Privacy Policy

1. Identification Happens On Your Device

When you record or import audio, the analysis that identifies bird species runs directly on your device. Identification does not require an internet connection, and audio is not sent to a server in order to be identified.

2. Information We Collect

Depending on the permissions you grant and the features you use, the App handles the following data:

• Microphone & Audio Recordings: The App records audio when you tap record, and can analyze audio files you choose to import. Recordings are stored on your device and automatically backed up to encrypted cloud storage, so your sightings are safe and available across your devices. If you are offline, backups happen once you regain a connection.
• Location Data: With your permission, we use your location to pin sightings to your personal map and to narrow identification to species found in your region. You can enable an optional location-blurring setting that offsets saved coordinates by roughly a mile, so places like your home are never stored precisely.
• Photos: You may grant photo library access to attach your own photos to sightings or to import video clips for analysis. Photos you attach are stored with your sightings.
• Account Information: Creating an account is optional, and you can use the App as a guest. If you sign in, we support Sign in with Apple or a one-time email code; we never store a password. We collect only the email address (or the private relay address Apple provides) needed to operate your account.
• Purchase Information: Subscriptions are processed by Apple. We receive confirmation of your subscription status so we can unlock Pro features, but we never see your payment details.
• Usage Counts: To operate the free tier fairly, we keep a count of your daily imports on our servers. This is a number, not the content of your recordings.
• Feedback: If you submit feedback on an identification, we receive the text you write and the identification it refers to.

3. How We Use Recordings to Improve BirdScout

Audio recordings backed up to our servers may be used to train and improve our bird identification models. This helps us add new species and make identifications more accurate. Recordings used this way are handled securely and are never sold or shared with advertisers. Deleting a recording in the App removes it from your device and your cloud backup, and deleting your account removes all of your data from our servers.

4. Species Information

When you view a species profile, the App fetches reference photos and descriptions from knowledge sources such as Wikipedia and AI-assisted research services. These requests are about the bird species and do not include your recordings or your identity.

5. Data Storage and Security

Recordings stored on your device are kept in encrypted storage. Synced data is stored with trusted cloud infrastructure providers using industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest. We do not sell your personal data, audio recordings, or location history, and we do not show ads.

6. Subscriptions and Payments

We offer auto-renewing subscriptions through Apple's App Store. All payment processing is handled by Apple, and your subscription is governed by Apple's standard End User License Agreement. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your Apple ID settings.

7. Your Rights and Choices

• Try the App as a guest: You can use BirdScout without creating an account. If you sign in later, the sightings you collected as a guest carry over to your account.
• Control permissions: Microphone, location, and photo access can each be changed anytime in iOS Settings.
• Delete recordings: Deleting a recording in the App removes it from your device and your cloud backup.
• Delete your account: You can delete your account and all associated data (recordings, photos, sightings, and account details) directly from the App's settings, or by emailing us. Deletion is permanent.

8. Children's Privacy

BirdScout is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date above. Meaningful changes will be highlighted in the App.