Privacy Policy

Geology Identification Application

Effective Date: January 15, 2025

Last Updated: January 15, 2025

Android iOS

1. Introduction and Scope

Welcome to our geology identification application ("we", "our", "the App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our mobile application available on Google Play Store (Android) and Apple App Store (iOS).

This application is an educational tool designed to help users identify rocks, minerals, and crystals, learn about geology, and manage personal stone collections. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

This policy applies to:

• Android version (Google Play Store)
• iOS version (Apple App Store)
• All features and services within the app

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Data Stored Locally on Your Device

The following data is stored only on your device and never transmitted to us or any third party:

• Stone Images: Photos you capture using the camera or upload from your gallery for identification purposes
• Identification Results: Stone identification results including name, type, confidence percentage, and detailed information
• Collection Data: Stones you save to your personal collection with optional notes and location tags
• App Preferences: Settings and preferences you configure within the app
• Learning Progress: Your progress through educational guides and lessons (stored locally)

2.2 Data We Do NOT Collect

We want to be absolutely clear about what we do not collect:

• Personal identification information (name, email address, phone number, postal address)
• GPS location data or precise geolocation coordinates
• Device identifiers (IMEI, MAC address, advertising ID, device ID)
• Usage analytics or app behavior tracking
• Browsing history or search queries
• Contact lists or phone data
• Financial or payment information
• Social media profiles or accounts
• IP addresses or network information
• Crash reports or diagnostic data

3. Permissions Disclosure

The app requires certain permissions to function. Here is a complete disclosure of every permission used and why:

3.1 Android Permissions

3.2 iOS Permissions

4. How We Use Information

Since all data processing occurs locally on your device, here is how the app uses your information:

• Stone Identification: Images you capture or upload are analyzed using on-device algorithms to identify the stone type, formation, composition, and properties
• Collection Management: Saved stones, notes, and tags are stored in your device's local database for personal reference
• Educational Content: The app provides pre-loaded educational content about geology which does not require any data collection
• App Functionality: Your preferences and settings are stored locally to provide a personalized experience
• Learning Progress: Your progress through guides and lessons is tracked locally to help you continue where you left off

No data is transmitted to external servers, third parties, or our systems.

5. Third-Party Services and SDKs

The app uses the following third-party packages and services:

Package	Purpose	Data Collection
camera (^0.10.5+5)	Camera functionality for taking photos	No data collected. Photos stay on device
image_picker (^1.0.5)	Gallery image selection	No data collected. Only selected images accessed
permission_handler (^11.0.1)	Permission management	No data collected. Manages permission requests only
google_fonts (^6.1.0)	Typography (Poppins font)	Fonts downloaded from Google Fonts API. No personal data collected
http (^1.1.0)	Network requests (currently unused)	No data transmitted. Included for potential future features

Important: None of these packages collect or transmit personal information. They are used solely for app functionality.

6. Data Sharing Policy

Rock Stone Identifier operates completely offline for core functionality. We do not integrate with:

• Analytics services (Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, etc.)
• Advertising networks or ad platforms
• Social media platforms
• Cloud storage services
• Third-party APIs for data processing
• Data brokers or marketing companies
• Affiliate networks

7. User Rights

You have complete control over your data:

7.1 Right to Access

All your data is accessible within the app through the collection and settings sections. You can view all saved stones, notes, and preferences at any time.

7.2 Right to Delete

• Individual Items: Delete specific stones from your collection within the app
• All Data: Clear all app data through device settings:
  • Android: Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Data
  • iOS: Settings > General > iPhone Storage > [App Name] > Delete App
• Uninstall: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data

7.3 Right to Correction

You can edit or update any saved stone information, notes, or preferences within the app at any time.

7.4 Right to Data Portability

Your collection data is stored in your device's local storage. You can back up your device to preserve this data.

8. Children's Privacy (COPPA & GDPR-K Compliance)

This application is designed to be safe and educational for users of all ages, including children.

8.1 COPPA Compliance (United States)

We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):

• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age
• In fact, we do not collect personal information from any users, regardless of age
• No account creation or registration is required
• The app does not contain social features, chat, or user-to-user communication
• No behavioral advertising or tracking
• Parental consent is not required as no data is collected

8.2 GDPR-K Compliance (European Union)

We comply with GDPR requirements for children's data protection:

• No personal data is collected from children or any users
• Age-appropriate content and interface design
• No profiling or automated decision-making
• Transparent privacy practices

8.3 Parental Guidance

Parents and guardians can safely allow children to use this app. We recommend:

• Reviewing the app's features and content before allowing children to use it
• Supervising young children during app usage
• Using the app as a family learning tool
• Reviewing device permission settings

9. Data Security Practices

Your data security is important to us:

• Local Storage: All data is stored locally on your device using secure storage mechanisms provided by Android and iOS
• No Transmission: Since no data is transmitted externally, there is no risk of interception during transmission
• Device Security: Your data is protected by your device's security features (screen lock, encryption, biometric authentication)
• App Permissions: Android and iOS permission systems ensure the app can only access what you explicitly allow
• No Cloud Storage: We do not store any data on cloud servers or external databases

While we implement security best practices, please note that no method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We recommend keeping your device secure with a strong password or biometric lock.

10. Data Storage and Retention

Data is retained on your device according to your preferences:

• Data remains on your device until you choose to delete it
• Uninstalling the app removes all associated data
• We do not have access to or control over your locally stored data
• No data is retained on our servers (because we don't collect any)
• You can clear app data at any time through device settings

11. International Data Transfers

Since all data is stored locally on your device:

• No cross-border data transfers occur
• Your data remains in your country/region
• We comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations by not collecting data
• No data residency concerns

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in the app or features
• Updates to privacy regulations
• Feedback from users and regulators

When we make changes:

• The updated policy will be posted within the app and on our website
• The "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised
• For material changes, we may provide additional notice through in-app notifications
• Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Information

14. Consent Statement

By downloading, installing, and using this application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy. You consent to the data practices described in this policy.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the app.