Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 25, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to PlantHelp ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

  • Account Information: Name, email address, and password when you register for an account.
  • Plant & Care Data: Information you enter about your plants, care schedules, photos, and notes.
  • Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, browser type, device type, and IP address.
  • Communications: Messages or feedback you send us.
  • Payment Information: Processed securely through our third-party payment providers. We do not store full card details.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • To provide, operate, and maintain our services
  • To personalize your experience and deliver plant care recommendations
  • To process transactions and send related notices
  • To send you updates, newsletters, and promotional materials (you may opt out at any time)
  • To improve our website, features, and AI models
  • To comply with legal obligations

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information with:

  • Service Providers: Third parties who assist in operating our platform (hosting, analytics, payment processing, email delivery).
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights.
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.

5. Camera & Photo Library Permissions (android.permission.CAMERA)

PlantHelp requests access to your device camera and photo library on both Android and iOS devices, including when used as an installed Progressive Web App (PWA) or Android App Bundle (AAB). Camera and storage access is requested only at the moment you interact with a photo upload button and is never accessed passively or in the background.

Android Permissions Declared

android.permission.CAMERA

Allows the app to access the device camera so you can take a photo directly within the app for plant identification, disease diagnosis, pest identification, and plant profile photos.

android.permission.READ_MEDIA_IMAGES (Android 13+) / android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE (Android ≤12)

Allows the app to read images you select from your device's photo library for the same AI-powered features listed below.

iOS Permissions Declared

NSCameraUsageDescription

Used to capture photos directly from the camera for plant identification, disease diagnosis, pest identification, and plant profile pictures.

NSPhotoLibraryUsageDescription

Used to select existing photos from your photo library for the same AI-powered features.

Where Camera Permission Is Used — Feature-by-Feature

The following four in-app features trigger a camera or photo library access request. In each case, access is initiated only when you explicitly tap a "Take Photo" or "Photo Library" button:

1

Plant Identifier

android.permission.CAMERA + READ_MEDIA_IMAGES

You take or upload a photo of any plant. Our AI cross-references botanical databases (GBIF, Kew Gardens, USDA PLANTS, iNaturalist) to identify the species and return ranked matches with care guidance.

2

Plant Doctor (Disease & Care Diagnosis)

android.permission.CAMERA + READ_MEDIA_IMAGES

You photograph a plant showing signs of disease, stress, or damage. The image is analyzed to diagnose conditions and recommend treatment steps.

3

Pest Identifier

android.permission.CAMERA + READ_MEDIA_IMAGES

You capture or upload a close-up photo of a pest or affected leaf. The AI identifies the pest and provides expert-backed treatment and prevention plans.

4

My Garden — Plant Profile Photo

android.permission.CAMERA + READ_MEDIA_IMAGES

You attach a photo to your plant's profile card in your personal garden collection for visual tracking and identification over time. Photos are stored securely in your account.

How We Handle Your Photos

  • Photos are transmitted securely over HTTPS to our servers solely to perform the AI analysis you explicitly requested.
  • Images are not used for advertising, not sold to third parties, and not shared beyond the AI processing needed to fulfill your request.
  • We do not access your camera or photo library passively, in the background, or at any time other than when you explicitly tap an upload or capture button.
  • Android users: Revoke permissions at any time via Settings → Apps → PlantHelp → Permissions.
  • iOS users: Revoke permissions at any time via Settings → PlantHelp → Permissions.
  • Revoking camera/storage permissions only disables photo-based features and does not affect other app functionality.

Data Retention of Images

Uploaded images used for AI analysis (Plant Identifier, Plant Doctor, Pest Identifier) are processed transiently and are not stored beyond the immediate session unless you explicitly save results. Plant profile photos are stored securely in your account and can be deleted at any time from within the app. We do not retain images beyond what is necessary to operate the features you have used.

6. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze site traffic, and understand where our visitors come from. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly as a result.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate data
  • Request deletion of your data
  • Opt out of marketing communications
  • Lodge a complaint with a data protection authority (EU/UK residents)

9. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

11. Affiliate & Earnings Disclosure

PlantHelp participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we may earn a commission or referral fee — at no additional cost to you — when you click certain links on our site and make a purchase or sign up for a service.

Affiliate relationships may include, but are not limited to, plant retailers, gardening supply stores, book vendors, and software services. These partnerships help support the free tier of PlantHelp and allow us to continue providing quality plant care content.

Our editorial opinions and care guide recommendations are independent and are not influenced by affiliate relationships. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe are useful for plant parents.

14. California Residents — CCPA / CPRA Rights

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) grant you additional rights:

  • Right to Know: You may request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.
  • Right to Delete: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
  • Right to Correct: You may request correction of inaccurate personal information.
  • Right to Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing: We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
  • Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: We do not use sensitive personal information beyond what is necessary to provide our services.
  • Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights.

To exercise your rights, contact us at privacy@planthelp.org with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line. We will respond within 45 days.

15. EU / UK / EEA Residents — GDPR Rights

If you are located in the European Union, United Kingdom, or European Economic Area, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and UK GDPR give you the following rights:

  • Right to Access (Art. 15): Obtain a copy of your personal data.
  • Right to Rectification (Art. 16): Correct incomplete or inaccurate data.
  • Right to Erasure / "Right to be Forgotten" (Art. 17): Request deletion of your personal data.
  • Right to Restriction of Processing (Art. 18): Restrict how we process your data in certain circumstances.
  • Right to Data Portability (Art. 20): Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
  • Right to Object (Art. 21): Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.
  • Rights re: Automated Decision-Making (Art. 22): Not to be subject to solely automated decisions that significantly affect you.

Legal Basis for Processing: We process your data on the basis of (a) contract performance — to provide the services you signed up for; (b) legitimate interests — to improve our service and prevent fraud; and (c) consent — for marketing communications.

International Transfers: Your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States. We rely on Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and other safeguards for transfers outside the EEA/UK.

To exercise your GDPR rights or to lodge a complaint, contact us at privacy@planthelp.org. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority (e.g., the ICO in the UK, or your national DPA in the EU).

16. Subscription, Auto-Renewal & Billing

PlantHelp Premium is offered as an automatically renewing subscription. By purchasing a subscription you authorize us to charge your payment method on a recurring basis as described below:

  • Monthly Plan: $4.99 USD charged every 30 days from your purchase date.
  • Annual Plan: $39.99 USD charged once per year from your purchase date.
  • Auto-Renewal: Your subscription automatically renews at the end of each billing period unless you cancel at least 24 hours before the renewal date.
  • Price Changes: We will notify you at least 30 days before any price change. Continued use after notice constitutes acceptance.
  • Cancellation: Cancel anytime via Settings → Subscription in the app or by emailing support@planthelp.org. Access continues until the end of the paid period.
  • Refunds: We do not issue prorated refunds for partial billing periods. Exceptions may be made at our sole discretion for documented technical issues.
  • Taxes: Prices are exclusive of applicable taxes (VAT, GST, sales tax, etc.) which may be added at checkout based on your location.
  • Payment Processor: All payments are processed securely by Stripe, Inc. We do not store your full card number. See Stripe's Privacy Policy at stripe.com/privacy.

For billing inquiries contact support@planthelp.org.

17. Additional State-Specific Rights (USA)

Residents of the following states have additional privacy rights under their respective laws. Contact us at privacy@planthelp.org to exercise any of these rights:

Virginia (VCDPA)

Access, correction, deletion, portability, opt-out of sale/targeted advertising.

Colorado (CPA)

Access, correction, deletion, portability, opt-out of profiling and targeted advertising.

Connecticut (CTDPA)

Access, correction, deletion, portability, opt-out of sale and targeted advertising.

Texas (TDPSA)

Access, correction, deletion, portability, opt-out of sale/targeted advertising.

Nevada (SB 220)

Opt-out of sale of covered information.

Illinois (BIPA)

We do not collect biometric data. No BIPA obligations apply.

18. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

19. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: privacy@planthelp.org