Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how SlowRead ("SlowRead", "we", "us") handles information when you use the SlowRead mobile application (the "app"). SlowRead is a reading companion: it helps you track books, build shelves, and run focused reading sessions. We designed it to be local-first — most of your data never leaves your device. By using the app, you agree to this Policy.

1. The short version

• Your library, books, notes, reading history, tags, and any photos you take of book covers or spines are stored on your device only.
• If you create an account, we store your name and email to manage it.
• We use a privacy-respecting analytics tool to understand how the app is used.
• We never sell your data, and we never use it for advertising.
• There is no AI processing of your content and we do not upload your screenshots.

2. Information we collect

a. Account information. If you sign in with Apple or Google, we receive and store basic profile information — your name and email address and a provider user identifier — to create and manage your account. You can instead use Guest Mode, which requires no account and collects no sign-in information.

b. Your reading data (stored locally). The books you add, their reading status, your libraries and shelves, tags, notes, reading sessions, streaks, and any cover/spine photos you capture are stored locally on your device using Apple's on-device database. We do not collect or store this content on our servers.

c. Usage and diagnostic data. In the App Store version of the app we use product analytics (PostHog) to collect anonymous or pseudonymous information about how the app is used — for example feature interactions, session counts, and device type — to improve performance and reliability. This is disabled in beta (TestFlight) builds.

d. Subscription data. When you purchase SlowRead Pro, the transaction is processed by Apple, and subscription status is managed through RevenueCat. We receive your subscription state (active/expired) but not your payment details.

e. Book search queries. When you search for a book, the title or author text you enter is sent to third-party book databases (Google Books, Open Library, NeoDB) to return matching titles, covers, and details. These queries do not include your identity.

f. App blocking (Screen Time). The focus feature uses Apple's Family Controls / Screen Time framework. The apps you choose to block are represented by opaque tokens managed entirely by iOS on your device. We never receive or see the list of apps you select.

3. How we use information

• To provide and operate the app's features.
• To create and secure your account (if you choose to sign in).
• To process and restore your SlowRead Pro subscription.
• To understand usage and improve stability and design.
• To respond to support requests you send us.

4. Third-party services

We rely on the following providers, each governed by its own privacy policy:

• Apple — Sign in with Apple, App Store subscriptions, Screen Time.
• Google / Firebase — Google Sign-In, authentication, account storage (Firestore), Remote Config, and App Check.
• RevenueCat — subscription management.
• PostHog — product analytics.
• Google Books, Open Library, NeoDB — book search results and metadata.

5. Data sharing

We do not sell your personal information and we do not share it for advertising. We share information only with the service providers listed above, and only as needed to operate the app, or where required by law.

6. Data storage and security

Your reading content stays on your device and is protected by your device's own security. Account information is stored with Firebase and protected by industry-standard safeguards. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, but we take reasonable measures to protect your information.

7. Data retention and deletion

Your on-device data is removed when you delete the app from your device. If you have an account, you can delete it within the app, which removes your account record; you can also email us to request deletion. Subscription records held by Apple and RevenueCat are governed by their respective policies.

8. Children's privacy

SlowRead is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

9. Your rights

Depending on where you live (including under the EU/EEA GDPR), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data, and to data portability. To exercise these rights, email us at the address below. Because your reading content is stored locally, you already control it directly on your device.

10. International data transfers

Our providers (such as Google/Firebase, RevenueCat, and PostHog) may process data on servers located outside your country, including outside the EU/EEA. Where required, transfers are protected by appropriate safeguards.

11. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version with a revised effective date. Continued use of the app after changes take effect means you accept the updated Policy.

12. Contact

For any privacy question or request, contact us at hello@slowreadapp.com.