PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: January 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

ReefBuddy ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

By using ReefBuddy, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide

  • Water Chemistry Data: Water parameter measurements including pH, alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, nitrate, phosphate, salinity, temperature, and ammonia levels
  • Tank Information: Tank names, volumes, and configuration details
  • Livestock Data: Information about your corals, fish, and invertebrates including names, purchase dates, prices, photos, and health logs
  • Account Information: If you create an account, we collect email addresses and passwords (hashed and encrypted)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

  • Device Identifier: A unique device ID used to track analysis credits and prevent abuse
  • Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the app, including features used and analysis requests
  • Technical Data: Device type, operating system version, app version, and crash reports

2.3 In-App Purchase Information

  • Purchase Receipts: Transaction receipts from Apple's App Store for credit purchases
  • Credit Balance: Information about your remaining analysis credits

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

  • Provide Services: To analyze your water chemistry data and provide dosing recommendations
  • Credit Management: To track and manage your free and purchased analysis credits
  • Data Storage: To store your measurements, tanks, and livestock information for your access
  • Improve Services: To enhance app functionality, fix bugs, and develop new features
  • Prevent Fraud: To detect and prevent fraudulent use of analysis credits
  • Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical support

4. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

4.1 Local Storage

Most of your data is stored locally on your device using iOS secure storage mechanisms. This includes:

  • Water parameter measurements
  • Tank configurations
  • Livestock information and photos
  • Health logs and notes

4.2 Cloud Storage

If you create an account, the following data may be synced to our secure cloud servers:

  • Account credentials (encrypted)
  • Tank and measurement data (if you choose to sync)
  • Analysis history and saved recommendations

4.3 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

  • Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/TLS
  • Encryption of sensitive data at rest
  • Secure password hashing (bcrypt)
  • Regular security audits and updates

5. DATA SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our services (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics) under strict confidentiality agreements
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
  • Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to users
  • With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information

6. AI ANALYSIS AND DATA PROCESSING

When you request a water chemistry analysis:

  • Your water parameter data is sent to our analysis service
  • An AI-powered system processes your data to generate recommendations
  • Analysis results are stored locally on your device
  • We do not use your data to train AI models or for any purpose other than providing your analysis
  • Analysis data is not shared with third parties except as necessary to provide the service

7. YOUR RIGHTS AND CHOICES

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • Access: Request access to your personal data
  • Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Export: Export your data in a machine-readable format
  • Opt-Out: Disable data collection features in app settings

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email address provided in Section 10.

8. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

ReefBuddy is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

9. DATA RETENTION

We retain your data for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

  • Active Accounts: Data is retained while your account is active
  • Deleted Accounts: Data is deleted within 30 days of account deletion request
  • Local Data: Data stored locally on your device remains until you delete the app or clear app data

10. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

  • Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
  • Updating the "Last Updated" date
  • Notifying you through the app or via email for significant changes

Your continued use of ReefBuddy after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. CONTACT US

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@reefbuddy.app

Support: support@reefbuddy.app

12. CALIFORNIA PRIVACY RIGHTS

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected
  • Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights
BACK TO HOME