Privacy Policy for AI Article Helper App

Last Updated: December 13, 2025

1. Introduction

Thank you for using Article Helper ("we," "our," or "the App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your information.

Key Points:

  • We do not require user accounts or registration
  • Your word lists are stored locally on your device
  • We collect minimal, anonymous usage data for app improvement
  • We use Firebase services for analytics, crash reporting, and AI functionality
  • We do not sell or share your personal information with third parties

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Words and Learning Data

  • German words you add to your learning list (stored locally only)
  • Favorite word selections
  • Word deletion actions
  • All user-entered words remain on your device and are never transmitted to our servers

Voluntary Feedback

  • Email content when you choose to send feedback through the App
  • Your email address (only if you send feedback)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Usage Analytics (via Firebase Analytics)

  • App opens and session duration
  • Feature usage (e.g., word additions, deletions, favorites)
  • Screen views and navigation patterns
  • Device information: model, operating system version, device language
  • General location (country/region level only)
  • App version and build number

Technical Information (via Firebase Crashlytics)

  • Crash reports and error logs
  • Device state at time of crash (memory, battery, network status)
  • Stack traces and debugging information
  • Anonymous device identifiers

Performance Data (via Firebase Performance)

  • App startup time and performance metrics
  • Network request latency
  • Screen rendering performance

AI Service Usage (via Firebase AI with Vertex AI)

  • Number of AI article prediction requests made
  • AI request timestamps
  • Model responses for article predictions
  • Request status (success/failure)

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

We explicitly do not collect:

  • Personal identification information (name, email, phone number) unless you voluntarily provide it via feedback
  • Precise location data
  • Contact lists or address books
  • Photos or media files
  • Payment information (the demo version is free)
  • Browsing history outside the App
  • Social media profiles or credentials

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Primary Purposes

To Provide Core Functionality

  • Store your word lists locally on your device
  • Process AI article predictions using Firebase AI
  • Display your learning progress and favorite words
  • Enable app settings and customization (theme, language)

To Improve the App

  • Analyze usage patterns to understand feature popularity
  • Identify and fix crashes and technical issues
  • Monitor app performance and optimize user experience
  • Develop new features based on user behavior

To Provide Support

  • Respond to your feedback and support requests
  • Troubleshoot technical problems you report
  • Communicate app updates and improvements

3.2 AI Article Predictions

  • Words are sent to Firebase AI for article prediction
  • AI processes the word and returns the predicted article (der, die, das)
  • No personal identifying information is included in AI requests
  • AI request count is tracked locally (50-request limit in demo version)
  • AI interactions comply with Google's Firebase AI Terms of Service

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

Database

  • Word lists stored locally using database
  • Data persists only on your device
  • Stores up to 15 most recent words
  • Can be cleared by uninstalling the App

SharedPreferences

  • App settings (theme, language, color scheme)
  • AI request counter
  • User preferences
  • Stored locally on your device

4.2 Cloud Services (Firebase)

Firebase Analytics

  • Anonymous usage data stored on Google's Firebase servers
  • Subject to Google's data retention policies
  • Automatically expires after 14 months

Firebase Crashlytics

  • Crash reports stored for 90 days
  • Used solely for debugging and app improvement
  • Contains no personally identifiable information

Firebase AI

  • Temporary processing of words for article prediction
  • No persistent storage of your learning data
  • Subject to Google Cloud's data processing terms

4.3 Security Measures

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

  • Local data encryption at device level (iOS/Android security)
  • Secure HTTPS connections to Firebase services
  • Regular security updates and patches
  • Minimal data collection principle
  • No server-side storage of personal learning data

However, please note: No method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We use the following third-party services that may process your data:

Google Firebase Services

  • Firebase Analytics (usage analytics)
  • Firebase Crashlytics (crash reporting)
  • Firebase AI (article predictions)
  • Firebase Performance (performance monitoring)

These services are governed by Google's Privacy Policy and Firebase Terms of Service.

5.2 We Do NOT Share Data With

  • Advertisers or advertising networks
  • Data brokers or marketing companies
  • Social media platforms
  • Other apps or developers
  • Any entity for commercial purposes

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

  • Comply with applicable laws or legal processes
  • Respond to lawful requests from public authorities
  • Protect our rights, property, or safety
  • Prevent fraud or security issues

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Control

Your Word Lists

  • You can view all your stored words within the App
  • Delete individual words by swiping left on any word
  • Clear all data by uninstalling the App

App Settings

  • Choose your preferred language (English, German, etc.)
  • Select theme mode (Light, Dark, System)
  • Customize color scheme preferences

AI Usage

  • View your AI request count in the App
  • AI usage counter is displayed on the settings page

6.2 Opting Out of Analytics

While the App does not currently offer an in-app opt-out for Firebase Analytics, you can:

iOS Users:

  • Enable "Limit Ad Tracking" in your iOS Settings
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Analytics & Improvements > Disable sharing

Android Users:

  • Opt out of Google Analytics in your device's ad settings
  • Go to Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization

6.3 Data Deletion

Local Data:

  • Uninstall the App to permanently delete all locally stored data
  • This removes all word lists, settings, and preferences

Firebase Analytics Data:

  • Contact us to request deletion of analytics data associated with your device
  • Note: Analytics data is anonymous and auto-deleted after 14 months

Feedback Emails:

  • Contact us to request deletion of any feedback emails you've sent

7. Children's Privacy

Age Restrictions:

  • The App is designed for general audiences learning German
  • We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13
  • If you are under 13, please obtain parental consent before using the App

Parental Notice:

  • Parents can review their child's device usage and clear app data
  • The App does not contain social features or chat functionality
  • No personal information is required to use the App

If we become aware that we've collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

8. International Data Transfers

  • The App may be used worldwide
  • Firebase services are operated by Google with servers in multiple countries
  • Data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own
  • Google ensures adequate data protection through standard contractual clauses
  • Your use of the App constitutes consent to international data transfers

9. Data Retention

Local Data (Your Device):

  • Retained until you delete words or uninstall the App
  • Up to 15 most recent words stored

Firebase Analytics:

  • Automatically deleted after 14 months
  • Can be manually deleted upon request

Firebase Crashlytics:

  • Crash reports retained for 90 days
  • Automatically purged after retention period

AI Request Data:

  • Processed transiently for article predictions
  • Not persistently stored by Firebase AI

Email Feedback:

  • Retained as long as necessary for support purposes
  • Can be deleted upon your request

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

Updates and Notifications:

  • We may update this Privacy Policy periodically
  • Significant changes will be communicated through:
    • In-app notifications
    • App update notes
    • Website announcements
  • The "Last Updated" date will reflect the latest revision

Your Continued Use:

  • Continuing to use the App after changes constitutes acceptance
  • We encourage you to review this policy periodically
  • You can always find the latest version in the App or on our website

11. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to external websites or resources:

  • We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices
  • External links are provided for convenience only
  • We encourage you to read privacy policies of visited websites
  • Clicking external links is at your own discretion

12. Your California Privacy Rights

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

Right to Know:

  • What personal information we collect
  • Sources of the information
  • Purposes for collection
  • Categories of third parties we share with

Right to Delete:

  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Subject to certain exceptions

Right to Opt-Out:

  • We do not sell personal information
  • No opt-out mechanism needed

Non-Discrimination:

  • We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us through the App's feedback feature.

13. European Union Users (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Legal Basis for Processing:

  • Consent: You consent to data processing by using the App
  • Legitimate Interest: We process data to improve app functionality

Your GDPR Rights:

  • Right of access to your data
  • Right to rectification
  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
  • Right to restrict processing
  • Right to data portability
  • Right to object to processing
  • Right to withdraw consent

Data Protection Officer:

  • For GDPR-related inquiries, contact us via the feedback feature

Supervisory Authority:

  • You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

14. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data:

Contact Methods:

Response Time:

  • We aim to respond to inquiries within 2-3 business days
  • Complex requests may require additional time

What to Include:

  • Your concern or question
  • Device information (if reporting a technical issue)
  • Any relevant screenshots (optional)

15. Consent and Acknowledgment

By downloading, installing, and using Article Helper, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.

If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

Your privacy matters to us. We are committed to transparency and protecting your information while providing an excellent German learning experience.