Introduction
This User Data Agreement explains what data Plants Findr collects when you use our plant identification service, how that data is processed, and what choices you have regarding your data. This agreement supplements our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
By using Plants Findr, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this agreement and consent to the data practices described herein.
What We Collect
Plants Findr collects the following categories of data:
1. Plant Images
When you use the plant identification tool, you upload or capture an image. This image is:
- Processed on our server to generate a digital fingerprint (hash) for caching purposes.
- Resized and compressed for efficient processing.
- Sent to the PlantNet API for species identification.
- Not permanently stored on our servers. Only the hash and identification results are cached.
2. Cookies
- Essential cookies: Used for rate limiting (tracking the number of identification requests per IP per day). These are strictly necessary for the operation of the service.
- Analytics cookies: Set by Google Analytics (GA4) to collect anonymised usage statistics such as page views, session duration, and traffic sources.
- Advertising cookies: Set by Google AdSense to serve advertisements. These may track browsing activity across websites to deliver personalised ads.
3. Analytics Data
We use Google Analytics to collect:
- Pages visited and navigation paths
- Session duration and bounce rate
- Device type, browser, and operating system
- Approximate geographic location (country/city level)
- Traffic source and referral information
This data is aggregated and anonymised. It does not include personal identifiers such as names or email addresses.
4. Technical Data
- IP address: Used for rate limiting. IP addresses are not stored beyond the daily rate limit reset period.
- User agent: Browser and device information included in HTTP requests.
Your Consent
By using Plants Findr, you consent to:
- The processing of uploaded images for plant identification purposes.
- The use of essential cookies required for the service to function.
- The collection of anonymised analytics data via Google Analytics.
- The display of advertisements via Google AdSense, which may use tracking cookies.
You can withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time by adjusting your browser settings or using the opt-out tools described in the Opt-Out Options section below.
How Data Is Used
Data collected by Plants Findr is used for the following purposes:
- Plant identification: Processing uploaded images to return identification results.
- Performance optimisation: Caching identification results to reduce processing time for similar or identical images.
- Service improvement: Analysing usage patterns to improve the user experience and identify technical issues.
- Rate limiting: Ensuring fair access to the identification service for all users.
- Advertising: Displaying relevant advertisements to support the free service through Google AdSense.
Data Storage & Security
Storage Duration
- Image hashes and cached results: Retained in our database for performance. Periodically cleared during maintenance.
- Rate limit records: Automatically deleted daily at midnight UTC.
- Analytics data: Retained by Google Analytics for up to 14 months (default setting).
- Uploaded images: Not permanently stored. Processed in memory and discarded after the identification response is returned.
Security Measures
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data, including:
- HTTPS encryption for all data in transit.
- Security headers (Content Security Policy, X-Frame-Options, etc.).
- Rate limiting to prevent abuse.
- No storage of original uploaded images on our servers.
Third-Party Data Sharing
Plants Findr shares data with the following third parties, strictly for the purposes described:
- PlantNet (Pl@ntNet): Uploaded images are sent to the PlantNet API for species identification. PlantNet processes images according to their own Privacy Policy.
- Google Analytics: Anonymised usage data is sent to Google for analytics processing. Google Privacy Policy.
- Google AdSense: Advertising cookies and browsing data may be used by Google to serve personalised ads. How Google uses data.
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to any third parties for their own marketing purposes.
Opt-Out Options
You have the following options to control your data:
Google Analytics
Install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on to prevent your data from being collected by Google Analytics.
Google AdSense / Personalised Ads
Visit Google Ads Settings to control ad personalisation. You can also visit aboutads.info to opt out of personalised advertising from participating companies.
Cookies
Most web browsers allow you to manage cookies through their settings. You can choose to block or delete cookies, though this may affect the functionality of the service.
GDPR Compliance (EU/EEA Users)
If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, you have the following rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- Right of access: Request information about the data we hold about you.
- Right to rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data.
- Right to erasure: Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
- Right to restrict processing: Request that we limit how we use your data.
- Right to data portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
- Right to object: Object to data processing based on legitimate interests.
- Right to withdraw consent: Withdraw consent at any time for processing based on consent.
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@plantsfindr.com. We will respond within 30 days.
CCPA Compliance (California Residents)
If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with the following rights:
- Right to know: Request disclosure of the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected.
- Right to delete: Request deletion of personal information we have collected.
- Right to opt out: Opt out of the "sale" of personal information. Plants Findr does not sell personal information.
- Right to non-discrimination: You will not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your privacy rights.
To make a CCPA request, contact us at info@plantsfindr.com.
Agreement Updates
We may update this User Data Agreement from time to time to reflect changes in our data practices or legal requirements. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this agreement periodically.
Continued use of the service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated agreement.
For questions about this User Data Agreement or to exercise your data rights, please contact us: