Privacy Policy — Buddy Language
This Privacy Policy explains how Spirish (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and safeguards information when you use the Buddy Language mobile application and related web services.
1. Information We Collect
- Account & Profile Data: Email address, display name, authentication provider identifier (Email, Google Sign-In, or Sign in with Apple), and language learning preferences.
- Learning Progress & Content: Course progress, vocabulary review state, conversation practice logs, and AI tutor credit usage stored in Cloud Firestore.
- Voice & Camera Inputs (Feature-Initiated Only): Audio recorded during active pronunciation/speaking sessions (processed for speech transcription and tutor replies) and images selected or scanned strictly when using camera OCR translation (processed on-device via Google ML Kit and/or translation APIs).
- Purchase & Subscription Metadata: Anonymous subscription entitlement and receipt status processed via Google Play Billing and Apple In-App Purchase (Spirish never receives or stores your payment card numbers).
2. Device Permissions
Buddy Language requests device permissions strictly on an opt-in, feature-specific basis:
- Microphone: Used only while you actively record speech in conversation or pronunciation exercises.
- Camera & Photo Library: Used only when you scan text or pick an image for OCR translation, or save progress cards.
- Notifications: Optional study reminders and service updates, configurable in device settings at any time.
3. How We Use Information
- To operate, synchronize, and improve core features of Buddy Language.
- To authenticate your account (where applicable), prevent fraud, and maintain service security.
- To verify in-app purchases and subscriptions without storing payment card details.
- To respond to customer support or privacy inquiries sent to support@spirish.com or privacy@spirish.com.
AI Educational Disclaimer
AI-generated translations, pronunciations, and conversation replies are designed for language practice and educational purposes. Always verify critical medical, legal, or safety translations independently.
4. Service Providers & Data Processing
We do not sell your personal data or share personal data with third-party advertisers. We rely only on vetted infrastructure processors necessary to deliver the app:
- Google Firebase (Authentication, Cloud Firestore, Cloud Storage, Cloud Functions, Cloud Messaging)
- OpenAI API (generation of conversational tutor responses and learning exercises)
- Google Cloud Speech-to-Text & Translation APIs (voice transcription and translation requests)
- Google ML Kit (on-device optical character recognition)
- Google Play Billing / Apple App Store / RevenueCat (subscription validation)
All data transmitted between the app and cloud endpoints is encrypted in transit using HTTPS/TLS.
5. Data Retention & Account Deletion
We retain account data for as long as your account remains active. You may permanently delete your account and associated personal data at any time directly inside the app or via our Buddy Language Account Deletion page. Verified deletion requests are completed within 30 days (excluding minimal transaction records required by tax or payment law).
6. Your Privacy Rights (UK GDPR, EU GDPR & CCPA)
Depending on your jurisdiction, you have the right to access, correct, export, restrict, or erase your personal data, and to withdraw consent at any time. To exercise any right, email privacy@spirish.com.
7. Children’s Privacy
Buddy Language is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or 16 where required by local law), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has submitted personal data, contact privacy@spirish.com and we will promptly delete it.
8. Contact Us
Data Controller: Spirish
Privacy Inquiries: privacy@spirish.com
General Support: support@spirish.com