Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

Welcome to Story Time Language! Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our app and services.

1. Introduction

Story Time Language ("we," "us," or "our") provides an application designed to enhance your reading comprehension and vocabulary through engaging stories in various languages and proficiency levels. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your personal information to ensure your privacy and security.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

To create and manage your account, we collect:

• Email address or Sign in with Apple credentials
• User ID (unique identifier)
• Authentication tokens

Purpose: Account creation, cross-device sync, and service communications.

2.2 Learning Data (Stored Primarily on Your Device)

We track your learning progress locally on your device:

• Stories you read and create
• Vocabulary words you save
• Game scores and performance metrics
• Language learning progress (mastery levels, CEFR estimates)
• Study time and activity patterns
• Daily streaks and login history

Storage: This data is stored primarily on your device using local database storage.

Sync: Learning data may sync across your devices when you're logged in to enable seamless learning across platforms.

Purpose: Track your progress, personalize learning recommendations, and provide insights into your language learning journey.

2.3 Usage Analytics (via Firebase Analytics)

We collect anonymous usage data to improve the app:

• App usage patterns (which features you use)
• Token economy events (tokens earned, spent, regenerated)
• Session duration and frequency
• In-app purchase events
• Game and story completion rates
• App performance and crash data

Third Party: Google Firebase Analytics

Purpose: Improve app functionality, fix bugs, and enhance user experience.

Children Under 13: Analytics collection is limited for users under 13 in compliance with COPPA.

2.4 AI-Generated Content & Prompts

When you request AI-generated stories or translations:

• Story prompts and topics you request
• Vocabulary level preferences
• Target language selection
• Translation requests

Sent To: OpenAI (GPT models) for story generation and translations

Purpose: Generate personalized stories and provide translation services.

Important: We do not claim ownership of generated stories. You own all content created for you.

Data Retention: Subject to OpenAI's privacy policy and data retention practices.

2.5 Advertising Data (Free Users Only)

For users who watch rewarded ads:

• Ad impressions and views
• Ad completion events
• Device advertising ID (unless you opt out)

Third Party: Google AdMob

Purpose: Show relevant ads to support free app access.

Age-Based Ad Configuration (COPPA Compliance):

We collect your birth year (stored locally on your device only - see section 2.8) to determine age-appropriate advertising:

For Users Under 13:
• Personalized advertising is DISABLED
• Ad requests tagged as child-directed
• Only contextual, non-targeted ads shown
• Maximum content rating: G (General Audiences)
• Content filtering: Romance, Horror, and Thriller genres hidden from story creation and search
• No behavioral tracking or user profiling

For Users 13 and Older:
• Personalized advertising MAY be enabled
• Ads based on general interests (with user consent)
• You can opt out via device settings

Opt-Out (All Ages):
• iOS: Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Limit Ad Tracking
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Opt out of personalization

2.6 Purchase & Subscription Information

• Transaction IDs (generated by Apple/Google)
• Subscription status (active, expired, canceled)
• Token packages purchased
• Purchase timestamps

Processed By: Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android)

Purpose: Provide access to purchased features and manage subscriptions.

Note: Payment details (credit cards) are handled entirely by Apple/Google. We never see your payment information.

2.7 Device Information

• Device model and operating system version
• App version
• Language and region settings
• Timezone
• Screen size (for UI optimization)

Purpose: App functionality, compatibility, and crash reporting.

2.8 Age Information

What We Collect:
• Age verification status (13+ yes/no confirmation only)

Where It's Stored:
• Stored in your account settings
• Synced across your devices when logged in
• NOT shared with third parties

Purpose:
• Determine age for COPPA compliance
• Configure age-appropriate advertising:
  - Under 13: Non-personalized ads only
  - 13+: Personalized ads allowed (if not opted out)
• Filter age-appropriate content (restrict Romance, Horror, Thriller genres for under-13 users)

When Collected:
• First time during app setup (checkbox: "I am 13 years of age or older")
• Required to complete initial setup

Can You Change It:
• Yes, anytime in Account Settings
• Toggle can be updated at your discretion

What Happens If You Don't Provide It:
• Setup cannot be completed (checkbox is required)
• App defaults to under-13 configuration until verified

Data Retention:
• Stored in your account settings
• Synced across devices via your account
• Deleted when you delete your account
• Can be updated at any time in Settings

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Providing Services

• Account Management: Create and maintain your account across devices
• Learning Tracking: Monitor progress and provide personalized recommendations
• AI Story Generation: Send prompts to OpenAI to create stories for you
• Token Economy: Manage your token balance, regeneration, and purchases
• Premium Features: Grant access to subscription benefits

3.2 Personalization

• Recommend learning activities based on your progress
• Adjust content difficulty to match your proficiency level
• Suggest vocabulary games for words you're learning

3.3 Analytics & Improvement

• Understand which features are used most
• Identify and fix bugs and crashes
• Optimize app performance
• Improve story generation quality

3.4 Communication

• Service notifications (trial ending, subscription renewals)
• App updates and new features
• Respond to support requests

3.5 Safety & Compliance

• Content moderation to ensure age-appropriate stories
• Age-appropriate content filtering (genre restrictions for under-13 users)
• Fraud prevention (trial abuse detection)
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing & Third Parties

We share your information only with trusted partners necessary to provide our services:

4.1 OpenAI (AI Story Generation)

What We Share: Story prompts, language preferences, vocabulary level

Purpose: Generate AI-powered stories and translations

Their Privacy Policy: https://openai.com/privacy

Important: OpenAI has its own data retention policies. Story prompts are sent to their servers for processing.

4.2 Google Firebase (Analytics)

What We Share: Anonymous usage data, device identifiers, app events

Purpose: App analytics, crash reporting, performance monitoring

Their Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

COPPA Compliance: Limited data collection for users under 13.

4.3 Google AdMob (Advertising - Free Users Only)

What We Share: Ad engagement events, device advertising ID (if not opted out)

Purpose: Show ads to support free app access

Their Privacy Policy: https://support.google.com/admob/answer/6128543

COPPA Compliance: Only non-personalized, contextual ads for children under 13.

4.4 Apple App Store / Google Play (Payments)

What We Share: Transaction confirmations only (no payment details)

Purpose: Process in-app purchases and subscriptions

Their Privacy Policies:
• Apple: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
• Google: https://policies.google.com/privacy

4.5 What We DO NOT Share

• We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties
• We do NOT share your email or account details with advertisers
• We do NOT share your saved vocabulary or learning data publicly
• We do NOT use your data for purposes beyond those stated in this policy

5. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)

Age Rating: 4+

Our app is designed to be appropriate for children aged 4 and above. We take children's privacy seriously and comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

5.1 For Children Under 13

• Parental Consent: Required for account creation
• Limited Data Collection: We collect only essential information (User ID, learning progress)
• No Personalized Ads: Only contextual, non-targeted advertising
• Age-Appropriate Content: AI content filters ensure child-safe stories
• Genre Restrictions: Romance, Horror, and Thriller genres are automatically hidden for users under 13
• COPPA-Compliant Analytics: Minimal analytics collection

5.2 Parental Rights

Parents have the right to:

• Review information collected from their child
• Request deletion of their child's account and data
• Refuse further collection of their child's information
• Control in-app purchases through device parental controls

How to Exercise Rights: Email storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com with "COPPA Request" in the subject line.

5.3 What We Don't Collect from Children

• No location data
• No photos or camera access
• No contacts or phone numbers
• No social media connections
• No personal information beyond account essentials

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted uses HTTPS/TLS encryption
• Secure Authentication: Sign in with Apple and industry-standard auth protocols
• Local Storage: Most learning data stored securely on your device
• Limited Access: Only authorized personnel can access user data
• Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews and updates

Limitations: No system is 100% secure. While we use commercially acceptable security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute security. Users are responsible for keeping their devices secure.

7. Your Rights & Choices

7.1 Access Your Data

• View your learning progress in the app's Learning Progress screen
• See your token balance and transaction history in Settings
• Review saved vocabulary in the Vocabulary section

7.2 Export Your Data (Data Portability)

• Request a copy of your data by emailing storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com
• We will provide your data in JSON or CSV format within 30 days
• Includes: account info, learning progress, saved vocabulary, transaction history

7.3 Delete Your Data

How to Delete Your Account:

1. In the app: Settings → Account → Delete Account
2. By email: Contact storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com with "Account Deletion" in subject

What Gets Deleted:
• Your account information
• Email and authentication credentials
• Learning progress and statistics
• Saved vocabulary
• Transaction history (except as required by law for tax purposes)

Timeline: Completed within 7-30 days

Note: Anonymized, hashed User IDs may be retained to prevent trial abuse and fraud.

Important: Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You will lose access to all purchased content.

7.4 Opt-Out Options

• Analytics: Currently not available, but data is anonymized
• Personalized Ads: iOS Settings → Privacy → Advertising → Limit Ad Tracking
• Marketing Emails: Click unsubscribe link in emails (if we implement email marketing)

7.5 California Residents (CCPA Rights)

If you're a California resident, you have additional rights:

• Right to Know: What personal information we collect and how it's used
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: We don't sell data, so no opt-out needed
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We won't discriminate for exercising your rights

How to Exercise: Email storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com with "CCPA Request" in subject

7.6 European Union Residents (GDPR Rights)

If you're in the EU, you have these rights:

• Right of Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate information
• Right to Erasure: "Right to be forgotten" - delete your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Right to Object: Object to certain data processing
• Right to Lodge Complaint: File complaint with your local data protection authority

How to Exercise: Email storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com with "GDPR Request" in subject

8. Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Data retained while your account is active
• Inactive Accounts: Accounts inactive for 2+ years may be deleted after notice
• Deleted Accounts: 7-30 days to complete deletion
• Legal Requirements: Some data (transaction records) retained for 7 years for tax compliance
• Analytics: Aggregated, anonymized data may be retained indefinitely
• Trial Abuse Prevention: Hashed User IDs retained to prevent multiple trial signups

9. AI-Generated Content & Ownership

9.1 You Own Your Stories

• All stories generated for you through the app are YOUR property
• You may use, share, modify, publish, or distribute them freely
• We make NO copyright claim to your generated stories
• You can use stories for personal, educational, or commercial purposes

9.2 AI Provider Data Sharing

• Story prompts are sent to OpenAI for generation
• OpenAI has its own privacy policy and data retention practices
• OpenAI Privacy Policy: https://openai.com/privacy
• We recommend not including sensitive personal information in story prompts

9.3 Content Disclaimers

• AI-generated content may contain errors, inaccuracies, or inappropriate material
• We implement content filters, but no system is 100% perfect
• Parental supervision recommended for children
• You are responsible for evaluating generated content suitability

10. International Data Transfers

• Primary Servers: United States
• Third-Party Services: May process data globally (OpenAI, Firebase, AdMob)
• Safeguards: Standard contractual clauses and privacy frameworks
• EU Users: Data may be transferred to the US for processing

11. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

• Native App: No cookies (app uses local device storage)
• Analytics: Firebase may use device identifiers for analytics
• Advertising: AdMob may use advertising IDs (can be opted out)
• Website: Our website may use cookies (separate cookie policy)

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect:

• New features or services
• Changes in legal requirements
• Business practice updates

Notification: We will notify you of changes via:
• In-app notification
• Email to your account (if provided)
• Updated "Last Updated" date at top of policy

Your Continued Use: Using the app after changes constitutes acceptance

Material Changes: May require explicit consent for significant changes

13. Third-Party Links

The app may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., OpenAI privacy policy). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Please review their privacy policies.

14. Contact Us

For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns:

Story Time Language
Email: storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com
Website: https://storytimelanguage.com

Subject Line Guidelines:
• "COPPA Request" - For children's privacy inquiries
• "GDPR Request" - For EU data rights
• "CCPA Request" - For California privacy rights
• "Account Deletion" - To delete your account
• "Data Export" - To request your data
• "Privacy Question" - General privacy inquiries

Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days

15. Account Deletion Instructions

If you would like to delete your Story Time Language account and associated data:

Step 1: Submit a deletion request
• In-App: Settings → Account → Delete Account
• By Email: Send request to storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com

Step 2: We will delete the following data:
• Your account and associated server data
• Your Firebase account (email and UID)
• Learning progress stored on our servers
• Saved vocabulary lists
• Transaction history (except as required by law)

Step 3: Data retained for fraud prevention
• Anonymized, hashed User IDs (to prevent trial abuse)
• Aggregated analytics (anonymized)

Step 4: Local data
• All usage history, saved stories, and preferences stored locally on your device
• To fully remove: Delete the app from your device after account deletion

Timeline: Requests processed within 7-30 days

Note: To request deletion of a specific story only (not full account), mention that in your message.

16. Summary - What You Should Know

• 14-Day Free Trial: No payment required, no automatic charges
• Your Data Stays Local: Most learning data stored on your device
• You Own Your Stories: Full ownership of AI-generated content
• Limited Third-Party Sharing: Only essential service providers (OpenAI, Firebase, AdMob)
• Children Protected: COPPA-compliant with parental controls
• Your Rights: Access, export, and delete your data anytime
• No Data Sales: We never sell your personal information
• Transparent AI Use: Story prompts sent to OpenAI for generation

By using Story Time Language, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this Privacy Policy.

Terms of Service: https://storytimelanguage.com/terms
Contact: storytimelanguageapp@gmail.com