Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

WasteScan is an AI-powered waste analysis application that helps users categorize and manage waste materials. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our service.

By using WasteScan, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use our service.

2. Data Collection

We collect the following types of personal data:

• Scan Images: Photos you upload for waste analysis and categorization
• Device Information: Device type, browser, operating system, and app version
• Location Data: Approximate location derived from your IP address
• Account Information: Email address, name, organization name, and phone number (if provided)
• Usage Data: Analysis history, scans performed, and interaction patterns

3. Data Processing

Your uploaded images are processed for waste analysis using:

• Google Gemini API: AI-powered image analysis for waste categorization
• WasteScan Backend: Storage and retrieval of analysis results

Images may be temporarily held in memory during processing but are not used for training or improvement of our models beyond your specific analysis request.

4. Data Storage

Your data is stored securely in:

• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Scan images stored in encrypted Cloud Storage buckets
• PostgreSQL Database: Account information, analysis metadata, and results
• Backup Systems: Encrypted backups stored in GCP for disaster recovery

Data is stored in the following geographic regions: Europe (eu-west1) and North America (us-central1).

5. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Scan Images: Retained for 12 months from upload date, or until deletion request
• Account Data: Retained for the duration of your account, or 90 days after deletion request
• Backups: Maintained for 30 days after primary data deletion for recovery purposes
• Legal Holds: May be retained longer if required by law, regulation, or legal process

6. Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• Encryption in Transit: HTTPS/TLS 1.2+ for all data transmission
• Encryption at Rest: AES-256 encryption for stored data in GCP
• Access Controls: Role-based access, authentication, and authorization
• API Security: API authentication, rate limiting, and request validation
• Security Audits: Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights & Data Deletion

You have the right to:

• Request Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data via our Delete Account page
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Opt out of certain uses or storage of your data
• Privacy Inquiries: Contact us with questions about your data

Deletion Process: When you request deletion:

• Your account will be marked for deletion
• All personal data and scan images will be deleted within 30 days
• Backups will be purged after 30 days
• We will send you a confirmation email once deletion is complete
• Some data may be retained if required by law (e.g., tax records)

8. Legal Basis & Compliance

We process your data based on:

• User Consent: You explicitly consent to data processing when using the service
• Contractual Necessity: Data processing is necessary to provide the service
• Legal Obligations: Retention of records as required by law

We comply with applicable privacy laws including GDPR, CCPA, and other data protection regulations.

9. Contact & Support

For privacy inquiries, data deletion requests, or questions about this policy:

• 📧 Email: support@wastetide.ai
• 🌐 App: Use the Delete Account page to request data deletion
• ⏱️ Response Time: We aim to respond to privacy inquiries within 15 business days

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. Your continued use of WasteScan after changes constitute your acceptance of the updated policy.