Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 14, 2026

Quill ("we", "our", "the app") is an AI-powered bird feather identification app. We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what data we collect, why, and how we protect it.

1. Information We Collect

Account information (optional): If you create an account, we collect your username, email address, and a hashed version of your password. You may also upload a profile picture. You can use Quill without creating an account.

Feather images: When you submit a photo for identification, we process it to return a prediction. Images submitted with incorrect-identification feedback may be stored to improve our model. We do not store images from successful identifications.

Usage data: We collect anonymous analytics including: species identified, confidence scores, anonymous device identifiers, and timestamps. This helps us understand which species are most common and improve model accuracy.

Device information: We generate a random anonymous device ID stored locally on your device. This is not linked to your identity unless you create an account.

2. How We Use Your Data

• To identify feathers and return species predictions
• To maintain your account and profile (if you create one)
• To track your life list and achievements
• To improve our identification model accuracy
• To generate anonymous usage statistics

3. Data Storage and Security

Passwords are hashed using bcrypt and never stored in plain text. Authentication uses encrypted JWT tokens. Your data is stored on secure servers hosted by Railway. Profile pictures are stored server-side and accessible only via authenticated requests.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. Anonymous, aggregated usage statistics (e.g., "500 feathers identified this week") may be referenced publicly but contain no personally identifiable information.

5. Your Rights

You can:

• Use the app without an account — no personal data required
• Delete your account — use the "Delete Account" option in the app's Settings screen to permanently delete your account and all associated data instantly
• Clear local data — use the Settings screen to clear your scan history and life list at any time

6. Children's Privacy

Quill is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.

7. Location Data

Quill does not collect or access your location data.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance.