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Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 16, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how the Vocabulary app (the "App") handles information. The App is operated by an independent individual developer ("we," "us," or "our"), not by a company. We designed the App to keep your learning private: your photos are processed only to identify the object you snapped, and your words, images and progress are stored on your device.

By using the App, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

1. The short version

  • We do not require an account, and we do not ask for your name, email, or phone number to use the App.
  • When you snap an object, the App cuts the object out of the photo on your device. Only the object image is sent to our backend, transiently, so an AI service can name and translate it. It is not stored on our servers.
  • Your collected words, images, audio and review progress are stored only on your device.
  • We do not sell your data and we do not show ads.

2. Information we process

(a) Photos you take

To learn a word, you photograph an object (or pick a photo from your library). The App detects and cuts out the object on your device. The cutout image of the object is transmitted to our backend so it can be named and translated, as described in Section 3. The full camera frame stays on your device.

(b) Pronunciation recordings

If you use the optional pronunciation practice, the App records a short clip of your voice and sends it to a speech-recognition service to transcribe what you said. The clip is used only to score your attempt and is not used to identify you. Your best scores are stored on your device.

(c) A device identifier and anonymous authentication

The App uses anonymous authentication to securely call our backend and to apply fair-use limits. This random identifier is not linked to a name, email, or social account and does not identify you personally.

(d) Subscription information

If you purchase a subscription, the transaction is handled by the Apple App Store. We (through our subscription provider) receive your subscription status and a non-identifying purchase identifier so we can unlock full access. We do not receive or store your payment-card details.

(e) Support communications

If you email us, we receive your email address and the contents of your message so we can respond.

(f) Limited technical data

Our infrastructure providers may process limited technical information (such as device type, app version, and timestamps) as a normal part of operating and securing the service.

We do not knowingly collect more personal information than is necessary to provide the App.

3. How a snap is handled

  • On your device: the object is detected and cut out of your photo locally, using Apple's on-device image processing. The photo itself does not leave your phone.
  • Naming: the object cutout is sent over an encrypted connection to our backend, which forwards it to a third-party AI provider. The provider returns the word, its translation, pronunciation and example sentences. The cutout is processed transiently and is not stored on our servers.
  • Audio: the word and example sentences are turned into speech by a third-party voice provider. Generated audio is cached on our servers keyed only by the text and language, never by you or your device, so common words load faster for everyone.
  • On your device: the finished word card (image, word, translation, audio) is saved locally in the App. It stays under your control and is removed if you delete it or uninstall the App.

4. How we use information

  • To identify, translate and voice the objects you snap;
  • To score your optional pronunciation attempts;
  • To operate, secure, and troubleshoot the App, including fair-use limits;
  • To manage subscriptions and unlock full access;
  • To respond to your support requests; and
  • To comply with legal obligations and prevent abuse or misuse.

We do not use your photos or recordings for advertising, and we do not use them to train our own models.

5. Legal bases (where applicable, e.g. EEA/UK)

Where data-protection law requires a legal basis, we rely on: your consent (which you give by choosing to snap an object or record a pronunciation attempt); performance of a contract (to provide the features you request, including subscriptions); and our legitimate interests (to secure and improve the App and prevent abuse). You can withdraw consent at any time by not submitting further photos or recordings.

6. Service providers and sub-processors

We use a small number of trusted third parties to operate the App. They process information only as needed to provide their service to us:

  • Google Firebase (Google Cloud): anonymous authentication and the backend functions that orchestrate naming, translation and speech generation.
  • OpenAI: receives the object cutout to identify the object and produce the word, translation and example sentences.
  • ElevenLabs: generates the native-speaker audio for words and sentences, and transcribes your optional pronunciation recordings.
  • RevenueCat: manages and verifies your subscription entitlement.
  • Apple: processes your purchase through the App Store and provides the platform the App runs on.

Each provider operates under its own terms and privacy commitments. We encourage you to review the policies of OpenAI, Google, ElevenLabs, RevenueCat, and Apple.

7. Data retention

Object cutouts and pronunciation clips are processed transiently and are not retained on our servers. Generated audio is cached keyed only by text and language, with no link to you. Your words, images and progress live on your device for as long as you keep them. Our service providers may retain limited technical or transaction records for the period required to operate their services, ensure security, and meet legal obligations.

8. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information, including encrypted transport, access-controlled backend functions scoped to your anonymous session, and transient processing of submitted content. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. International data transfers

Our providers may process information on servers located in the United States and other countries. By using the App, you understand that your information may be processed outside your country of residence, where data-protection laws may differ.

10. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal information, to object to processing, and to data portability. Because your words and images are stored on your device and we do not hold account-identifying data, the most direct way to delete your data is to delete words within the App or uninstall the App. For any other request, contact us at vocabularylearnlanguage@outlook.com, and we will respond as required by applicable law.

11. Photos of other people

The App is designed for photographing objects, not people. Please avoid including other people in your snaps, and do not submit content you are not permitted to share.

12. Children's privacy

The App is suitable for general audiences learning languages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children, and the App requires no account or personal details. If you believe a child has provided us information through a support email, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

13. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice in the App. Your continued use of the App after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

14. Contact us

If you have questions or requests about this Privacy Policy or your information, contact the developer at vocabularylearnlanguage@outlook.com.