Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to StoryTime! This Privacy Policy explains how personal information is collected, used, and disclosed when you use the StoryTime application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Protecting your privacy is important, and this policy aims to be transparent about data practices.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information Collected

Several types of information may be collected to provide and improve the Service:

• Account Information: When you create an account, information such as your username, email address, and password (hashed) may be collected.
• Story Generation Data: To generate stories, the preferences you select (like genre, mood, era) and any custom text prompts you provide are collected. The generated stories themselves are also stored.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the Service may be collected. This can include features used, stories liked or saved, interactions with friends, session durations, device type, operating system, and approximate location based on IP address. This helps improve the user experience.
• Audio Data: If you use the text-to-speech feature, the text of the story you choose to listen to will be processed to generate audio.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: Standard cookies or similar technologies may be used to maintain your session, remember preferences (like light/dark mode), and collect usage data. You can control cookie settings through your browser.

How Information Is Used

The information collected is used for various purposes:

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service.
• To generate unique AI stories based on your specified preferences and prompts.
• To enable audio playback of generated stories.
• To personalize your experience (e.g., "For You" feed, theme settings).
• To facilitate social features like adding friends and sharing stories.
• To store and manage your library of generated stories.
• To monitor usage, analyze trends, and improve the Service.
• To manage your account and provide customer support.
• To communicate with you, including sending service-related notifications (which you can manage in settings).
• To ensure security and prevent fraudulent activity.

Data Sharing and Third Parties

Your personal information is not sold to third parties. However, certain information may be shared with trusted third-party service providers necessary to operate the Service:

• Large Language Model (LLM) Providers: To generate the stories, the preferences and prompts you provide are sent to third-party LLM providers (the AI models that write the stories). These providers have their own privacy policies governing their use of data. While efforts are made to use reputable providers, StoryTime is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. The content sent does not typically include direct personal identifiers unless you include them in your prompts.
• Text-to-Speech (TTS) Providers: To provide audio playback, the text of the selected story is sent to third-party TTS providers (e.g., OpenAI). Their use of this data is governed by their respective privacy policies.
• Cloud Storage & Backend Provider (Supabase): User account information, generated stories, usage data, and other application data are stored and managed using Supabase. Supabase acts as a data processor and has robust security measures in place. Their privacy practices are outlined in their own policies.
• Analytics Providers: Anonymized or aggregated usage data may be shared with analytics services (like Vercel Analytics) to understand how the Service is used and identify areas for improvement.
• Legal Requirements: Information may be disclosed if required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or if there is a good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with the law, protect the security or integrity of the Service, or protect the rights, property, or personal safety of users or the public.

Data Security

Reasonable measures are taken to protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. This includes using secure connections (HTTPS), hashing passwords, and leveraging the security features of the backend provider (Supabase). However, no internet transmission or electronic storage is 100% secure. While efforts are made to use commercially acceptable means to protect your Personal Information, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.

Data Retention

Your personal information is retained for as long as necessary to provide you with the Service and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Account information and generated stories are kept as long as your account is active. You can delete your account and associated data through the app settings (if feature available) or by contacting support. Usage data may be retained for longer periods in an aggregated or anonymized form for analytical purposes. Information may also be retained as necessary to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements.

Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, such as the right to access, correct, update, or request deletion of your data. You can typically manage your account information through the app settings. For other requests, please contact support using the information below.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. You will be notified of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes are effective when they are posted on this page. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact: [Your Contact Email Address or Support Link Here]