Privacy Policy

Introduction

Real Stories ("we," "our," or "us") is a true stories reading app developed by Appsphere LLC. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when you use our mobile application.

Information We Collect

Account Information (Optional)

• Email address: Used for optional account creation and authentication via Firebase or Google Sign-In
• Account creation is optional; the app can be used without an account

Usage Data

• Reading history: Which stories you've read
• Reading progress: To resume stories where you left off
• Bookmarks: Stories you've saved
• App settings: Theme preference, font size, and language selection

Purchase Information

• Purchase history: Managed through Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• We do not directly process or store payment information
• Remove ads purchase status is stored locally and synced if signed in

Advertising Data

• If you have not purchased the remove ads option, we display ads through Google AdMob
• AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data for ad personalization
• You can opt out of personalized ads in your device settings

Information We Do NOT Collect

• Precise location data
• Photos or camera access
• Contacts
• Microphone recordings
• Biometric data

How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and improve the Real Stories experience
• Save reading progress and bookmarks
• Remember your preferences (theme, font size, language)
• Process remove ads purchases
• Display relevant advertisements (if ads not removed)
• Sync data across your devices when logged in

Data Storage and Security

• Local data (reading history, preferences) is stored on your device using secure local storage
• If you create an account, data is stored securely using Google Firebase with encryption
• We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information
• Data is stored on servers located in the United States

Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Firebase (Google): Optional authentication and cloud sync - Privacy Policy
• Google AdMob: Advertising (unless ads removed) - Privacy Policy
• Apple App Store: iOS purchase management - Privacy Policy
• Google Play Store: Android purchase management - Privacy Policy
• Google Analytics for Firebase: Anonymous usage analytics - Privacy Policy

These services have their own privacy policies governing their use of data.

Advertising

Real Stories displays advertisements through Google AdMob unless you purchase the "Remove Ads" option:

• Banner ads may appear at the bottom of certain screens
• AdMob may use device identifiers for ad targeting and frequency capping
• You can opt out of personalized ads in your device's privacy settings
• Purchasing "Remove Ads" permanently removes all advertisements

Data Retention

• Local data is retained on your device until you uninstall the app or clear data
• Account data is retained while your account is active
• You can delete your account and associated data through app settings
• Upon account deletion, we remove your data within 30 days

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Use the app without creating an account
• Access your personal data
• Delete your account and data
• Opt-out of personalized advertising
• Remove ads by making a one-time purchase

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@appsphereone.net

Account Deletion

You can request deletion of your account at any time:

• Through the app: Settings → Account → Delete Account
• Via email: support@appsphereone.net
• Through our Delete Account page

What happens when you delete your account:

• Your account is immediately deactivated
• All user data including reading history, bookmarks, and preferences will be permanently deleted within 30 days
• Local data stored on your device should be removed by uninstalling the app
• Anonymized, aggregated data may be retained for analytics purposes

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the app or via email if you have an account. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

California Residents

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

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

Contact us to exercise these rights.

European Users (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area, we process data based on:

• Consent (for optional account features)
• Legitimate interests (for app functionality and improvement)

You have the right to:

• Access, rectify, or erase your personal data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Data portability
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where our servers are located. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.