Privacy Policy

Scale Dynamics Limited LLC ("Company", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we handle your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains our data practices regarding the BugID mobile application and related services ("Application" or "Services").

Section 1: Data Collection Practices

1.1 Device-Based Information

Since BugID creates accounts automatically based on device characteristics, we collect:

• Device Identifiers: Unique device ID, advertising ID, and hardware specifications
• System Information: Operating system version, app version, device model, and manufacturer
• Network Data: IP address, mobile carrier information, and connection type
• Installation Data: App installation source, installation timestamp, and update history

1.2 Species Identification Data

To provide accurate insect and arthropod identification services, we process:

• Image Content: All photographs submitted for species identification
• Image Metadata: EXIF data including timestamp, camera settings, and device information
• Location Context: Geographic coordinates (when location services are enabled)
• Identification Results: Our AI analysis results and confidence scores
• User Feedback: Corrections or confirmations you provide on identification results

1.3 Usage Analytics and Behavioral Data

We automatically collect comprehensive usage information to improve our services:

1.4 Premium Subscription Information

For users with premium subscriptions, we additionally collect:

• Subscription status and tier level
• Payment transaction IDs (processed through app stores)
• Subscription renewal and cancellation events
• Cloud backup and sync preferences

Section 2: Data Processing and Usage Purposes

2.1 Core Service Delivery

We process your data to:

• Provide accurate insect and arthropod identification through machine learning algorithms
• Maintain your collection records and identification history
• Enable device-specific account functionality and data storage
• Synchronize data across devices for premium subscribers
• Deliver personalized species information and seasonal activity alerts

2.2 Machine Learning and AI Development

Your submitted images and feedback are crucial for:

• Training and improving our species identification neural networks
• Expanding our entomological database with new species variations
• Enhancing accuracy across different geographic regions and habitats
• Developing new identification features and capabilities

2.3 Analytics and Performance Optimization

We analyze usage patterns to:

• Identify and resolve technical issues and bugs
• Optimize app performance and reduce loading times
• Understand user preferences and feature adoption
• Guide product development and feature prioritization
• Measure the effectiveness of app updates and improvements

Section 3: Data Sharing and Third-Party Integration

3.1 Third-Party Analytics Providers

BugID integrates with the following third-party services for analytics and performance monitoring:

• Google Firebase Analytics: User behavior analysis and crash reporting
• Adjust: Mobile attribution and analytics to optimize user acquisition and retention
• Sensors: Product analytics and user journey tracking

These providers receive pseudonymized data that cannot directly identify you but helps us understand aggregate user behavior.

3.2 Cloud Infrastructure Partners

We utilize cloud services for data storage and processing:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): Primary cloud infrastructure and storage
• Google Cloud Platform: Machine learning model hosting and image processing
• Content Delivery Networks: Fast global access to species database content

3.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

We may disclose your information when required by:

• Valid legal process, court orders, or government requests
• Law enforcement investigations or national security requirements
• Compliance with applicable data protection regulations
• Protection of our legal rights or the safety of our users

Section 4: Data Security and Protection Measures

4.1 Technical Safeguards

We implement comprehensive security measures including:

• Encryption: All data transmission uses TLS 1.3 encryption
• Storage Security: Data at rest is encrypted using AES-256 encryption
• Access Controls: Multi-factor authentication for all staff accessing user data
• Network Security: Firewalls, intrusion detection, and DDoS protection
• Regular Audits: Quarterly security assessments and vulnerability testing

4.2 Data Retention Policies

We retain different types of data for varying periods:

• Species Images: Retained indefinitely for AI training purposes
• Device Data: Retained for the lifetime of the device account
• Usage Analytics: Aggregated data retained for up to 3 years
• Crash Reports: Retained for 1 year for debugging purposes
• Premium Account Data: Retained for 2 years after subscription cancellation

4.3 Data Breach Response

In the unlikely event of a data security incident, we commit to:

• Immediate containment and assessment of the breach
• Notification to affected users within 72 hours
• Cooperation with relevant regulatory authorities
• Implementation of additional safeguards to prevent recurrence

Section 5: User Rights and Control Options

5.1 Data Access and Portability

You have the right to:

• Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Export your collection records and identification history
• Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Transfer your data to another service provider where technically feasible

5.2 Data Modification and Deletion

While BugID uses device-based accounts, you can:

• Delete individual collection records and identification history within the app
• Clear your identification history through app settings
• Request complete account deletion by contacting our support team
• Opt out of certain data collection through device settings

5.3 Privacy Controls

You can control your privacy through:

• Location Services: Enable or disable GPS-based location recording
• Analytics Opt-out: Limit usage data collection through device settings
• Photo Metadata: Remove location data from photos before submission
• Push Notifications: Control notifications and app alerts

Section 6: Special Considerations

6.1 Children's Privacy Protection

BugID is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will promptly delete such information from our systems.

6.2 Geographic Data Processing

Your data may be processed in multiple countries where our service providers operate, including:

• United States (AWS and Google Cloud data centers)
• European Union (GDPR-compliant processing facilities)
• Asia-Pacific region (local analytics and processing servers)

We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers.

6.3 Device Changes and Data Migration

When you change devices:

• Free Users: Data remains on the original device and cannot be transferred
• Premium Users: Can restore data from cloud backups on new devices
• Account Linking: Premium users can link multiple devices to sync data

Section 7: Policy Updates and Communications

7.1 Privacy Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• Changes in our data practices or services
• New legal requirements or regulatory guidance
• Improvements in our privacy protection measures
• User feedback and privacy enhancement requests

7.2 Notification of Changes

Significant changes will be communicated through:

• In-app notifications when you next open BugID
• Updated "Last Modified" date at the top of this policy
• Email notifications for users who have provided email addresses

7.3 Continued Use Consent

Your continued use of BugID after any Privacy Policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated terms. If you disagree with changes, please discontinue use of the application.

Section 8: Contact Information and Support