Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to CritterQuest ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience while using our mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

By using CritterQuest, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not download, install, or use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Display name
• Password (stored securely using Firebase Authentication)

2.2 Animal Discovery Data

We collect and store information about:

• Animals you have discovered or marked as seen
• Animals you want to discover
• Your wildlife discovery progress and statistics

2.3 Sighting Data

When you create a sighting, we collect:

• Date and time of the sighting
• Location data (coordinates, address) - only if you choose to share location
• Notes and observations you provide
• Photos you upload (stored securely in Firebase Storage)

2.4 Usage Information

We automatically collect certain information about your device and how you interact with the App, including:

• Device information (model, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• App usage statistics and analytics
• Crash reports and error logs
• Network information

2.5 Location Information

We collect location information only when you:

• Grant explicit permission to access your device's location
• Manually enter a location for a sighting
• Use location-based features like nearby sightings

You can disable location services at any time through your device settings or within the App.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the App's functionality
• Track your wildlife discoveries and progress
• Store and display your sighting history
• Sync your data across devices
• Provide location-based features (with your permission)
• Send you important updates about the App (if you opt in)
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues
• Ensure security and prevent fraud

4. Lawful Basis for Processing

Under applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we process your personal information based on the following lawful bases:

4.1 Contract

We process your information to perform our contract with you and provide the App's core services, including:

• Account creation and authentication
• Storing and displaying your animal discoveries and sightings
• Syncing your data across devices
• Providing the core functionality of the App

4.2 Consent

We process certain information based on your explicit consent, including:

• Location data (when you grant permission to access your device's location)
• Marketing communications (if you opt in to receive updates)
• Optional features that require additional permissions

You can withdraw your consent at any time by adjusting your device settings or App preferences. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing before the withdrawal.

4.3 Legitimate Interests

We process certain information based on our legitimate interests in:

• Improving and optimizing the App's functionality and user experience
• Analyzing usage patterns and app performance
• Ensuring security and preventing fraud or abuse
• Detecting and addressing technical issues
• Sharing anonymized, aggregated data for research or public interest purposes

We balance our legitimate interests against your privacy rights and will not process your information if your interests override ours.

4.4 Legal Obligation

We may process your information to comply with legal obligations, such as responding to valid legal requests or court orders.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your data is securely stored using:

• Firebase Firestore: For storing your account data, discoveries, and sightings. All data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
• Firebase Authentication: For secure user authentication. Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text.
• Firebase Storage: For storing photos and images you upload. All files are stored securely with access controls.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: We may share data with trusted service providers who assist us in operating the App (e.g., Firebase, Google Cloud Services). These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements.
• Aggregated Data: We may share anonymized, aggregated statistics about wildlife sightings (without personal identifiers) for research or public interest purposes.
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests.
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can access your account data through the App at any time.
• Correction: You can update your account information (email, display name) through the App settings.
• Deletion: You can delete your account and all associated data at any time through the Profile settings. This action is permanent and cannot be undone.
• Location Controls: You can disable location services through your device settings or within the App.
• Data Export: You may request a copy of your data by contacting us.

To exercise these rights, use the features available in the App or contact us using the information provided below.

8. Children's Privacy

CritterQuest is not intended for children under the age of 13. 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. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries.

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

10. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with services. If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

11. 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 on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Notifying you through the App (for material changes)

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services that may collect information:

• Google Maps: For location services and maps. See Google's Privacy Policy for how they handle your data.
• Firebase (Google): For authentication, database, and storage services. See Firebase's Privacy Policy for details.
• iNaturalist: For wildlife sighting data. See iNaturalist's Privacy Policy for details.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which CritterQuest operates, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.