Last Updated: January 28, 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to PlantBuddy AI ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application PlantBuddy AI (the "App"). Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the App.
Key Points: We are committed to protecting your privacy. We only collect data necessary to provide our services and never sell your personal information to third parties.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Account Information: Email address, username, and profile information
- Plant Data: Plant names, care schedules, photos, and notes you add
- Garden Information: Garden names, locations, and plant collections
- Community Content: Posts, comments, and photos you share in the community
- Support Communications: Messages you send to our support team
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version, and unique device identifiers
- Usage Data: How you interact with the App, features used, and time spent
- Location Data: Approximate location for weather data and local plant recommendations (optional)
- Camera Data: Photos you take for plant identification (processed locally when possible)
2.3 Third-Party Information
- Weather Data: Local weather conditions from weather services
- Plant Database: Plant information from botanical databases
- AI Services: Data processed by AI services for plant identification and recommendations
3. How We Use Your Information
3.1 Core App Functionality
- Provide plant identification and care recommendations
- Generate AI-powered plant photos and suggestions
- Send personalized care reminders and notifications
- Sync your data across devices
- Provide weather-adaptive care recommendations
3.2 Community Features
- Enable community interactions and sharing
- Show your garden showcases and achievements
- Facilitate connections with other gardeners
3.3 App Improvement
- Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
- Develop new features and functionality
- Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
- Ensure app security and prevent fraud
4. Information Sharing and Disclosure
4.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data
We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
4.2 Limited Sharing
We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: Trusted third parties who help us operate the App (cloud storage, analytics, AI services)
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
- Consent: When you explicitly consent to sharing
4.3 Community Content
Content you choose to share in the community (posts, photos, comments) may be visible to other users and is subject to our community guidelines.
5. Data Security
5.1 Security Measures
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure cloud storage with industry-standard security
- Regular security audits and updates
- Access controls and authentication
5.2 Local Processing
When possible, we process your photos and data locally on your device to minimize data transmission and protect your privacy.
Note: While we implement strong security measures, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Your Rights and Choices
6.1 Access and Control
- View and update your account information
- Download your data
- Delete your account and data
- Opt out of non-essential communications
6.2 Location Services
You can disable location services in your device settings. This will limit weather-based recommendations but won't affect core app functionality.
6.3 Camera and Photos
You control when to use the camera for plant identification. Photos are processed locally when possible and only sent to our servers when necessary for AI analysis.
6.4 Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You can request deletion of your data at any time.
7. Children's Privacy
Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the App after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
10. Third-Party Services
Our App may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those third-party services. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.
10.1 Third-Party Services We Use
- Firebase: For app analytics and crash reporting
- OpenAI: For AI-powered plant identification and photo generation
- Weather Services: For local weather data
- Apple App Store: For app distribution and in-app purchases
This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 28, 2025