Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to PlantScan. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you use PlantScan, we may collect the following information:

• Account Information: Email address, username, and password when you create an account
• Profile Information: Language preferences and settings you configure in the app
• User Content: Photos of plants you upload for identification, saved plants in your collection, and notes you create
• Communication Data: Messages you send to our support team

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

We automatically collect certain information when you use PlantScan:

• Usage Data: Number of scans performed, features accessed, and time spent in the app
• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
• Location Data: GPS coordinates when you enable location tracking for your plant discoveries (optional)
• Log Data: IP address, app crashes, system activity, and the date and time of your requests

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• Plant Identification: To process your photos and provide accurate plant identification using our AI technology
• Service Delivery: To provide, maintain, and improve PlantScan's features and functionality
• Personalization: To customize your experience, including showing your saved plants and location-based discoveries
• Communication: To respond to your inquiries, send service-related notifications, and provide customer support
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with PlantScan and improve our services
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues, fraud, and abuse
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party companies that help us operate PlantScan, such as cloud storage providers, analytics services, and payment processors
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share your information

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy. When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal or regulatory purposes.

6. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and personal information
• Opt-Out: Disable location tracking or marketing communications
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us through the app's support section or email us at support@plantscan.org.

7. Location Data

PlantScan offers an optional location tracking feature that allows you to record where you discovered plants. This feature requires your explicit permission and can be disabled at any time in your device settings or app preferences. Location data is only collected when you actively use the scanning feature with location services enabled.

8. Children's Privacy

PlantScan is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us.

9. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include encryption, secure servers, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this privacy policy.

11. Third-Party Services

PlantScan may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of significant changes by posting a notice in the app or sending you an email. Your continued use of PlantScan after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: support@plantscan.org
• Website: www.plantscan.org
• In-App: Contact Support section in the Profile tab

14. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to delete your information, and the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal information.

15. European Privacy Rights

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, object to processing, and data portability. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.