Privacy Policy
Effective date: September 28, 2026
Last updated: October 15, 2026
1. Who We Are
Rurev operates the Rurev app and is the controller of the personal information described in this Policy. Contact us at Rurev@gmail.com. Our Terms of Service govern use of the app.
2. Scope
This Policy applies to the Rurev app, its account service, and support communications. Rurev lets natural history hobbyists record fallen pine cone scales, compare specimens, and save field summaries. This policy webpage itself does not use cookies, analytics, or tracking technology.
3. Information We Collect
| Category | Examples | Source | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Account data | Username, email address, protected password credential or sign-in token, account ID | You provide it when registering or signing in | Authentication, account support, and access to saved records | While the account is active; deleted within 30 days after account deletion, unless legally required longer |
| Specimen and atlas data | Scale photos, source-cone number, cone position, dimensions, collection date and site, notes, comparison selections, saved summary cards | You enter or save it; photos may come from the camera or photo library with permission | Build and revisit your specimen atlas and comparisons | While the account is active; deleted within 30 days after account deletion, unless legally required longer |
| Optional audio notes | Spoken notes about a specimen or collection site | You record them after granting microphone access | Attach field notes to your specimens | Until you remove the note or delete the account; server copies deleted within 30 days of deletion |
| Device and use data | App version, device type, IP address, device identifier, sign-in events, error and security logs | Collected automatically when you use the app | Operate, troubleshoot, and protect the service | Up to 90 days, unless needed longer for a specific security or legal matter |
| Purchase records | Apple purchase receipt, transaction identifier, related order number, coin balance and usage | Apple provides a purchase result; Rurev verifies it and records the balance | Deliver purchased coins, prevent duplicate credit, and meet accounting duties | While the account is active; transaction records may be kept up to 7 years where law requires |
| Advertising permission data | ATT choice, advertising identifier and ad attribution events if permission is granted | iOS permission choice and app use | Measure and improve Rurev promotions as described below | Consent choice while active; identifier and events up to 90 days or until consent is withdrawn |
| Support messages | Your email address and the content of messages you send us | You provide it by email | Answer questions and resolve requests | Up to 24 months after the matter is resolved, unless law requires longer |
We do not ask for health records, contacts, payment card numbers, or your Apple ID password. Collection sites are details you enter for your atlas; we do not continuously collect your device's precise location. Camera, photo library, and microphone access are used only when you grant the relevant permission and choose to create or import content.
4. Account Information
To use Rurev, you create an account in the app and sign in with the credential or sign-in method selected at registration. We collect a username and the account details needed for that method, such as an email address and protected password credential or sign-in token. Account details and the specimen records you save are stored in a server-side user profile. Passwords are not stored as readable text.
We use account data to authenticate you, synchronize your atlas, maintain coin balances, and assist with account requests. You may review and edit saved records in the app. Use the account deletion option in the app to close your account and delete its associated server data and local account data; if you cannot sign in, email Rurev@gmail.com. Deletion is completed within 30 days, apart from records we must retain for legal or security reasons. Uninstalling the app removes local app data from that device but does not itself close the server account.
5. How We Use Information and Legal Bases
Where a legal basis is required, we process information as follows:
- To register and authenticate your account, store your atlas, provide comparisons and coins, and answer service requests: performance of our contract with you.
- To keep the app secure, investigate errors or misuse, and prevent fraud: our legitimate interests in running a reliable service, balanced against your rights.
- To access camera, photo library, or microphone content that you choose to provide, or enable tracking for Rurev promotions: your consent. You may withdraw consent as described below.
- To retain required transaction records and respond to valid legal requests: compliance with legal obligations.
6. Field Summaries
When you create a field summary or comparison card, Rurev uses the specimen records you select. These summaries are generated locally in the app from the details you have recorded, such as photos, dimensions, source-cone number and position, and collection date and site, and they do not require sending your photos or notes to a third-party service. You can save a summary to your field cards and delete it at any time.
When you complete a purchase, our servers verify the transaction using the App Store transaction identifier and the related order number, as described in the Payments section. This verification does not include your photos or notes.
7. How We Share Information
We limit disclosure to the following named parties and roles:
- Rurev-operated application servers store account records, atlas data, saved summary cards, and coin balances to provide the service, and verify in-app purchases using the App Store transaction identifier and the related order number.
- Apple distributes the app, processes one-time in-app purchases and refunds, and returns transaction results to Rurev. Apple handles payment credentials under its own terms.
We may also disclose information when you direct or consent to it, when required by law, to protect rights or safety, or as part of a merger or acquisition subject to appropriate safeguards. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising.
8. Tracking and Advertising
Rurev may request Apple's App Tracking Transparency permission to make Rurev promotions more relevant across apps and websites. If you allow it, Rurev may use the device advertising identifier and attribution events to measure and tailor its own promotions across other companies' apps and websites. Tracking is off unless you grant permission. Rurev and Apple receive the permission and attribution information needed for this purpose; no advertising network receives your account or specimen data. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising. You can deny the request or later turn off tracking for Rurev in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking; you can also contact us to request deletion of associated data.
9. Payments
Coins are purchased only through one-time consumable in-app purchases processed by Apple. Rurev receives a purchase result or receipt, verifies it with our servers using the App Store transaction identifier, and updates your coin balance; we do not receive your payment card number or Apple ID password. Your first two field summaries and first two posters are free, then each uses 30 coins. Apple handles payment and refund requests under App Store policies, subject to your legal rights.
10. Data Retention
Account credentials, saved specimen photos, notes, atlas entries, and saved summary cards remain while your account is active and are deleted within 30 days after account deletion, unless a legal exception applies. Optional audio notes are deleted when you remove them or within 30 days after account deletion. Device and security logs are kept for up to 90 days; advertising identifiers and attribution events for up to 90 days or until consent is withdrawn; support emails for up to 24 months after resolution. Transaction records may remain up to 7 years where required by law. Data kept under a legal exception is deleted when the reason for retention ends. Local account data is removed when you use the in-app account deletion option or uninstall the app.
11. International Transfers
Rurev's service providers may process information in the United States or other countries outside your home country. Where EU, EEA, or UK law applies to a transfer, we use a valid transfer mechanism, such as applicable standard contractual clauses and UK transfer safeguards, and take steps to protect the information. You can request details by emailing us.
12. Your Rights
Access and control
Depending on where you live, you may ask to access, correct, delete, or export your personal information and withdraw consent. You can edit specimen records or use the in-app account deletion option to remove local and server account data, subject to necessary legal retention. Email Rurev@gmail.com for requests you cannot complete in the app. We may verify your identity before responding.
EU and UK residents
Where applicable, you may also request restriction of processing, object to processing based on legitimate interests, and complain to your local data protection authority. Withdrawal of consent does not affect processing completed before withdrawal.
California and other U.S. state residents
Where applicable, you may ask to know, access, delete, or correct personal information; opt out of any sale, sharing, or targeted advertising; and exercise your rights without discrimination. You may use an authorized agent, subject to verification, and appeal a denied request by replying to our decision email. We do not sell personal information or share it for cross-context behavioral advertising. You can also disable app tracking in iOS Settings.
We aim to answer verified requests within 30 days; for California requests, within 45 days, with notice of any extension allowed by law.
13. Security
We use encryption in transit, access controls, and data minimization to protect information. Access to account records is limited to people and systems that need it to operate or secure Rurev. No internet service is completely secure; please protect your sign-in credentials and contact us if you suspect misuse.
14. Children's Privacy
Rurev is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly. A parent or guardian can contact us at Rurev@gmail.com.
15. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy and will change the Last updated date above when we do. Material changes will be announced in the app before they take effect where required. Continued use after the effective date is subject to the updated Policy, except where law requires us to obtain new consent.
16. Contact
Operator and data controller: Rurev
Email: Rurev@gmail.com
Use the subject line [Rurev] - Privacy Inquiry for privacy questions or rights requests.