Privacy Policy for Birds of India

At Birds of India, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Full name
• Email address
• Password (encrypted and securely stored)
• Profile information you choose to provide

1.2 Bird Sighting Data

When you log bird sightings, we collect:

• Bird species identified
• Date and time of sighting
• Location information (if you choose to share it)
• Photos you upload
• Notes and observations
• Confidence level ratings

1.3 Usage Information

We automatically collect:

• App usage statistics and analytics
• Device information (type, operating system)
• Crash reports and error logs
• Features you use within the app

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide app functionality: Create and manage your account, save your bird sightings, and provide personalized content
• Improve the app: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and user experience
• Communication: Send you important updates, notifications about new features, and respond to your inquiries
• Security: Protect against fraud, unauthorized access, and ensure app security
• Analytics: Understand how the app is used to make improvements

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 We DO NOT sell your personal information

Your privacy is important to us. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

3.2 We may share information in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third-party services that help us operate the app (like Supabase for database services, Firebase for analytics)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Safety: To protect the rights, property, or safety of our users or others
• Business Transfer: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Security Measures

• All data transmission is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Passwords are securely hashed and never stored in plain text
• We use industry-standard security practices
• Regular security audits and updates

4.2 Data Storage

• Your data is stored securely using Supabase cloud services
• Data centers are located in secure, compliant facilities
• Regular backups ensure data integrity

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Account Management

• Access: View and download your personal data
• Update: Modify your profile information at any time
• Delete: Use the "Delete Account" feature to permanently remove your account and all associated data

5.2 Data Control

• Control location sharing permissions
• Manage notification preferences
• Delete individual sightings or photos
• Export your sighting data

6. Third-Party Services

Our app integrates with the following third-party services:

• Supabase: Database and authentication services - Privacy Policy
• Firebase: Analytics and crash reporting - Privacy Policy
• Expo: App development platform - Privacy Policy

7. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under 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 so we can delete such information.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on servers located outside of your state, province, country, or other governmental jurisdiction. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. When you delete your account:

• All personal data is permanently deleted within 30 days
• Anonymized usage data may be retained for analytics
• Legal obligations may require longer retention in some cases

10. 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 in the app
• Sending an email notification (if significant changes)
• Updating the "Last Updated" date below

11. Contact Us

12. Your Consent

By using our app, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our app.