Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Shelfie ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, stores, and shares information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and password
Profile Information: Optional profile details you choose to provide
Customer Support Communications: Information you provide when contacting our support team

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Camera Data: When you use our book scanning feature, we temporarily process images from your device’s camera to identify books. These images are processed locally and on our servers for book recognition purposes
Book Scanning Results: Information about books you scan, including titles, authors, ISBN numbers, and scan timestamps
Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the App, including features used, session duration, and user preferences
Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, mobile network information, and app version
Log Data: IP address, access times, pages viewed, and other diagnostic data

1.3 Location Information

Precise Location: We may collect your device’s precise location with your consent to provide location-based book recommendations or find nearby bookstores
General Location: We may derive your general location from your IP address

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

Book Recognition: To identify books from camera scans and provide detailed information, reviews, and purchase links
App Functionality: To provide and maintain the core features of the App
Personalization: To customize your experience and provide personalized book recommendations
Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical support
Analytics: To understand how users interact with our App and improve our services
Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations
Safety and Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and other harmful activities

3. Camera Access and Image Processing

3.1 Camera Permission

Our App requires access to your device’s camera to scan bookshelves and individual books. You will be prompted to grant camera permission when first using the scanning feature.

3.2 Image Processing

Images captured for book scanning are processed using computer vision technology to identify book titles, authors, and other details
We store images on our servers but you have full control over the visibility of photos/scans which can be hidden and/or deleted at any time
We do not store or use images for any purpose other than book identification
Images are not shared with third parties except as necessary for book recognition services

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We will share your information when you explicitly consent to such sharing.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our App, including:

Book Data Providers: To obtain book information, reviews, and metadata
Cloud Hosting Services: To store and process data securely
Analytics Providers: To understand App usage and improve our services
Customer Support Tools: To provide technical assistance

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or to protect our rights, safety, or the rights and safety of others.

4.5 Affiliate Purchases

When you choose to purchase books through affiliate links in our App, you will be redirected to third-party retailers. We may receive a commission from these purchases, but we do not share your personal information with retailers beyond what is necessary to process your transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information, including:

Encryption of data in transit and at rest
Secure servers and databases
Regular security assessments
Access controls and authentication measures

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Specifically:

Account Information: Retained until you delete your account
Scanning History: Retained until you delete it
Camera Images: You have full control over the visibility of your photos/scans which can be hidden and/or deleted at any time
Usage Data: Retained for up to 3 years for analytics purposes

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have various rights regarding your personal information. The specific rights available to you may depend on your location and applicable privacy laws.

7.1 Account Management

You can access, update, or delete your account information through the App settings.

7.2 Data Access and Information

Right to Know: You can request information about what personal information we collect, use, and share
Right to Access: You can request access to your personal information and receive a copy of your data in a portable format
Right to Rectification: You can request correction of inaccurate personal information

7.3 Data Control and Deletion

Right to Delete/Erasure: You can request deletion of your personal information by contacting us or using the delete account feature in the App
Right to Restrict Processing: You can request limitation of how we process your information in certain circumstances
Right to Object: You can object to processing of your personal information in certain situations (EU residents)

7.4 Consent and Preferences

Marketing Communications: You can opt out of promotional communications by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or adjusting your preferences in the App
Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on your consent for processing, you can withdraw it at any time
Camera Access: You can revoke camera access at any time through your device settings, though this will disable the book scanning functionality

7.5 Data Portability and Non-Discrimination

Right to Data Portability: You can request transfer of your data to another service provider (EU residents)
Right to Non-Discrimination: You have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights (California residents)

How to Exercise Your Rights: To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12. We will respond to your request within the timeframes required by applicable law.

8. Children’s Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

10. Third-Party Links and Services

Our App may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. This Privacy Policy does not apply to these third-party services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access through our App.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

Posting an updated version in the App with a new effective date
Sending you an email notification (if you have provided an email address and where required by law)
Displaying a prominent notice within the App
For EU residents: Providing advance notice where required by GDPR

Your continued use of the App after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you should stop using our App and may delete your account.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, email us at: hello@shelfie.world