Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how Read Novels ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information
• Usage Data: App usage statistics, reading preferences, search history, and interaction patterns
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address for content localization (we do not collect precise location data)
• Comments and Content: User-generated comments and bookmarks within the app

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

• App performance metrics and crash reports
• Network connectivity information
• Browser information when using web view features
• Analytics data through Firebase Analytics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• App Functionality: To provide core reading features, save reading progress, and manage bookmarks
• Personalization: To customize content recommendations and improve user experience
• Analytics: To understand app usage patterns and improve our services
• Performance: To monitor app performance, fix bugs, and prevent crashes
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service
• Communication: To send important updates about the app (if you opt-in to notifications)

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Third-Party Services

We may share your information with the following third-party service providers:

• Firebase (Google): For analytics, crash reporting, and remote configuration
• Google Play Services: For app distribution and in-app features
• Advertising Partners: For displaying relevant advertisements (if applicable)

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in good faith belief that such disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect and defend our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security issues
• Protect the safety of users and the public

3.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Data Storage

• Local Storage: Reading history, bookmarks, and user preferences are stored locally on your device
• Cloud Storage: Analytics data is stored on secure Google Firebase servers
• Data Retention: We retain your data only as long as necessary to provide our services

4.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Data encryption in transit and at rest
• Access controls and authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Secure coding practices and vulnerability management

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Data Access and Control

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request information about the data we collect and store
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate personal information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal limitations)
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a structured format
• Opt-out: Disable data collection features in app settings

5.2 Managing Permissions

You can control app permissions through your device settings:

• Storage access for saving reading progress
• Network access for downloading content
• Notification permissions for app updates
• Camera access for QR code scanning (if applicable)

6. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards to protect your information.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The app may use cookies and similar tracking technologies when using web view features:

• Session Cookies: To maintain login states and preferences
• Analytics Cookies: To collect usage statistics and performance data
• Third-party Cookies: From embedded websites and content providers

9. Advertising

If our app displays advertisements, we may work with advertising partners who may collect and use information about your interests to show you relevant ads. You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings or advertising ID controls.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in the app
• Sending a notification through the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

11. Contact Information

12. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Union, our legal basis for processing your personal information includes:

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing
• Contract Performance: To provide app services you've requested
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and prevent fraud
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

13. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected and how it's used
• Right to delete personal information (subject to exceptions)
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Note: We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date stated above and applies to all users of the Read Novels application.