Privacy Policy

Apparent Group Limited ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the InsectBrain mobile application ("App"). Please read this policy carefully. By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Data Controller Information

The data controller responsible for your personal data is:

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: When you create an account, we may collect your email address, username, and profile information.
• User Content: Photos you take or upload for insect identification, bug sightings you log, and collection data you create.
• Communications: Information you provide when contacting our support team.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: How you interact with the App, features used, and time spent on the App.
• Location Data: With your explicit consent, we collect location data to provide location-based features such as nearby insect discovery. You can disable location services at any time through your device settings.

3. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we process your personal data based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: Where you have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for specific purposes (e.g., location data, marketing communications).
• Contract Performance: Processing necessary to provide you with the App's services and features.
• Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate interests, such as improving our services, provided these interests do not override your fundamental rights.
• Legal Obligation: Processing necessary to comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the App's functionality
• Process insect identifications from photos
• Enable you to build and manage your bug collection
• Provide location-based features such as nearby insect discovery (with your consent)
• Provide safety information about identified insects
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Send important notices about the App, such as updates and security alerts
• Analyze usage patterns to improve user experience
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics), bound by contractual obligations to protect your data.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, legal process, or government request.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with appropriate notice to you.
• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit consent to share specific information.

6. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. When we transfer data outside the EEA, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions by the European Commission
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• For the duration of your use of the App and account
• As required by applicable laws and regulations
• To resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal data within 30 days, unless retention is required by law.

8. Your Rights Under GDPR

If you are located in the EEA, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we process your data.
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@apparentgroup.tech. We will respond within 30 days.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority in your country of residence.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If you believe we have collected data from a child under 16, please contact us immediately at support@apparentgroup.tech.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal data.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the App after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us: