Effective Date: May 12, 2026
| Data Type | Purpose | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Photos | Plant identification | Uploaded to our backend server, then stored on Qiniu Cloud (both compressed and original); during identification, images are forwarded to Pl@ntNet (France) for real-time identification only. Pl@ntNet does not retain your images long-term or use them for AI model training |
| Location Data | 1. Record photo location for map display 2. Real-time location for Trail feature (path recording and navigation) |
Photo location: Associated with identification records Trail location: Used only on-device in real-time, never uploaded to any server, cleared immediately after the feature closes |
| User Identifier | Supabase-generated UUID for data association | Supabase database |
| Email Address | Identity verification and account recovery for email login | Supabase authentication system (if registered via email) |
| Service | Location |
|---|---|
| Application Server | Google Cloud Platform — asia-east2 region (Hong Kong SAR, China) |
| Authentication & Database | Supabase |
| Plant Identification Database | NeonDB |
| Image Storage | Qiniu Cloud |
| Plant Identification Processing | Pl@ntNet servers (France) |
Your personal information may be stored outside mainland China, including:
We have implemented security measures compliant with applicable data protection laws, including encrypted transmission and storage. Before using features that involve cross-border data transfer (such as plant identification), we will request your explicit authorization through an in-app dialog. If you do not agree to cross-border transfers, you may choose not to use such features.
| Data Type | Retention Policy |
|---|---|
| Plant Photos | Retained after identification for displaying user history |
| Identification Results | Retained and associated with photos |
| Location Data | Photo location: Retained and associated with identification records Trail real-time location: Used only on-device in real-time, never uploaded to any server, cleared immediately after the feature closes |
| Account Information | Retained while account is active |
| Operations Logs | Automatically deleted after 30 days |
Initiate deletion from the [Account Management] page:
Note: After soft deletion, your identification records will be permanently disassociated from your identity (anonymized) and physically deleted from servers in a subsequent cycle. Local data is also synchronously cleaned to ensure consistent deletion across cloud and local storage.
We use the following third-party services:
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Pl@ntNet | Plant identification and reference images | https://plantnet.org/en/privacy/ |
| Wikipedia | Plant knowledge information (names, descriptions, etc.) | https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Policy:Privacy_policy |
| Mapbox Maps | Map display and location marking | https://www.mapbox.com/legal/privacy |
| Supabase | User authentication, database | https://supabase.com/privacy |
| Qiniu Cloud | Image storage (compressed and original) | https://www.qiniu.com/privacy |
| Sign in with Apple | User login authentication | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/ |
| Apple App Store | In-app purchase (subscription) processing | https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/ |
Data Processing Responsibility: Pl@ntNet acts solely as an independent Data Processor for plant identification purposes. We (the app developer) remain the Data Controller of your personal data. Pl@ntNet does not use your images for its own purposes or share them with other parties.
Third-Party Service Usage Principles: We do not use any third-party services for user tracking, advertising targeting, or user profiling. All third-party services are used solely to implement the core functionality of the app.
All system permissions are optional. You can choose to allow or deny at first use, and can change them anytime in iOS Settings:
| Permission | If Denied | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Cannot take photos for identification | Select existing photos from library |
| Photo Library | Cannot select existing photos | Use camera to take photos |
| Location (Photos) | Photos won't record location | Normal identification, no map marker |
| Location (Trail) | Cannot record path and navigation | Trail feature limited, other features work |
| Network | Cannot upload for identification | Connect to network to use |
Settings Path: iOS Settings → MyPlantBook → Permissions
You can enable or disable any permission at any time without affecting saved data.
This app offers in-app subscription services, processed by Apple App Store. We do not directly collect, store, or process your payment information (such as credit card numbers or billing addresses). All subscription management, payment processing, and refund matters are handled by Apple.
You can view, modify, or cancel your subscriptions at: iOS Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions.
This app is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
We may update this Privacy Policy. Significant changes will be notified through in-app notifications or email.
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, or wish to exercise your data rights, please contact us:
The app requires the following system permissions: