Privacy Policy for Blipnote
Last Updated: December 15, 2024
Blipnote ("the App") is developed and operated by Adam Delaney ("we," "us," or "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your data.
1. Information We Collect
Information You Provide Directly
- Audio Recordings: When you record voice messages using the App, these recordings are temporarily stored on your device and uploaded to Firebase Storage for delivery via iMessage.
- Drawings and Visual Content: Any drawings, sketches, or visual elements you create are stored and transmitted as part of your message.
- Text Content: Text you input for text-to-speech generation is processed to create audio.
- Message Configuration: Settings like face selection, audio effects, captions, and drawing styles are stored with your messages.
Automatically Collected Information
- Usage Data: We collect crash reports and error logs through Firebase Crashlytics to help improve app stability and performance.
- Device Information: Basic device information (iOS version, device type) is collected automatically by Firebase for analytics and crash reporting.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- Message Delivery: To enable you to send voice messages with drawings and effects via iMessage
- Text-to-Speech: To generate synthetic voices from your text input using Apple's AVSpeechSynthesizer and TikTok TTS API
- Speech Recognition: To provide captions and transcriptions for your voice messages using Apple's Speech Recognition framework
- App Improvement: To identify and fix bugs, crashes, and performance issues
- Feature Development: To understand how features are used and improve the app experience
3. Third-Party Services
The App uses the following third-party services:
Firebase (Google)
- Firebase Storage: Temporarily stores audio files for message delivery
- Firebase Firestore: Stores message metadata and configuration
- Firebase Crashlytics: Collects crash reports and error logs
Firebase's Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
TikTok TTS API
- Used to generate synthetic voice audio from text input
- Text is sent to TikTok's servers for processing
- No personal information is sent with TTS requests
Apple Services
- Speech Recognition: Processes audio on-device or via Apple's servers for transcription
- AVSpeechSynthesizer: Generates synthetic voices locally on your device
4. Data Storage and Retention
- Temporary Storage: Audio files and message data are stored in Firebase only as long as needed for message delivery (typically a few hours to days)
- Local Storage: Messages you create are temporarily stored on your device until sent
- iMessage Integration: Once delivered, messages are stored according to Apple's iMessage policies
- Automatic Deletion: We do not permanently store your messages - they are automatically deleted from Firebase after a reasonable period
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Data is shared only in the following limited circumstances:
- Message Recipients: Content you send via iMessage is shared with your chosen recipients
- Service Providers: Third-party services (Firebase, TikTok TTS) process data as described above
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights
6. Your Privacy Rights
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: You can request information about what data we have stored
- Deletion: You can request deletion of your data from our servers
- Opt-Out: You can disable crash reporting by not using the app
- Permissions: You can revoke microphone or speech recognition permissions in iOS Settings at any time
7. Permissions Required
The App requests the following permissions:
- Microphone Access: Required to record voice messages
- Speech Recognition: Optional, used to generate captions/transcriptions
You can deny these permissions, but core features will not function without microphone access.
8. Children's Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
9. Security
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data, including:
- Encrypted transmission of data via HTTPS
- Firebase security rules to restrict unauthorized access
- Automatic deletion of temporary data
However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. International Users
Your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using the App, you consent to this transfer.
12. California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to delete your information. Contact us to exercise these rights.
© 2024 Adam Delaney. All rights reserved.