Burbz Privacy Policy
Last updated: 24 June 2026
Burbz is a playful bird-identification and collection game by Yaan Batho. This policy explains what the app uses and why, especially for Google Play review.
Short version
Burbz uses your microphone, camera, and approximate location only when you choose bird-identification features. Captures are used to identify birds and are not used to identify you personally.
Data the app uses
- Microphone recordings: when you tap the sound-identification feature, the app records a short clip and sends it to the Burbz server for bird-song analysis.
- Camera frames: when you use photo identification, the app captures a frame from the live camera view and sends it for bird-image analysis.
- Approximate location: if you allow it, location may improve bird identification and show nearby bird encounters on the in-app map.
- Game progress: your flock, Birdex, pet choice, settings, XP, and related game state are stored locally in your browser/app storage.
What we do not do
- We do not sell personal data.
- We do not use bird recordings or camera frames for advertising profiling.
- We do not require an account to play the current version.
- We do not intentionally store precise location history as a user profile.
Server processing
Sound and image captures may be temporarily processed on the Burbz server to return a likely bird species, confidence score, and matching game companion. Temporary processing files may be discarded after analysis unless needed briefly for debugging abuse, crashes, or reliability issues.
Permissions
- Microphone: required only for sound identification.
- Camera: required only for live photo identification.
- Location: optional, used for local bird context and map features.
- Network: required for bird analysis, map tiles, online assets, and game updates.
Children and nature safety
Burbz is designed as a nature/game experience. Players should not disturb birds, nests, protected habitats, or private land to capture birds. If younger players use the app, a parent or guardian should supervise outdoor use and permissions.
Contact
For privacy questions, contact Yaan through yaanbatho.com/contact.html.