Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 22, 2026

ForageGuide ("we", "our", or "the app") is a free Android application for wild plant and mushroom foraging guidance. This Privacy Policy explains what information the app collects, how it is used, and your rights.

1. Information We Collect

1a. Information you provide

• Journal entries — When you log a find, you may optionally add a photo, notes, and your GPS coordinates. This data is stored only on your device using local SQLite storage. It is never uploaded to any server.

1b. Information collected automatically

• Location (GPS) — The app requests your device location to show species recorded near you (Nearby screen) and to optionally tag journal entries with coordinates. Location data is used only within the app and is never transmitted to us or any third party.
• Camera and photos — If you choose to photograph a find, the image is saved to your device storage only. We do not access, upload, or process your photos on any server.

1c. Information we do NOT collect

• We do not collect your name, email address, or any personal identifiers.
• We do not require account registration or login.
• We do not use analytics, crash reporting, or tracking SDKs.
• We do not use advertising SDKs in the current version of the app.

2. Third-Party Services

ForageGuide fetches species data from the iNaturalist API (inaturalist.org). When you search for a species or load the Nearby screen, your search query and approximate GPS coordinates are sent to the iNaturalist API as part of the request. This is necessary to return relevant results. iNaturalist's own privacy policy applies to these requests: inaturalist.org/pages/privacy.

The app uses Google Maps on the Nearby screen to display a map. Google's privacy policy applies to map usage: policies.google.com/privacy.

3. Data Storage

All user-generated data (journal entries, photos, cached species) is stored locally on your device. We operate no servers and store no user data remotely. Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data.

4. Children's Privacy

ForageGuide does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. The app does not require registration, login, or any personal data to function.

5. Permissions Used

• INTERNET — To fetch species data from the iNaturalist API.
• ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION / ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION — To show nearby species and optionally tag journal entries.
• CAMERA — To allow you to photograph your finds for your personal journal.
• READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE — To allow you to select existing photos from your gallery for your journal.

All permissions are requested at runtime and can be denied without preventing basic app functionality.

6. Safety Disclaimer

ForageGuide is provided for educational purposes only. The edibility classifications shown in the app are based on name and genus heuristics and are not a substitute for expert identification. Never consume any wild plant or mushroom based solely on information from this app. Always verify with a qualified local expert.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

8. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
GitHub: github.com/sh4on/forage-guide