Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 4, 2026

BotanicBase ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account using Sign in with Apple, we receive:

  • Your Apple ID (an anonymized identifier)
  • Your name and email address (only if you choose to share them with us)

Profile Information

Information you provide when setting up your profile:

  • Username and display name
  • Experience level and plant interests
  • Bio
  • Profile photo

Community Content

Photos and content you submit to the Community Garden feature are stored and may be visible to other users of the app.

Usage Data

  • Quiz results and leaderboard scores
  • App activity and feature interactions

Location Data

If you use the Local Plant Shop Finder, we request access to your device's location to show nearby shops. Your precise location is not stored on our servers. We store only your zip code, which is used to determine your USDA hardiness zone for plant recommendations.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Create and manage your account
  • Personalize your in-app experience based on your plant interests and experience level
  • Display your profile and content in community features
  • Show nearby plant shops when you request them
  • Determine your USDA hardiness zone using your zip code
  • Run the plant quiz and leaderboard
  • Communicate service-related updates

3. How We Store Your Information

Your account and profile data is stored using Apple CloudKit, Apple's cloud database infrastructure. This means your data is stored on Apple's servers and subject to Apple's security standards. Authentication credentials are stored locally on your device using the iOS Keychain.

We do not operate our own independent servers to store your personal data.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your data may be shared in the following limited circumstances:

  • Apple: As our CloudKit and Sign in with Apple provider, Apple processes data per their Privacy Policy
  • Other users: Your username, display name, profile photo, and community garden posts are visible to other BotanicBase users
  • Legal requirements: If required by law or to protect the rights and safety of our users

5. Early Supporter ("Founder") Status

The first 100 users to create an account are automatically recognized as Founders within the app. This status is determined at account creation and is visible on your profile. No additional data is collected or used to confer this status.

6. Data Retention

We retain your account and profile data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, your data will be removed from our CloudKit database. Community Garden photos you have submitted will also be deleted upon account deletion.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Correct inaccurate information in your profile
  • Delete your account and associated data
  • Withdraw consent for location access at any time via iOS Settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at the address below.

8. Children's Privacy

BotanicBase is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact us at:

Email: support@botanicbase.app

App: BotanicBase