Privacy Policy of Birdist

Birdist ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

Owner and contact

Birdist is owned and operated by Ram Senthil.
Contact: hello@birdist.app

Information we collect

Information you provide directly

• Account information: email address, username, password, profile photo
• Content you create: bird sightings, photos you upload, community posts, comments, journal entries
• Location you manually enter (e.g., when logging a sighting or searching the Field Guide)

Information collected automatically

• Device information and app usage data (to maintain and improve the app)
• Approximate or precise location, only while the app is in use, to show nearby species and sightings (we do not track location in the background)

Information from device permissions (only when you grant them)

• Camera: to take photos for bird identification
• Microphone: to record bird calls for birdsong identification
• Photo Library: to select existing photos for identification or posts
• Location: to show field guide species and sightings relevant to your area
• Push Notifications: to send you activity alerts, streak reminders, and community updates

You can revoke any of these permissions at any time through your device settings. Revoking a permission may limit related features (e.g., disabling Camera access means you can't use photo identification).

How we use your information

We use your information to:

• Provide bird and birdsong identification
• Show you relevant field guide content and nearby sightings
• Operate community features (posts, comments, sharing)
• Manage your subscription and process payments
• Send notifications you've opted into
• Maintain, secure, and improve the app

Third-party services

Birdist uses the following third-party services to operate:

• Lovable — our application platform and AI-powered identification feature
• RevenueCat — subscription and payment management
• Despia — native app packaging and device features (e.g., push notifications)
• eBird / GBIF / IUCN / Wikidata — public biodiversity data sources used to power range maps, seasonal charts, and conservation status information (we query these services; they do not receive your personal data)

We do not sell your personal data. We do not use your data for third-party advertising or cross-app tracking.

Data retention

We retain your account and content data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you
• Correct inaccurate data
• Delete your data
• Export your data
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@birdist.app.

Account and data deletion

You can delete your account at any time from within the app (Profile → Settings → Delete account), or by emailing hello@birdist.app from your registered address. Deleting your account removes your profile, sightings, photos, and community posts within 30 days.

Children's privacy

Birdist is not directed at children under 13 (or the relevant minimum age in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can delete it.

International users

Birdist is available in multiple countries, including the United States and India. Your data may be processed in a country other than your own. By using Birdist, you consent to this transfer.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We'll notify you of material changes within the app or via email. Continued use of Birdist after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact us

Questions about this policy? Contact us at hello@birdist.app.