Mushroom Atlas Privacy Policy

Effective date: 2025-08-27

This Privacy Policy explains how the Mushroom Atlas mobile application ("Mushroom Atlas", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the app. By using Mushroom Atlas, you agree to the practices described here.

If you have questions or requests, please contact us via the app store listing or project repository. Maintainers: replace this line with your preferred privacy contact email/address.

Summary

  • No user accounts are required.
  • Photos taken or selected for mushroom identification are stored locally on your device and are not uploaded to our servers.
  • For identification, the selected image is sent directly from your device to Google Gemini (Google’s generative AI) and not stored by us.
  • We use third-party services for analytics, crash reporting, and subscriptions (Firebase Analytics, Firebase Crashlytics, and RevenueCat).
  • You can review and clear cached data, local images, and local scan history from within the app.

Information We Collect and Process

1) Photos and Media You Provide

  • Purpose: To identify mushrooms using AI.
  • Where stored: Locally on your device (scan history and local image cache).
  • Transmission to third parties: When you request an identification, the relevant image (or a processed version) is sent directly to Google Gemini from your device for analysis.
  • Retention by us: We do not upload these photos to our own servers. Deleting local images or clearing history in the app removes them from your device.

2) Usage and Diagnostics Data

  • Firebase Analytics: We collect anonymized or pseudonymous usage data to understand app performance and usage patterns (e.g., screens viewed, feature usage, device information such as OS version, app version, and device model). Exact events depend on our analytics configuration.
  • Firebase Crashlytics: We collect crash reports and diagnostics to improve stability. This may include device state at the time of a crash and limited information that helps reproduce and fix issues.

3) Purchase and Subscription Data

RevenueCat: We use RevenueCat to manage in-app purchases/subscriptions. RevenueCat may receive purchase receipts, product identifiers, and anonymous app user identifiers to verify entitlements and provide subscription status. We do not receive your full payment information.

We do not knowingly collect: names, email addresses, or other direct identifiers because Mushroom Atlas does not have user accounts.

How We Use Information

  • To identify mushrooms from the photos you provide (via Google Gemini).
  • To operate, maintain, and improve the app (analytics and crash reports).
  • To manage subscriptions and entitlements (RevenueCat).

Data Storage and Retention

  • Photos and scan history are stored locally on your device only. They are not uploaded to our servers.
  • Analytics and crash data are retained by our third-party providers (Firebase) according to their retention policies.
  • Subscription records are retained by RevenueCat according to their policies.
  • You can clear cached data, local images, and scan history from within the app at any time.

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

We share/transfer data as necessary to operate the app:

  • Google Gemini (Generative AI): Receives the image content you choose to identify and related prompts/metadata necessary for the identification. We do not control Google’s independent processing beyond this purpose. See Third-Party Policies below.
  • Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics: Receive usage metrics and crash diagnostics.
  • RevenueCat: Receives purchase/subscription-related data to validate entitlements.

We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights, users, or the public.

Your Choices and Controls

  • Permissions: You can grant or revoke camera and photo library permissions in your device settings.
  • Local data controls: In-app options let you review and clear cached data, local images, and local scan history.
  • Analytics: Depending on platform, you may disable analytics collection in your device settings or in-app if provided. If you request, we will make reasonable efforts to respect opt-outs supported by our analytics SDKs.

Security

We take reasonable measures to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; use the app at your own risk.

Children’s Privacy

Mushroom atlas is not directed to children under the age of 13. If you believe a child has provided data, please contact us to request deletion. If your local law sets a different minimum age, we follow the applicable law.

International Transfers

Data processed by third parties (Google and Firebase services, RevenueCat) may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These providers implement safeguards as described in their policies.

Legal Bases (EEA/UK)

  • Performance of a contract or steps taken at your request (to provide identifications and subscription features);
  • Legitimate interests (analytics, crash reporting, app improvement);
  • Consent where required by law (e.g., camera/photos access).

Your Rights

Depending on your location (e.g., EEA/UK under GDPR, California under CCPA/CPRA), you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing, and/or opt out of certain sharing. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We may need to verify your request.

Third-Party Services and Policies

Please review these policies to understand their data practices.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes are effective upon posting in this repository/app. We will update the “Effective date” above and, where required, provide additional notice.

Contact

If you have questions or requests (including data subject rights requests), please contact us via the app store listing or project repository. Maintainers: replace this section with a dedicated privacy email/address and a mailing address if required by your jurisdiction.