Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes in detail how the website collects, stores, uses, protects, and shares data provided by its users or obtained through interaction with the Meshtastic system.
1. Responsible Entity
Meshtastic PT is an independent and unofficial community, run by volunteers, that promotes the use and knowledge of the Meshtastic network in Portugal. The technical infrastructure (website, database, MQTT servers, etc.) is maintained for educational and community purposes.
2. Data Collected
- Geographic Positions: Exact geographic positions (latitude/longitude) are only stored when users explicitly choose to share this information through configured devices.
- Node Information: Short name, long name, node ID, firmware, region, radio version, channel settings, and other technical data sent by devices.
- Telemetry: Information such as battery voltage, temperature, channel utilization, and other sensor data, if devices send this information.
- Message Packets: Contents transmitted over the Meshtastic network, encrypted or not.
- IP Address (temporary): For abuse protection, some endpoints temporarily log the IP associated with the request (e.g., moderation panel).
3. Purpose of the Data
Collected data is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- Visually present the Meshtastic network in Portugal (map, node list, statistics);
- Provide educational tutorials on how to install and configure Meshtastic devices;
- Provide dashboards with telemetry charts and technical analysis per node;
- Enable community moderation (blocking/unblocking abusive nodes);
- Improve the reliability, performance, and security of the infrastructure;
- Prevent duplication or malicious injection of packets;
- Provide public tools for the community (e.g., node search, advanced filters, etc.);
4. Tutorial System
The website provides a section of visual and interactive tutorials, with images, QR codes, and step-by-step instructions on:
- Flashing firmware with Chrome;
- Configuring name, channel, region, and operating mode;
- Integration with Meshtastic Android/iOS apps;
- Use with MQTT, LoRa, and sensor monitoring.
These tutorials do not require any registration and do not collect personal data.
5. Blocking and Moderation System
The platform implements a community moderation mechanism aimed at preventing abuse or improper content on the network:
- Blocking criteria: Too many or too few hops, misconfigured telemetry, HAM Mode usage, Range Test, offensive language, threats of physical harm, Router / Repeater / Router Late mode in conflict with the core network, Store and Forward spam, etc.
- Method: A node is marked as "blocked" after approval by 3 independent moderators through a secure moderation panel.
- Unblocking: Only after manual review by 3 moderators or technically verified behavior change (e.g., spam removal, firmware reconfiguration).
- Transparency: The block status is visible in the interface, with public date and reason.
6. Data Sharing
The data shown on the site is public and originates from a community and decentralized network. However:
- We do not share IP logs or raw telemetry data with third parties;
- We do not sell or commercialize any collected data;
7. Data Retention and Removal
Data is stored as long as it is considered relevant for visualizing the network:
- Nodes inactive for more than 90 days may be archived;
- Old messages are automatically removed after 90 days;
- Duplicate or technically invalid positions are automatically discarded;
8. User Rights
Although the system is community-based and decentralized, we respect the following rights:
- Right to clear information about the data presented;
9. Security
Data is stored in an encrypted database with restricted access. Connections to the frontend use HTTPS with HSTS. The MQTT server applies mitigation mechanisms against flood and spoofing. All API endpoints have rate limiting and origin validation.
10. Contact
For any questions related to this policy, please contact us through the community's official Telegram channel, or submit a request via the contact form on the website.
Last update: July 22, 2025
This policy may be revised periodically.