Quick Summary: Bug Identifier processes your photos locally and via Google's Firebase AI (Gemini models) to identify insects. We limit you to 30 identifications per day, sync your data across devices via iCloud, and respect your privacy choices. This policy covers both U.S. and EU users with their respective privacy rights.
1. Information We Collect
Bug Identifier collects the following types of information:
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Photos: Images you capture using the app for bug identification
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Location Data: GPS coordinates when location services are enabled (optional)
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Identification Results: AI-generated bug identification data and confidence scores
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Usage Data: Daily identification count (max 30 per day), app usage statistics
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Device Information: Device type, operating system version, app version
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iCloud Sync Data: Usage counts and preferences synced across your devices
2. Legal Basis for Processing (EU Users)
For users in the European Union, we process your data based on the following legal grounds:
- Legitimate Interest: Bug identification, app improvement, and technical support
- Consent: Location data collection and analytics (withdrawable at any time)
- Contract Performance: Providing the app service and managing your daily usage limit
- Legal Obligation: When required by applicable laws
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Bug Identification: Processing photos through Google's Firebase AI to identify insect species
- Usage Management: Tracking your daily identification count (30 per day limit)
- Cross-Device Sync: Syncing your data across devices using iCloud
- Habitat Context: Using location data to provide relevant habitat information
- Personal Collection: Storing identification results locally on your device
- App Improvement: Analyzing usage patterns to improve app functionality
- Technical Support: Troubleshooting and providing customer support
4. Data Storage and Processing
Storage Methods:
- Local Storage: Photos and identification results stored securely on your device
- iCloud Sync: Usage data and preferences synced across your devices
- Temporary Processing: Photos sent to Google Firebase AI for identification but not permanently stored
- No Central Database: We don't maintain a central database of user data
5. Third-Party Services
Bug Identifier integrates with the following third-party services:
Google Firebase AI
- Photos are sent to Google's Firebase AI (Gemini models) for AI-powered bug identification
- Google does not store images after processing
- Subject to Google's privacy policy and Firebase terms
- Data processing may occur outside your jurisdiction
Apple Services
- Location Services: Optional GPS for habitat information
- iCloud: Sync for usage data and preferences across devices
- Subscription Services: Payment processing and subscription management
6. Your Privacy Rights
All Users
Access
View all data stored locally on your device through the app interface
Deletion
Delete individual identifications or all app data at any time
Control
Disable location services, camera access, or iCloud sync in Settings
EU Users (GDPR Rights)
Right to Rectification
Request correction of inaccurate personal data
Right to Erasure
Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
Right to Restriction
Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances
Right to Data Portability
Export your identification data in a structured format
Right to Object
Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for location data and analytics at any time
California Users (CCPA Rights)
Right to Know
Know what personal information is collected and how it's used
Right to Delete
Request deletion of personal information
Right to Opt-Out
Opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell data)
Right to Non-Discrimination
Receive equal service regardless of privacy choices
7. Data Sharing and Sales
We do not sell, trade, or share your personal information with third parties except:
- With Google Firebase AI for bug identification processing (images only, not stored)
- With Apple for iCloud sync functionality (encrypted data)
- When required by law or to protect our rights
- With your explicit consent
8. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- Local Encryption: Data encrypted using iOS security features
- Secure Connections: HTTPS for all API communications
- No Permanent Storage: Photos not stored on external servers
- iCloud Security: Apple's end-to-end encryption for sync data
- Regular Updates: Security updates and patches
9. International Data Transfers
Your data may be processed in the following locations:
- United States: Google Firebase AI processing
- Your Region: Local device storage and iCloud sync
- Safeguards: Adequate protection measures in place for international transfers
10. Data Retention
Retention Periods:
- Local Data: Stored indefinitely on your device until you delete it
- Usage Data: Daily counts reset automatically, synced via iCloud
- API Processing: Photos not retained by Google Firebase AI after processing
- Analytics: Anonymized usage data retained for 2 years maximum
11. Children's Privacy
Bug Identifier does not knowingly collect personal information from:
- US Users: Children under 13 years old
- EU Users: Children under 16 years old (or younger as specified by member state law)
If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
12. Automated Decision-Making
The app uses automated processing for:
- Bug Identification: AI-powered species identification
- Usage Limits: Automatic daily limit enforcement (30 identifications)
- No Profiling: We do not create profiles for marketing or other purposes
13. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify users of material changes by:
- Updating the "Last updated" date
- Providing in-app notifications for significant changes
- Posting updates on our website
- For EU users: Obtaining consent for material changes affecting data processing
14. Supervisory Authority
EU users have the right to lodge a complaint with their local data protection supervisory authority if they believe their data protection rights have been violated.
15. How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise your privacy rights:
- In-App: Use the app's settings to manage data and privacy preferences
- Email: Contact us at ios.sweetapps@gmail.com
- Response Time: We respond to requests within 30 days (1 month for GDPR)
- Verification: We may verify your identity before processing requests