Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 14, 2025

Welcome to Scout. Your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Location Data:

We collect precise location data to:

• Identify plants, animals, and natural objects in your area
• Show nearby parks and botanical gardens
• Discover interesting species near your location
• Mark where your findings were discovered

Your location data is stored locally on your device and synced to your personal iCloud account. We also send location data to our backend server to provide identification services and to Google Places API to find nearby natural attractions.

Photos:

• Identify natural objects using AI analysis
• Store your findings in your personal collection

Photos are stored locally on your device and synced to your iCloud account. Photo data is sent to our backend server and processed through OpenAI API for identification analysis.

Device Information:

• Device identifier (for authentication)
• Device name
• App preferences (language, units of measurement)

User Content:

• Your findings (identified species with photos and locations)
• Your collections and notes
• App settings and preferences

We do NOT collect:

• Your name, email address, or any personally identifiable information (unless you contact support)
• Browsing history or activity outside the app
• Health data or medical information
• Any data from other apps on your device
• Advertising identifiers or tracking data

How We Use Your Information

All collected data is used solely for app functionality:

• Providing nature identification services
• Storing and organizing your findings
• Syncing your data across your devices via iCloud
• Showing relevant nearby places and species
• Managing your subscription

Data Storage and Security

• iCloud: Your findings and collections are stored in your personal iCloud account
• Our Backend: We securely process identification requests on our server using OpenAI API for image recognition
• Local Storage: Data is cached on your device for offline access

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• OpenAI API: For processing and identifying natural objects in your photos using AI technology
• Google Places API: For finding nearby parks, botanical gardens, and natural attractions
• RevenueCat: For managing subscriptions and purchases
• Apple iCloud: For syncing your data across your devices

These services have their own privacy policies and we encourage you to review them.

Data Sharing

We do NOT:

• Sell your personal information
• Share your data with advertisers
• Use your data for tracking or targeted advertising
• Share your data with third parties except as necessary for app functionality

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your data stored in the app
• Delete your data at any time
• Disable location services in your device settings
• Stop using the app and delete all local data

Data Retention

Your data is retained as long as you use the app. You can delete:

• Individual findings at any time
• Your entire iCloud data by disabling iCloud sync
• All app data by deleting the app

Children's Privacy

Our app is suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Compliance

This Privacy Policy complies with:

• Apple App Store Review Guidelines
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at:

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