Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Display name
• Profile information you choose to provide

Usage Information

We automatically collect information about how you use our service:

• Study sessions and quiz results
• Plant collections and favorites
• Images you upload
• Browser and device information

Mobile App

The Plant Reference iOS app uses the same account system and collects the same information described above. In addition, on your device:

• Camera and photo library access is requested only when you choose to add a plant photo, and is used solely to upload that photo
• Study material you download for offline use is stored on your device and can be removed in the app at any time
• Reminders and notifications are optional and controlled in the app's settings
• We do not track you across other companies' apps or websites

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and improve our educational services
• Personalize your learning experience
• Track your study progress
• Communicate with you about your account
• Ensure the security of our platform

3. Images You Upload

You give us the permissions we need to run and promote Plant Reference: storing your photo, showing it in plant profiles and study materials, resizing or cropping it so it displays properly, and showing it to other users where you have chosen to make that content public.

Separately, and only if you tick the optional box when uploading, you can allow your photos to help improve plant-identification technology and to be included in plant image datasets we may license to researchers or educators. That setting is off by default and you can change it at any time.

If you delete a photo, we stop using it and remove it from the Service within a reasonable time. Deleting your account is different, and worth knowing before you contribute: photos you have added to the shared plant catalogue stay, but we disconnect them from you, so they are no longer linked to your name or profile. Everything personal to you — your profile, saved plants, sightings, study history and streaks — is deleted with the account. If you want a contributed photo taken down as well, you can remove it yourself from Settings → Privacy & Data, under “Photos you’ve added” — do that before deleting the account, or ask us afterwards. The full terms covering contributed content — including credit and what happens on deletion — are in our Terms of Service.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information:

• With educational institutions if you're part of their program
• With other users for collaborative learning features
• With service providers who help us operate the platform
• When required by law or to protect our rights

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits
• Limited access to personal information
• Secure hosting infrastructure

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate information
• Delete your account and associated data (available in the app's account settings, or by contacting us)
• Export your data
• Opt out of certain communications

7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Keep you signed in
• Analyze how you use our service
• Improve our platform

8. Children's Privacy

Our service is designed for educational use and may be used by minors under supervision of educational institutions. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the effective date.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us at: