Privacy Policy for Photospec

Last Updated: April 17, 2026

Effective Date: April 17, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Photospec ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). This policy applies to all users of Photospec.

Developer Information:

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using Photospec, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Profile Information (Stored Locally Only)

When you use Photospec, you may choose to provide the following information, which is stored locally on your device only:

  • Your name
  • Your location
  • Equipment (cameras, lenses, etc.)
  • Copyright text preferences
  • Template and style preferences

Purpose: This information is used to customize your experience and personalize the images you generate. For example, your name may be used in copyright notices or other template elements, your location may be included in image metadata, and your equipment list may be displayed on your generated images.

Important: This information is stored exclusively on your device and is never transmitted to our servers or any third party.

2.2 Photo Data (Processed Locally Only)

When you upload a photo to create images:

  • Photo Upload: You select photos from your device's photo library
  • Metadata Extraction: The App extracts EXIF metadata from your photos (including camera settings, GPS coordinates, timestamps, etc.)
  • Processing: All photo processing happens locally on your device
  • Storage: Photos and their metadata are processed temporarily during your editing session and are not saved or transmitted unless you explicitly choose to save the final output image to your device

Important: We do not store, transmit, or have access to any of your photos or their metadata. All processing happens entirely on your device.

2.3 Email Communications

Contact and Support

If you contact us via email (martin@photospec.app) for support, questions, or to exercise your privacy rights (such as subject access requests or opt-out requests), we will collect:

  • Your email address
  • Your name (if provided)
  • The content of your communication
  • Any additional information you choose to provide

Purpose: This information is used to respond to your inquiry, provide customer support, and fulfill your privacy rights requests.

Retention: We retain this correspondence for as long as necessary to address your inquiry and for our legitimate business interests (such as maintaining records of privacy requests for compliance purposes).

Newsletter (Optional)

In the future, we may offer an optional newsletter to keep you informed about:

  • App updates and new features
  • Tips for using Photospec
  • Important announcements

If you choose to subscribe to our newsletter, we will collect:

  • Your email address
  • Your name (optional)

Consent: Subscribing to the newsletter is entirely optional. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any newsletter email or by contacting us at martin@photospec.app.

Important: Your email address will never be sold, rented, or shared with third parties for their marketing purposes.

2.4 Information Collected by Third-Party Services

RevenueCat (Subscription Management)

We use RevenueCat to manage in-app subscriptions for Photospec Pro. RevenueCat collects the following information:

  • Purchase History: Information about subscription purchases, including product ID, purchase date, subscription status, and renewal information
  • Anonymous App User ID: A randomly generated identifier used to track subscription status across devices signed into the same Apple ID or Google account
  • Device Information: Basic device information necessary for subscription validation

Purpose of Collection:

  • App Functionality: To verify subscription status and enable Pro features
  • Analytics: To provide us with aggregated subscription metrics (e.g., conversion rates, churn rates)
  • Fraud Prevention: To validate receipts and prevent unauthorized access to Pro features

Data Linking: If you use anonymous app user IDs, your purchase history is not linked to your personal identity. RevenueCat does not collect personally identifiable information such as email addresses or names.

For more information about RevenueCat's data practices, please visit: https://www.revenuecat.com/privacy

Sentry (Diagnostics and Crash Reporting)

We use Sentry to automatically detect and diagnose crashes, errors, and performance issues in the App so we can fix bugs and improve stability. Sentry collects the following information from your device when an error or performance event occurs:

  • Crash and error reports: Exception type, message, and stack trace
  • Device information: Device model, OS version, App version, device language, timezone, free memory and storage, screen resolution, and device orientation
  • Event context: Breadcrumbs (a trail of in-app events leading up to an error, such as screens visited or buttons tapped — no photo content), timestamp, and release or build identifier
  • Installation ID: A randomly generated, non-persistent identifier used to de-duplicate error events. It is not linked to your name or email
  • Basic performance and session data: App start time, screen-load performance, and whether a session ended in a crash

What Sentry does NOT collect: your photos, photo metadata, profile information (name, location, equipment), or any content you create in the App. We have configured the SDK not to send personally identifiable information (PII).

Purpose: Debugging, crash resolution, and stability and performance improvement.

Legal basis (UK/EEA users): Our legitimate interest (UK GDPR Art. 6(1)(f)) in keeping the App secure, stable, and free from defects. Given the limited, largely technical nature of the data and Sentry's role as a processor under contract, we consider that this does not override your rights and freedoms. You can opt out at any time via Menu › Settings › Advanced › Opt out of crash analytics in the App.

Processor and location: Sentry is provided by Functional Software, Inc. (d/b/a Sentry). Data may be processed in the United States. Sentry acts as our data processor under a Data Processing Agreement.

Retention: Event data is retained by Sentry for a limited period (typically 30–90 days depending on plan) and then deleted.

For more information about Sentry's data practices, please visit: https://sentry.io/privacy/

Google Maps Platform (Location Search and Geocoding)

The App uses two Google Maps Platform services: the Places API (to help you search for and select a location by name), and the Geocoding API (to convert location names into latitude and longitude coordinates, or vice versa) so the selected location can be embedded in your generated images. When you use these features, Google collects:

  • Search terms (the location text you type)
  • IP address
  • Latitude and longitude coordinates
  • Device information

Purpose: To provide location search, selection, and geocoding within the App. Google may also use this data to provide and improve Google products and services under the Google Privacy Policy.

Through the normal functioning of these Google Maps services, information is provided directly to Google, which acts as an independent controller of that data (not as our processor). Google's use of this data is governed by the Google Maps/Google Earth Additional Terms of Service and the Google Privacy Policy.

GBIF (Species Lookup)

The App uses the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) API so you can search for and attach species information (e.g. scientific name, common name) to your generated images. When you perform a species lookup, GBIF may collect:

  • The species query text you enter
  • Your IP address
  • Standard request metadata (browser/user-agent equivalent, date and time of request, referring request)

No user account is required: species lookups are made as anonymous read-only API requests. We do not send your name, email, or Photospec profile to GBIF.

Purpose: To return matching species records for your query.

Controller: GBIF is an international organisation based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Data is processed in the European Union and, per GBIF's own notice, standard visitor data is typically erased after around 30 days.

For more information about GBIF's data practices, please visit: https://www.gbif.org/terms/privacy-policy

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected through third-party services for the following purposes:

  • Subscription Management: To verify your subscription status and provide access to Pro features
  • App Improvement: To understand usage patterns and improve the App experience through aggregated analytics
  • Fraud Prevention: To protect against unauthorized access to paid features
  • Customer Support: To assist you with any subscription or technical issues
  • Diagnostics and Stability: To detect, diagnose, and fix crashes, errors, and performance issues via Sentry
  • Location and Species Search: To resolve the location and species queries you enter, via Google Maps Platform and GBIF respectively

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

Profile information, preferences, and photos are stored locally on your device using secure storage mechanisms provided by iOS and Android. This data never leaves your device unless you explicitly share it.

4.2 Third-Party Storage

Subscription data collected by RevenueCat is stored securely on their servers located in the United States. RevenueCat uses industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest. Diagnostics data collected by Sentry is stored securely on their servers located in the United States, using encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest.

4.3 Security Measures

We are committed to protecting your information. While no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, we implement reasonable security measures appropriate to the nature of the information we handle.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

We may share information with:

  • Service Providers: RevenueCat, Google, Sentry, and GBIF (as described above) to provide App functionality
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental authority
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, subscription data may be transferred to the new owner

We do not share, sell, or disclose your information for advertising or marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

6.1 Local Data

Information stored on your device remains there until you delete the App or manually clear the data through the App's settings.

6.2 Subscription Data

RevenueCat retains subscription data for as long as necessary to:

  • Maintain your subscription status
  • Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records)
  • Resolve disputes and enforce our terms

Typically, purchase history is retained for the duration of your subscription plus a reasonable period thereafter for legal and accounting purposes.

6.3 Diagnostics Data

Crash, error, and performance events sent to Sentry are retained by Sentry for a limited period (typically 30–90 days, depending on plan) and are then deleted automatically in accordance with Sentry's retention policy.

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

  • Local Data: You can view, modify, or delete your profile information and preferences at any time through the App's settings
  • Photos: You have complete control over which photos you upload and process. Photos are never saved without your explicit action
  • Subscription Data: You can view your subscription status within the App
  • Diagnostics and Crash Reporting: You can turn Sentry on or off at any time via Menu › Settings › Advanced › Opt out of crash analytics in the App. When turned off, no further diagnostic data is sent from your device

7.2 Deletion Rights

  • Local Data: Deleting the App will remove all locally stored data from your device
  • Subscription Data: To request deletion of subscription data held by RevenueCat, please contact us at martin@photospec.app

7.3 Subscription Management

You can manage or cancel your subscription at any time through:

  • iOS:Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions
  • Android:Google Play Store > Account > Subscriptions

8. Children's Privacy

Photospec is a general audience app suitable for all ages. The App does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13.

Since all photo processing happens locally on the user's device and we do not collect personally identifiable information (beyond anonymous subscription data through RevenueCat), the App does not require parental consent under the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at martin@photospec.app, and we will take steps to delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Photospec is operated from the United Kingdom. If you are accessing the App from outside the UK, please be aware that information collected through RevenueCat and Sentry may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where their servers are located.

Queries made through Google Maps Platform are also processed by Google, which acts as an independent controller and may process the data in the United States and other countries in which Google operates.

By using the App, you consent to the transfer of this information as described above.

11. Data Collection by App Stores

When you download and use Photospec, the Apple App Store and Google Play Store may collect certain information for their own purposes:

We do not have access to or control over the information collected by Apple or Google through their respective app stores.

12. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have certain rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to Know: You have the right to request information about the personal information we collect, use, and disclose
  • Right to Delete: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information
  • Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
  • Non-Discrimination: You have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, please contact us at martin@photospec.app.

13. European Union Users (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

  • Right of Access: You have the right to access your personal information
  • Right to Rectification: You have the right to correct inaccurate personal information
  • Right to Erasure: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information
  • Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to restrict how we process your information
  • Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your data in a portable format
  • Right to Object: You have the right to object to certain types of processing

Legal Basis for Processing:

  • Subscription data is processed based on contractual necessity (to provide Pro features you've purchased)
  • Anonymous analytics data is processed based on our legitimate interests in improving the App
  • Diagnostics and crash reporting (via Sentry) is processed based on our legitimate interests in keeping the App secure, stable, and free from defects

You have the right to object to processing based on legitimate interests. For Sentry diagnostics and crash reporting, you can exercise this right directly in the App at Menu › Settings › Advanced › Opt out of crash analytics — turning the toggle off immediately stops further diagnostic data being sent from your device. You can also email martin@photospec.app if you need help or want to object to other legitimate-interest processing.

To exercise your rights, please contact us at martin@photospec.app.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

  • Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
  • Notify you of material changes through the App or via email (if we have your contact information)
  • For significant changes, we may require you to accept the updated policy before continuing to use the App

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: martin@photospec.app

Mailing Address:

Martin Garnett
167 Valley Drive, Kendal, United Kingdom, LA9 7SF

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

End of Privacy Policy