users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our site. Your continued use of DXwatch following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed to reflect your acceptance of those changes.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, the practices of this site, or your dealings with this site, please contact us through our contact form.
Felipe Ceglia
Rua Figueiredo de Magalhães 286/1002
Rio de Janeiro-RJ
Brazil
tel: +55-21-98525-5594
This document was last updated on Jul 15 2025
