Last Updated: January 2025
Introduction
Welcome to LangBuddy ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.
By using LangBuddy, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our services.
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1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information You Provide
When you register and use LangBuddy, we collect the following information:
- Account Information: Username, email address, password (encrypted)
- Profile Information: Learning preferences, target language, proficiency level
- User-Generated Content:
- Voice recordings during AI conversation practice sessions
- Text input and conversation history
- Lesson progress and completion data
- Vocabulary favorites and notes
1.2 Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: Features used, lessons accessed, session duration, frequency of use
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
- Performance Data: App crashes, error logs, performance metrics
- Location Data: General location (country/region) for language content customization (we do NOT collect precise GPS location)
1.3 Firebase and Google Services
We use Firebase and Google services which may collect:
- Analytics data (anonymized usage patterns)
- Authentication tokens
- Cloud messaging tokens for notifications
- Crash reports and diagnostics
1.4 AI Conversation Data
- Voice Recordings: Temporarily stored to process speech-to-text conversion
- Conversation Transcripts: Stored to provide conversation history and track learning progress
- AI Responses: Generated responses are stored for your review and learning
Important: Voice recordings are processed and then deleted within 24 hours. Transcripts are retained in your account until you delete them.
1.5 Payment Information
- We use RevenueCat and App Store/Google Play for subscription management
- We do NOT store credit card information on our servers
- Payment processing is handled by Apple, Google, and RevenueCat according to their privacy policies
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2. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information for the following purposes:
2.1 Service Delivery
- Provide, operate, and maintain LangBuddy services
- Process AI-powered language learning conversations
- Track your learning progress and streaks
- Deliver personalized lesson recommendations
- Synchronize data across your devices
2.2 Communication
- Send you notifications about your learning progress
- Remind you about daily practice goals and streaks
- Respond to your support requests and inquiries
- Send service updates and announcements (you can opt out)
2.3 Improvement and Analytics
- Analyze usage patterns to improve features
- Monitor and analyze trends and user engagement
- Conduct research to enhance learning effectiveness
- Debug and fix technical issues
2.4 Security and Compliance
- Prevent fraud and abuse
- Comply with legal obligations
- Enforce our Terms and Conditions
- Protect rights and safety of users
2.5 Marketing (with consent)
- Send promotional materials about new features
- Provide personalized offers and recommendations
- You can opt out at any time through app settings
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3. How We Share Your Information
We do NOT sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:
3.1 Service Providers
We share data with trusted third-party service providers:
- Firebase/Google Cloud: Data storage, authentication, analytics
- Anthropic (Claude AI): AI conversation processing (data is encrypted and not used to train models)
- RevenueCat: Subscription and payment management
- Cloud Hosting Providers: Secure data storage and backup
These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
3.2 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required by law:
- To comply with legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
- To enforce our Terms and Conditions
- To protect rights, property, or safety of LangBuddy, users, or others
- To investigate fraud or security issues
3.3 Business Transfers
If LangBuddy is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.
3.4 With Your Consent
We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.
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4. Data Retention
How Long We Keep Your Data
- Account Information: Retained while your account is active
- Conversation History: Retained until you manually delete it (max 2 years for free users)
- Voice Recordings: Processed and deleted within 24 hours
- Usage Analytics: Anonymized data retained for up to 2 years
- Deleted Account Data: Permanently deleted within 30 days after account deletion request
Your Right to Deletion
You can request deletion of your data at any time by:
1. Using the "Delete Account" option in app settings
2. Emailing us at privacy@langbuddy.com
We will delete your data within 30 days, except where we are legally required to retain it.
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5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures:
5.1 Technical Safeguards
- Encryption: Data encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest (AES-256)
- Authentication: Firebase Authentication with secure token management
- Access Controls: Role-based access for our team members
- Regular Audits: Security audits and vulnerability assessments
5.2 Organizational Safeguards
- Employee training on data protection
- Confidentiality agreements with staff and vendors
- Incident response procedures
5.3 Your Responsibility
- Keep your password secure and confidential
- Log out when using shared devices
- Report suspicious activity immediately
Note: No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
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6. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:
6.1 General Rights (All Users)
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
- Portability: Export your data in a machine-readable format
- Objection: Object to certain data processing activities
6.2 GDPR Rights (EU/EEA Users)
If you're in the European Union or European Economic Area:
- Right to restrict processing
- Right to withdraw consent
- Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
- Right to be forgotten
6.3 CCPA Rights (California Users)
If you're a California resident:
- Right to know what personal information is collected
- Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we don't sell)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
6.4 How to Exercise Your Rights
Contact us at: privacy@langbuddy.com
Or use in-app settings to:
- Export your data
- Delete your account
- Manage notification preferences
- Control data sharing settings
We will respond to requests within 30 days.
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7. Children's Privacy
LangBuddy is intended for users aged 13 and older.
Age Verification
- We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13
- If we discover we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it immediately
- Parents/guardians who believe we have collected data from their child should contact us immediately
Parental Rights
Parents can:
- Request access to their child's information
- Request deletion of their child's information
- Refuse further collection of their child's information
Contact: privacy@langbuddy.com
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8. International Data Transfers
LangBuddy is based in [Your Country] and processes data in [Hosting Region].
Cross-Border Transfers
If you're accessing LangBuddy from outside our hosting region:
- Your data may be transferred to and processed in different countries
- We ensure appropriate safeguards through:
- Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by EU Commission
- Privacy Shield Framework compliance (where applicable)
- Other lawful data transfer mechanisms
Data Processing Locations
Data is primarily processed in:
- United States (Firebase, Google Cloud)
- European Union (backup servers)
We ensure all processors meet international data protection standards.
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9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
9.1 What We Use
- Essential Cookies: Required for app functionality (authentication, session management)
- Analytics: Firebase Analytics to understand app usage
- Performance: Crash reporting and error tracking
9.2 Third-Party Tracking
- Firebase Analytics
- RevenueCat Analytics (subscription metrics only)
9.3 Your Choices
You can:
- Disable analytics in app settings
- Use device-level tracking controls (iOS: Limit Ad Tracking, Android: Opt out of Ads Personalization)
- Clear app cache and data
Note: Disabling essential cookies may limit app functionality.
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10. Third-Party Services
LangBuddy integrates with third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:
Key Service Providers
1. Firebase (Google): [firebase.google.com/support/privacy](https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy)
2. Anthropic (Claude AI): [anthropic.com/privacy](https://anthropic.com/privacy)
3. RevenueCat: [revenuecat.com/privacy](https://revenuecat.com/privacy)
4. Apple App Store: [apple.com/legal/privacy](https://apple.com/legal/privacy)
5. Google Play Store: [policies.google.com/privacy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their policies.
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11. Changes to Privacy Policy
Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:
- Changes in our practices
- Legal or regulatory requirements
- New features or services
Notification
We will notify you of material changes by:
- In-app notification
- Email to your registered address
- Notice on our website
Continued use of LangBuddy after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Version History
- v1.0 - January 2025: Initial policy
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12. Contact Us
Privacy Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our practices:
Email: privacy@langbuddy.com
Support: support@langbuddy.com
Website: www.langbuddy.com/privacy
Address: [Your Company Address]
Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours
Data Protection Officer
For GDPR-related inquiries:
Email: dpo@langbuddy.com
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13. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
For EU/EEA users, we process your data based on:
1. Consent: You've given clear consent for specific purposes
2. Contract: Processing necessary to provide services you've requested
3. Legal Obligation: Required by law to process your data
4. Legitimate Interests: Our legitimate business interests that don't override your rights
You can withdraw consent at any time without affecting the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
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14. California Residents - Additional Information
"Do Not Sell My Personal Information"
We do NOT sell personal information as defined by CCPA.
CCPA Categories of Information Collected
In the last 12 months, we have collected:
- Identifiers (email, username, device ID)
- Internet/electronic activity (usage data, logs)
- Audio information (voice recordings for language processing)
- Education information (learning progress, lesson completion)
Disclosure of Information
We share information with service providers for business purposes only.
Your Rights Summary
Right to know, delete, opt-out, and non-discrimination as detailed in Section 6.3.
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This Privacy Policy is effective as of January 2025.
By using LangBuddy, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.