Privacy Policy

Last updated November 3, 2026

Spotted is built to get you outside, not to collect data about you. This page explains exactly what the app stores, why, and how to delete it.

What we collect

Account. When you sign in with Apple or Google we receive an account identifier and, if you share it, your email address. Apple's "Hide My Email" works fine.

Profile. Your username, short bio, chosen avatar or profile photo, and which kinds of wildlife you said you like.

Finds. The photos you scan or post, the species, the time, any caption, and where it was found if you allow location. Location and camera details are removed from photos before they are uploaded.

Location. Used to place your finds, show what lives near you, and send rare-sighting alerts if you turn them on. For alerts we keep only a location rounded to about 11 km, and drop it after two weeks without an update.

Activity. Likes, comments, follows, awards, streaks, trophies and acorns, so the app works and others can see your public posts.

Notifications. A device token so we can send the notifications you choose, and your time zone for quiet hours.

Purchases. Spotted Pro is sold through Apple. We see whether you have an active subscription, never your payment details.

What other people see

Posts you make public, your username, avatar, bio, and your collection if "Show my collection" is on. Other people only ever see a general area for a find, never the exact spot. Sensitive species are shown at a much wider area, and only after a delay. You can block people and report content.

Services we use

Supabase hosts our database, sign-in and photo storage.
Anthropic (Claude) identifies the species in photos you scan, and checks comments, bios and profile photos to keep the community safe. Photos and text sent for this are not used to train their models.
Apple and Google provide sign-in. Apple processes payments and delivers notifications.
RevenueCat keeps track of subscription status.
GBIF (the Global Biodiversity Information Facility) is asked which species are recorded in the map area you're viewing. Only the map area is sent, nothing about you.

We do not sell your data, show ads, or use advertising trackers.

Contacts

Inviting friends uses Apple's contact picker. Nothing from your address book is uploaded.

Keeping and deleting your data

We keep your data while you have an account. In the app, Settings → Delete account permanently deletes your account, finds, photos and activity. You can also ask us through the support page to access, correct or delete your data.

Children

Spotted is not directed at children under 13, and we don't knowingly collect their personal data.

Changes

If this policy changes in a meaningful way, we'll update the date above and tell you in the app.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Reach us through the support page.