Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 18, 2025

StickWords (“we”, “our”, or “the App”) is a privacy-first language learning application designed for personal use without requiring any account registration. We do not operate any proprietary servers, nor do we store any personally identifiable information (PII). All data processing is conducted locally on your device or via system services provided by Apple Inc.

This Privacy Policy outlines how we process your information in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and relevant local privacy frameworks.

What Information We Collect and Why

Content you create or provide to us

StickWords is built to minimize data collection. We do not collect or store any personal identifiers such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, precise location, or device identifiers (e.g., IDFA).

During your use of the app, the following technical data may be temporarily processed to enable core features:

a. Camera Access

• Purpose: To allow you to capture real-world objects for language recognition.
• Data Use: Images are used only once for immediate object recognition and are not saved to your device’s photo library or uploaded to any server.
• Storage: No local or remote retention.

b. Image Recognition via Third-Party APIs

• Service Provider: Google Gemini Vision API
• Purpose: To identify objects in your captured image.
• Data Flow: Images are securely transmitted over TLS-encrypted connections to Gemini's servers for one-time processing. Results are returned immediately to StickWords.
• Data Retention: StickWords does not store images. Google may retain request data for up to 30 days solely for abuse-monitoring and auditing purposes. Your images are not used to train Gemini models unless you have explicitly opted in through a separate agreement.
• Policy Reference: Google Gemini – Usage Policy

c. Text-to-Speech (TTS)

• Provider: Apple iOS AVSpeechSynthesizer (built-in system service)
• Purpose: To provide local audio playback of vocabulary
• Processing: All synthesis is handled entirely on-device, with no network transmission.

d. iCloud Storage via CloudKit

• Purpose: To optionally sync user progress (e.g., flashcard history, preferences) across Apple devices
• Data Control: Data is stored only in your personal iCloud account, governed by Apple’s privacy terms.
• Access: We do not have access to, nor do we control, any iCloud-stored data.

What We Do Not Collect

We do not collect or process:

• Your name, email address, phone number, or physical address
• Your Apple ID or account-related identifiers
• Your device’s unique ID (IDFA, IMEI, etc.)
• Your contact list, calendar, or SMS history
• Your behavioral usage logs (clicks, screen time, etc.)
• Your precise or approximate location data

Legal Basis for Processing

• GDPR (EU/UK users): Our legal basis for data processing is your explicit system-level consent (e.g., when granting camera or iCloud permissions).
• CCPA (California users): We do not sell or share your personal data. You retain the right to request information, opt out, or request deletion — although no data is retained.
• China: We do not collect or process personal information subject to localization or cross-border transfer laws.

Data Security

• End-to-end encrypted connections for all third-party API requests
• No cookies, fingerprinting, or analytics SDKs
• All data either remains on-device or flows through Apple-approved system services

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Access: Confirm whether any data is processed (we do not retain any).
• Correction/Deletion: All data is managed via your device or iCloud settings.
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke permissions (camera, microphone, iCloud) via iOS Settings.
• File a Complaint: Contact your regional data authority or email us directly for resolution.

Children’s Privacy

StickWords is designed for safe use by children aged 4 and above. We do not collect personal data from users of any age. The app contains:

• No login or account creation
• No ads
• No analytics
• No behavioral tracking

All features are fully self-contained and function offline, with optional online features (like image recognition or iCloud syncing) processed securely.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has inadvertently shared personal data, please email us at thanhduongit2012@gmail.com. We will investigate and delete any such data immediately.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy in response to changes in functionality, legal requirements, or platform services. In-app notifications will inform you of material updates. Continued use of StickWords after changes means you accept the revised terms.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, privacy concerns, or data-related requests, please contact:

📧 Email: thanhduongit2012@gmail.com

We respond to all inquiries within 15 business days.