1. Who We Are
BugScanner AI ("we", "our", "us") is a mobile application designed to help individuals identify insects and pests using artificial intelligence.
This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect when you use the BugScanner AI app, how we use it, and what rights you have over it. By downloading or using BugScanner AI, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the application.
2. Permissions We Request
BugScanner AI requests the following device permissions to deliver its core functionality:
Used to capture photos of insects for AI-powered identification. No video is recorded. Images are processed locally and/or sent securely to our server solely for classification.
● RequiredRequired to allow you to select existing photos from your gallery and to save scan results on your device. On Android 13+ we request READ_MEDIA_IMAGES only — no full storage access.
● RequiredUsed optionally to generate geographic infestation statistics. You may refuse this permission; the core identification features will continue to work normally.
◑ OptionalRequired to communicate with our AI classification server, transmit scan images for analysis, and receive results.
● RequiredUsed to deliver scan completion notifications and important app updates. You may disable notifications at any time in Android Settings.
◑ Optional3. Data We Collect
We collect only the minimum data necessary to operate the app:
| Data Type | Purpose | Stored on Server |
|---|---|---|
| Scan images | AI pest classification | Yes (anonymised) |
| Classification results | Display results, improve AI accuracy | Yes (anonymised) |
| User feedback / ratings | Improve model accuracy | Yes (anonymised) |
| Location (approximate) | Geographic infestation statistics | Yes (optional) |
| Device information | Diagnostics, crash reporting | Yes (anonymised) |
| Account credentials | Authentication (if registered) | Yes (hashed) |
| Payment information | Not collected by us | No — handled entirely by Google Play |
4. How We Use Your Data
Your data is used exclusively for the following purposes:
- 🦟 Pest identification — sending images to our AI engine and returning results to your device
- 📈 Service improvement — improving AI model accuracy through anonymised, aggregated data
- 🛡️ Security & fraud prevention — detecting and preventing unauthorised use
- 📣 Service notifications — informing you of scan results and critical app updates
5. AI Model Training
BugScanner AI continuously improves its insect classification model. Images you submit — together with any feedback you provide on classification results — may be used as training data to improve accuracy.
All training data is strictly anonymised before use: images are stripped of all metadata (GPS coordinates, device identifiers, timestamps). No image is ever associated with an identifiable person.
6. Third-Party Services
BugScanner AI uses the following third-party services, each governed by its own privacy policy:
| Service | Purpose | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Google Firebase | Authentication, crash reporting, analytics | firebase.google.com/support/privacy |
| Google Play Billing | In-app purchase management — not currently active | policies.google.com/privacy |
| CameraX (AndroidX) | On-device camera processing | On-device only — no data transmitted to third parties |
7. Data Storage & Security
All data transmitted between the app and our servers is protected by TLS encryption. Server-side data is stored with encryption at rest.
We retain scan data and associated feedback for a maximum of 24 months from the date of collection, after which it is permanently deleted or fully anonymised. Account data is deleted within 30 days of account closure.
Our infrastructure is hosted within the European Economic Area (EEA), ensuring GDPR compliance for EU/EEA users. Any transfer of data outside the EEA will be subject to appropriate safeguards, including Standard Contractual Clauses.
8. Your Rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.
Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
Object to the processing of your data, including for AI training purposes.
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
Request that we limit the processing of your data in certain circumstances.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us as described in Section 11. We will respond within 30 days.
9. Children's Privacy
BugScanner AI is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in certain EU member states). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately and we will delete it without delay.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. For material changes, we will also notify users via an in-app notice.
Continued use of BugScanner AI after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
11. Contact & Data Controller
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact the Data Controller directly:
Data Controller
Responsible for the processing of your personal data under GDPR.