Privacy Policy

Auread: Audio Reading Made Simple
Effective Date: November 10, 2025

Privacy Summary:

Your content is stored locally on your device by default
The optional Circles feature uses iCloud (via CloudKit) to share selected content with people you choose
We collect anonymized analytics to improve the app (Firebase, Sentry)
We do not sell your personal information

This Privacy Policy describes how Mark Webb ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the Auread mobile application ("App"). By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

User Preferences: Settings and preferences you configure within the App.
Circles Content: If you use the optional Circles feature, selected content you choose to share with your circles is stored in your personal iCloud account via Apple's CloudKit service.

Note: The App does not require you to create an account. By default, all data is stored locally on your device. If you choose to use the Circles feature, only the content you explicitly share with circles is synced via your iCloud account.

1.2 Information Automatically Collected

Device Information: Device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
Usage Data: Information about how you use the App, including features accessed, frequency of use, and performance data.
Log Data: IP address, app crashes, system activity, and the date and time of your requests.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

Firebase: We collect anonymized analytics and app performance data through Firebase to improve app functionality and user experience.
Sentry: We collect error and crash reports through Sentry to improve app stability and fix technical issues.
Apple CloudKit: If you use the Circles feature, content you choose to share is stored in your personal iCloud account via CloudKit. This service is managed by Apple and subject to Apple's privacy policies. We do not have access to your iCloud data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

Provide Services: Deliver the App's functionality and features.
Maintain and Improve: Operate, maintain, and improve the App's functionality and user experience.
Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and provide technical support.
Analytics: Analyze usage patterns to improve our services and develop new features.
Security: Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security concerns.
Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Where We Store Your Data

Your data is primarily stored locally on your device. We do not store your personal content on our servers. However, if you choose to use the optional Circles feature:

Content you explicitly share with circles is stored in your personal iCloud account via Apple's CloudKit service
This data is managed entirely by Apple and subject to Apple's privacy policies
We do not have access to your iCloud data; only you and the circle members you choose to share with can access shared content
You can disable the Circles feature at any time, and remove shared content from your circles

3.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL protocols
Encryption of sensitive data at rest
Regular security assessments and updates
Access controls and authentication mechanisms
Secure deletion of data upon request

3.3 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services or as required by law. You can delete your content and app data at any time through the App settings or by uninstalling the App.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We share data with third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, including:

Firebase (Google): For analytics, performance monitoring, and understanding usage patterns (with anonymized data)
Sentry: For error tracking, crash reporting, and app stability improvements
Apple CloudKit: If you use the Circles feature, content you choose to share is stored in your iCloud account. This is managed by Apple and we do not have access to this data. Only you and circle members you authorize can access shared content.

Firebase and Sentry only receive anonymized usage and diagnostic data. Your personal content remains on your device, except for content you explicitly choose to share via the Circles feature, which is stored in your iCloud account.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or if we believe in good faith that such action is necessary to:

Comply with legal obligations or court orders
Protect and defend our rights or property
Prevent fraud or security issues
Protect the safety of users or the public

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your information is transferred and becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Correction

You can access and update your preferences within the App settings at any time. Your content is stored locally on your device. If you use the Circles feature, shared content is stored in your iCloud account and can be accessed and managed through the App.

5.2 Data Deletion

You can delete:

Individual files and content directly in the App
All local app data by deleting the App from your device
Circles content by removing it from your circles within the App, or by disabling the Circles feature and deleting data from your iCloud storage settings
To request deletion of any analytics or crash data we may have collected, contact us at apps.backflip.media@gmail.com

5.3 Opt-Out of Marketing

If we send promotional emails, you can opt out by following the unsubscribe link in those emails.

5.4 Analytics Opt-Out

You can limit analytics and data collection through your device settings (Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements → Share iPhone Analytics).

6. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age (or 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us, and we will delete such information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws different from your jurisdiction. We take steps to ensure that your data receives adequate protection in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

8. Analytics and Tracking Technologies

The App uses Firebase Analytics and Sentry to collect anonymized usage information and improve functionality. This includes:

App opens, screen views, and feature usage
Device type, OS version, and app version
Crash reports and error logs
Performance metrics and load times

This data is anonymized and aggregated. You can limit analytics through your device settings.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
Updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy
Sending an email notification (if applicable)

Your continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

10. Regional Privacy Rights

10.1 European Economic Area (EEA) and UK

If you are in the EEA or UK, you have additional rights under GDPR, including:

Right to access your personal data
Right to rectification of inaccurate data
Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
Right to restrict processing
Right to data portability
Right to object to processing
Right to withdraw consent at any time

10.2 California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

Right to know what personal information is collected
Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
Right to deletion of personal information
Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

Note: We do not sell personal information.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: apps.backflip.media@gmail.com

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

By using Auread, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms. If you choose to use the optional Circles feature, you also agree to Apple's iCloud and CloudKit terms and privacy policies.