Privacy Policy
Your privacy is important to us
Effective Date: October 2, 2025
Version: 1.0
1. Introduction
Welcome to Plantious ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App") and our website located at plantious-ai.com (the "Website"), collectively referred to as our "Services."
Privacy-First Design: Plantious is designed with your privacy in mind. Our app works without requiring you to create an account or provide personal information. We use a secure device key system that allows you to use all features while maintaining your privacy. Account creation is entirely optional and only needed if you want to sync data across multiple devices.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience when using our plant identification and gardening guide services. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it.
By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use our Services.
2. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, information we collect automatically when you use our Services, and information from third-party sources.
2.1 Information You Provide to Us
- Device Key: When you first use our app, we generate a unique device key that is stored in your device's keychain and on our servers to identify your device without requiring personal information.
- Optional Account Information: If you choose to create an account (which is optional), we collect your email address (via Gmail) or Apple ID for data synchronization across devices.
- Plant Photos: When you use our plant identification feature, you upload photos which may contain metadata such as location and timestamp.
- User Content: Information you provide when you create plant collections, save plant care schedules, or add notes about your plants.
- Communications: When you contact us for support or feedback, we collect your email address and the content of your message.
- Subscription Information: If you purchase a subscription through our App, we collect billing information. Payment processing is handled by Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
2.2 Information We Collect Automatically
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information, and device settings.
- Usage Information: Features used, pages visited, search queries, plant identification history, and interaction with app features.
- Location Information: With your permission, we collect precise location data to provide location-based plant recommendations and local gardening tips.
- Log Information: IP address, browser type, access times, pages viewed, app crashes, and other system activity.
- Camera and Photos: Access to your camera to take plant photos and to your photo library to select existing photos for identification.
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Authentication Providers: If you choose to create an account using Gmail or Apple ID, we receive basic profile information (email and name) as permitted by the authentication provider.
- App Stores: We receive transaction information from Apple App Store and Google Play Store when you purchase subscriptions.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
3.1 Provide and Improve Our Services
- Maintain your device session without requiring login through secure device keys
- Process plant identification requests using AI technology
- Store your plant collection and care data locally on your device
- Synchronize your data across devices (only if you create an optional account)
- Provide personalized plant care recommendations and reminders
- Save and manage your plant collection and gardening history
- Send care reminders and notifications about your plants
- Improve our plant identification accuracy and database
- Develop new features and services based on user needs
3.2 Communication
- Send service-related announcements and updates
- Respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
- Send marketing communications (with your consent)
- Send push notifications about plant care (with your permission)
3.3 Analytics and Personalization
- Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
- Personalize content based on your preferences and location
- Conduct research and analysis to improve our Services
- Generate aggregated statistics about our user base
3.4 Legal and Safety
- Comply with legal obligations and regulations
- Protect the rights and safety of our users and others
- Detect, prevent, and address fraud and security issues
- Enforce our Terms of Service and other policies
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 Service Providers
We share information with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf:
- Infrastructure providers (Server hosting services)
- Payment processors (Apple App Store, Google Play Store)
- Email service providers (for optional account creation and support)
- Customer support tools
- AI and machine learning services for plant identification
4.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:
- Court orders or legal process
- Requests from government authorities
- To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
- To protect the public or other users of our Services
4.3 Business Transfers
If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any change in ownership or use of your personal information.
4.4 Aggregated Information
We may share aggregated, non-personally identifiable information publicly and with our partners to show trends about plant care and gardening.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of data in transit using SSL/TLS protocols
- Secure device key storage using iOS Keychain and Android Keystore
- Encryption of sensitive data at rest on our bare-metal servers
- Physical security measures for our server infrastructure
- Regular security assessments and audits
- Access controls and authentication mechanisms
- Regular backups and disaster recovery procedures
- Employee training on data protection and privacy
- Secure coding practices and regular security updates
No Login Required: Our app uses a secure device key system that eliminates the need for passwords, reducing the risk of credential-based attacks. Your device key is securely stored in your device's keychain/keystore and cannot be extracted by other apps.
However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our Services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. Our retention periods are:
- Device Key Data: Retained as long as you use the app. Automatically deleted after 365 days of inactivity
- Optional Account Information: Retained while your account is active and for 30 days after deletion request
- Plant Identification History: Retained for 2 years to improve our AI models unless deleted by you
- Subscription Information: Retained as required by tax and accounting regulations (typically 7 years)
- Usage Analytics: Retained for 18 months in anonymized form
- Support Communications: Retained for 2 years for quality and training purposes
Local Data: Data stored locally on your device remains under your control and can be deleted at any time by uninstalling the app or clearing app data.
You can request deletion of your server-stored data at any time through the app settings or by contacting us directly.
7. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
7.1 Access and Portability
You can request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
7.2 Correction and Update
You can update your account information at any time through the app settings or by contacting us.
7.3 Deletion
You can request deletion of your account and personal information. Some information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes.
7.4 Communication Preferences
- Marketing Emails: Unsubscribe via link in emails or account settings
- Push Notifications: Manage through your device settings
- Plant Care Reminders: Configure in app settings
7.5 Location Services
You can disable location services for our app through your device settings. Note that some features may not function properly without location access.
7.6 Do Not Track
Our Services do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals. However, you can manage cookies through your browser settings.
7.7 California Privacy Rights
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know, delete, and opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information).
7.8 European Privacy Rights
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to object to processing and the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
9. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not intended for children under 13 years of age (or 16 in the EEA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under these ages. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under the applicable age without parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.
For educational purposes, teachers and parents may use our Services on behalf of children, but must not allow children to create their own accounts.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Notify you via email for significant changes
- Display a notice in the app before the changes take effect
- Obtain your consent where required by law
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information. Your continued use of our Services after changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Plantious Privacy Team
Support Email: [email protected]
Response Time
We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 48 hours. For data access or deletion requests, we will fulfill your request within 30 days as required by law.
Complaints
If you are not satisfied with our response or believe we are not processing your data in accordance with the law, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
