Privacy Policy for GBE Connect

Effective Date: September 27, 2026

GBE Connect is developed and operated by Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden as part of the Growing Beyond Earth program. This Privacy Policy explains what information GBE Connect collects and how that information is used.

Information We Collect

GBE Connect does not require users to create an account and does not collect users' names, email addresses, or other account information.

The app collects information necessary to identify, configure, and receive data from Growing Beyond Earth PlantLab devices. This includes:

• PlantLab device ID and MAC address
• Geographic location when a PlantLab is registered
• The name given to a PlantLab
• Sensor and environmental measurements
• PlantLab operating and actuator data

Location Information

GBE Connect asks for the device's location when registering a PlantLab, and only when the user chooses to share it. Depending on the device and the permission the user grants, this may be a precise or an approximate location. It is transmitted to and stored on the Growing Beyond Earth server and is used to associate the PlantLab with its school and geographic location.

The location is also translated into a city or town name. Only this approximate, city-level location is displayed to other users of GBE Connect when PlantLab locations and their associated sensor data are shown on a map. If no place name can be found, a rounded position accurate to about one kilometer is displayed instead. The precise geographic location is not displayed to other app users.

PlantLab Data

GBE Connect can retrieve data recorded by a PlantLab and synchronize those data with the Growing Beyond Earth server.

PlantLab data may include:

• Temperature
• Relative humidity
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration
• Air pressure
• Light level within the PlantLab
• Soil moisture
• Fan speed
• Water usage
• Power usage
• Status of the red, green, blue, and white LED channels
• Fan status
• Water pump status
• Date and time of measurements

Uploaded data also include the PlantLab's device ID and MAC address. These identifiers are associated with the PlantLab and may be associated with the school where the PlantLab is located. They are not associated with an individual user account.

PlantLab sensor data, PlantLab names, and approximate geographic location may be made available to other GBE Connect users as part of the Growing Beyond Earth educational and research program.

PlantLab Names

Users can give a PlantLab a name, such as the name of a classroom. The name is stored on the PlantLab and on the Growing Beyond Earth server, and is shown to other GBE Connect users along with the PlantLab's data. Please do not include students' names or other personal information in a PlantLab name.

Bluetooth

GBE Connect uses Bluetooth to discover and communicate with nearby Growing Beyond Earth PlantLab devices. Bluetooth communication is used to view data, configure devices, retrieve logged data, and perform other PlantLab management functions.

Wi-Fi Information

GBE Connect allows users to configure a PlantLab's Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi network names and passwords entered through the app are transmitted to the PlantLab over Bluetooth so that the PlantLab can connect to the selected network.

Wi-Fi passwords are not stored by GBE Connect or transmitted to the Growing Beyond Earth server.

How We Use Information

Information collected through GBE Connect and PlantLab devices is used to:

• Operate and support Growing Beyond Earth PlantLab devices
• Associate PlantLab devices with participating schools and locations
• Display environmental and experimental data to Growing Beyond Earth participants
• Support classroom investigations and educational activities
• Support scientific research and analysis
• Maintain and improve the Growing Beyond Earth program and its technology

Analytics, Advertising, and Tracking

GBE Connect does not contain third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services.

Information collected through GBE Connect is not used for advertising or for tracking users across apps, websites, or services owned by other organizations.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden does not sell information collected through GBE Connect.

Third-Party Services

GBE Connect does not transmit PlantLab or user data to third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services.

To translate a location into a city or town name, and to place a PlantLab on a map, the app uses the geocoding service built into the device's operating system. This service is provided by Apple on iOS and, on most Android devices, by Google. The location or place name being looked up is sent to that provider for this purpose only.

Otherwise, the app uses standard services provided by the device's operating system (Apple iOS or Google Android) as part of its normal operation.

Data Retention and Privacy Choices

Location and PlantLab data are retained for the operation and research purposes of the Growing Beyond Earth program.

To request correction of stored location information, or for questions about information associated with a PlantLab, please contact Growing Beyond Earth using the contact information below. To request deletion, see Data Deletion Requests.

Data Deletion Requests

GBE Connect does not require a user account. To request deletion of location information, PlantLab names, or other personal information collected through GBE Connect, please contact Growing Beyond Earth at gbe@fairchildgarden.org. Please provide enough information for us to identify the PlantLab or information associated with your request, such as the PlantLab's device ID or name.

Children's Privacy

Growing Beyond Earth is an educational program designed in part for middle and high school students. GBE Connect does not require students or teachers to create accounts and does not ask users to provide names, email addresses, or other direct personal identifiers.

Location and experimental data collected through the app are associated with PlantLab devices and participating schools rather than individual students.

Data Security

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden takes reasonable measures to protect information transmitted to and stored by Growing Beyond Earth systems. No method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as GBE Connect and Growing Beyond Earth services evolve. The effective date at the top of this policy will indicate when it was most recently revised.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or the handling of information through GBE Connect, please contact: