Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Account Data: Username, email address, and password (encrypted)
• Profile Information: Avatar preferences and display settings
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we don't store payment details)

Usage Data

• Scan History: Images you upload and identification results
• Activity Data: Scan counts, points earned, and leaderboard statistics
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and usage patterns

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2. How We Use Your Information

• Service Delivery: Process animal identifications and manage your account
• Personalization: Track your progress, maintain scan history, and leaderboard rankings
• Communication: Send service updates, support responses, and promotional content (opt-out available)
• Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance our AI models and user experience
• Security: Detect fraud, abuse, and protect against unauthorized access

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3. Image Processing and AI

Image Analysis: Uploaded images are processed using OpenAI's vision models to identify animals. Images are:

• Transmitted securely to our AI processing partners
• Used solely for identification purposes
• Not used to train AI models without explicit consent
• Automatically deleted from processing servers after analysis

Data Retention: Your uploaded images and scan results are stored to maintain your personal scan history and enable the social features of our platform.

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4. Information Sharing

We DO NOT sell your personal information. We may share data in these limited cases:

• Service Providers: Trusted partners like OpenAI (AI processing) and Stripe (payments)
• Public Features: Leaderboard rankings and public profile information you choose to share
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and users
• Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

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5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• Encryption: Data encrypted in transit and at rest
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Secure Infrastructure: Hosted on secure, monitored servers
• Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and updates

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6. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Portability: Export your scan history and data
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To exercise these rights, contact us at our contact page.

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7. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies for:

• Essential Functions: Authentication and session management
• Analytics: Understanding how users interact with our service
• Preferences: Remembering your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not work properly if disabled.

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8. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

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9. International Users

Our services are hosted in the United States. By using our service, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in the US, which may have different privacy laws than your country.

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10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We'll notify users of significant changes via email or through our service. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

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11. Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us through our contact page or email us directly.