Privacy Policy

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Fox Reader — Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 13, 2026 · Last Updated: June 5, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how Fox Reader ("we," "our," or "the App") collects, uses, and protects your information. Fox Reader is developed by Salman Ahmad. By using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

A. Reading Activity and Usage Data

When you use Fox Reader, we collect usage data to improve the App experience. This includes:

• Reading session data: Session duration, words read, average reading speed (words per minute), and reading progress.
• Library interactions: Book imports (file type and word count), book opens, book completions, and book ratings.
• Feature usage: Paywall views and actions, annotation creation events (type only — not content), vocabulary game completions (game type and score), Fox Summary usage (success/failure status only), onboarding completion, and Goodreads import activity (count of imported and skipped items).
• Performance data: Book load times (file type and duration).
• User properties: Total number of books in your library, number of finished books, file types in your library, preferred reading theme, preferred reading speed, and subscription status.

Important: We never collect or transmit the text content of your books, the text of your highlights or notes, or any personal identifiers such as your name, email address, or phone number through our analytics.

B. Book Metadata

When you import books or use book discovery features, the App processes book metadata including title, author, ISBN, page count, publisher, publication date, cover images, and descriptions. This metadata is stored locally on your device and optionally synced to your personal iCloud account.

C. Annotations and Personal Data

All personal reading data — including highlights, notes, vocabulary words, book ratings, reading sessions, collections, and reading progress — is stored locally on your device and, if you have iCloud enabled, synced to your personal iCloud account. We do not have access to this data.

D. Device and Technical Information

Through our analytics service (Firebase Analytics, described below), the following device information may be automatically collected:

• Device model and manufacturer
• Operating system name and version
• App version and build number
• Device language and timezone
• App instance identifier (a randomly generated ID unique to your app installation — this is not linked to your identity)
• IP address (used by Google solely to derive approximate geographic region, then discarded — not stored or shared with us)

E. Camera Data

The App requests camera access solely for scanning book barcodes (ISBN lookup). Camera data is processed locally on your device in real time and is never recorded, stored, or transmitted.

F. Purchase Information

Subscription purchases are processed entirely by Apple through StoreKit 2. We do not collect, process, or store your payment information, Apple ID, or transaction receipts. We only store your subscription status locally on your device to determine feature access.

G. Advertising Data (Free Users Only)

Fox Reader is free to use and is supported by advertising. We display occasional in-app native ads, provided by Google AdMob, to users on the free tier. Active subscribers never see ads. In connection with advertising, the following may be collected by our advertising partner (Google):

• Advertising Identifier (IDFA): With your permission — granted through Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt — your device's Advertising Identifier may be used to deliver and measure personalized ads. If you do not grant permission, you will still see ads, but they will be non-personalized (not based on your IDFA or cross-app activity).
• Ad interaction and device data: Information such as ad views, taps, general device characteristics, and coarse location derived from your IP address may be processed by Google to serve and measure ads.
• SKAdNetwork: The App uses Apple's SKAdNetwork framework for privacy-preserving measurement of ad campaign performance (for example, app installs attributed to an ad). SKAdNetwork reporting is aggregated by Apple and does not use the IDFA or identify you individually.

The App does not access your Advertising Identifier directly — this is handled by the Google Mobile Ads SDK in accordance with your ATT and consent choices.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

• App Functionality: To provide core reading features, track your reading progress, manage your book library, and personalize your reading experience.
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with the App, identify popular features, diagnose performance issues, and improve the overall user experience. Analytics data is aggregated and not linked to your identity.
• Book Discovery: To search for book metadata and cover images when you add books or browse recommendations.
• Author News: To fetch relevant news articles about authors in your library.
• On-Device AI Summarization: To generate book summaries using Apple Intelligence (Apple's on-device machine learning). All AI processing occurs entirely on your device — no book content is sent to any external server or third-party AI service for this feature.
• Notifications: To send local reading reminders and streak notifications that you have opted into. These are scheduled entirely on your device.
• Advertising: To display and measure ads for users on the free tier through Google AdMob, and to give you the option of removing ads by subscribing.

3. Third-Party Services

Fox Reader uses the following third-party services:

A. Firebase Analytics (Google LLC)

We use Firebase Analytics to collect anonymous usage data and performance metrics as described in Section 1. Firebase Analytics:

• Assigns a randomly generated app instance identifier (not linked to your identity or Apple ID)
• Is configured not to collect the Apple Advertising Identifier (IDFA) for analytics
• Does not use your analytics data for advertising or cross-app tracking (advertising is handled separately by Google AdMob, described in Section 3(F))
• Processes data on Google's servers under Google's privacy terms

For more information, see Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy and Firebase's data collection documentation at https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy.

We confirm that Google, as a third-party data processor, provides data protections consistent with this Privacy Policy.

B. Google Books API (Google LLC)

When you search for books or the App looks up metadata by ISBN, requests are sent to the Google Books API. These requests include search queries or ISBN numbers — no personal data is included. See Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.

C. Open Library API (Internet Archive)

The App queries the Open Library API for book metadata and recommendations. These requests include search terms, ISBN numbers, or author names — no personal data is included. See the Internet Archive's Privacy Policy at https://archive.org/about/terms.php.

D. Bing News (Microsoft Corporation)

The App fetches news articles about authors in your library via Bing News RSS feeds. These requests include author names only — no personal data is included. See Microsoft's Privacy Statement at https://privacy.microsoft.com/privacystatement.

E. Apple Services

• iCloud/CloudKit: If you have iCloud enabled on your device, the App syncs your library data (books, reading progress, annotations, collections, vocabulary, preferences) to your personal iCloud account using Apple's CloudKit framework. This data is stored in your private iCloud database — we cannot access it. Apple encrypts this data in transit and at rest. You can disable iCloud sync in your device's Settings. See Apple's Privacy Policy at https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy.
• StoreKit 2: All subscription transactions are processed by Apple. We do not receive or store payment details.
• Apple Intelligence (FoundationModels): The Fox Summary feature uses Apple's on-device language model. All processing occurs locally on your device. No text content is sent to Apple or any third party for this feature.

F. Google AdMob (Google LLC)

For users on the free tier, Fox Reader displays native ads served by Google AdMob (part of the Google Mobile Ads SDK). Subscribers do not see ads. Through AdMob, Google may collect and process data to serve and measure ads, including:

• The Apple Advertising Identifier (IDFA) — only if you grant permission via Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt
• Ad-interaction data (impressions, clicks), general device information, and approximate location derived from your IP address

If you grant tracking permission, ads may be personalized and used for cross-app measurement. If you decline, ads are non-personalized. We use Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP) to obtain consent where required (for example, in the EEA, UK, and Switzerland), and the App requests ATT permission as required by Apple. You can change your choices at any time via the "Manage Privacy Options" control in the App's Settings, and through your device's Settings (Privacy & Security > Tracking).

For more information on how Google uses data when you use apps that use its services, see https://policies.google.com/privacy and https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites.

G. EPUBKit (Open-Source Library)

EPUBKit is used to parse EPUB files locally on your device. It does not collect, transmit, or share any data.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data for money.

We share data with third parties only as described below:

• Analytics: Anonymous, aggregated usage data is sent to Firebase Analytics as described in Section 3(A). No personal identifiers are included.
• Advertising (free users only): To serve ads, limited advertising data is shared with Google AdMob as described in Sections 1(G) and 3(F). If you grant App Tracking Transparency permission, this may include your Advertising Identifier (IDFA) and may be used for personalized ads and cross-app measurement. If you decline, ads are non-personalized. Subscribers do not see ads, and no advertising data is shared for them.

You can opt out of personalized ads and cross-app tracking at any time using Apple's tracking controls and the App's "Manage Privacy Options" (see Section 8).

5. Data Storage and Security

• Local Storage: All your personal data (books, annotations, reading progress, preferences) is stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework.
• iCloud Sync: If enabled, your data is synced to your personal iCloud account via CloudKit. This data is stored in your private database — we do not have access to it. Apple encrypts iCloud data in transit (TLS) and at rest.
• Analytics Data: Anonymous usage data is stored on Google's Firebase servers. This data is not linked to your identity and is retained according to Google's data retention policies.
• No Custom Servers: Fox Reader does not operate any custom backend servers. We do not store any of your data on our own servers.
• Security Measures: The App uses Apple's built-in security frameworks, sandboxed storage, and secure file access (security-scoped resources) to protect your data.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

• Local Data: All data stored on your device is retained until you delete it within the App or uninstall the App. Deleting a book removes all associated reading sessions, highlights, notes, and progress data.
• iCloud Data: Data synced to iCloud is retained in your iCloud account until you delete it from the App or remove the App's iCloud data from your device settings (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Fox Reader).
• Analytics Data: Firebase Analytics data is retained for 14 months by default, after which it is automatically deleted from Google's servers. Aggregated data without user-level identifiers may be retained longer for trend analysis.

How to Delete Your Data:

Since Fox Reader does not require user accounts and does not store personal data on our servers, you have full control over your data:

1. Delete individual items: Remove books, highlights, notes, vocabulary words, and collections directly within the App. Deletions cascade — removing a book removes all associated data.
2. Delete all local data: Uninstall the App from your device.
3. Delete iCloud data: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage > Fox Reader > Delete Data.
4. Request analytics data deletion: Contact us at the email below to request deletion of any analytics data associated with your app instance.

7. Children's Privacy

Fox Reader is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at the email address below, and we will take steps to delete such information.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:

For All Users:

• Access: You can view all your data directly within the App at any time.
• Deletion: You can delete your data as described in Section 6.
• Opt-Out of Analytics: You can limit analytics data collection by enabling "Limit Ad Tracking" or disabling analytics sharing in your device's Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.
• Opt-Out of Personalized Ads: You can decline ad tracking through Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt, change it later in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, and re-open your advertising consent choices at any time using the "Manage Privacy Options" control in the App's Settings. Declining does not remove ads but makes them non-personalized; subscribing removes ads entirely.

For European Economic Area (EEA) Residents (GDPR):

• Lawful Basis: We process usage data based on our legitimate interest in improving the App. iCloud sync is based on your consent (by enabling iCloud on your device). Personalized advertising and any use of your Advertising Identifier are based on your consent, collected via Google's User Messaging Platform and Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt.
• Right to Access: You may request a copy of any data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: You may correct inaccurate data within the App.
• Right to Erasure: You may request deletion of your data.
• Right to Restrict Processing: You may request that we limit processing of your data.
• Right to Data Portability: Your data is stored locally on your device and in your iCloud account, giving you full portability.
• Right to Object: You may object to processing based on legitimate interests.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent at any time by disabling iCloud sync in device Settings, by declining or revoking tracking in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, or by re-opening your advertising consent choices via "Manage Privacy Options" in the App.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address provided in Section 12.

For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA):

• Right to Know: You have the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used. This is described in this Privacy Policy.
• Right to Delete: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, as described in Section 6.
• Right to Opt-Out of Sale/Sharing: We do not sell your personal information for money. However, for free-tier users, our use of Google AdMob for personalized advertising may be considered "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising under the CPRA. You can opt out at any time by declining tracking in Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking, by using "Manage Privacy Options" in the App, or by subscribing (which removes ads).
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.
• Categories of Personal Information Collected: Device information (identifiers, including the Advertising Identifier where permitted, and device attributes), approximate location (derived from IP address), and usage data (interactions with the App). See Section 1 for details.
• Categories Shared for Cross-Context Behavioral Advertising: For free-tier users who grant tracking permission, device identifiers and ad-interaction data may be shared with Google AdMob. None for subscribers or users who decline tracking.

9. Subscriptions

Fox Reader offers auto-renewable subscriptions:

• Monthly: $4.99 per month
• Yearly: $29.99 per year

Subscriptions include a 7-day free trial for eligible users. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. You can manage and cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings (Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions). No refunds are provided for unused portions of a subscription period. Subscription prices may vary by region and are subject to change.

10. Advertising and Tracking Technologies

Fox Reader does not use website cookies or web beacons. For users on the free tier, the App participates in the Google AdMob advertising network to display native ads (see Sections 1(G) and 3(F)). With your permission via Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt, the App may access the Apple Advertising Identifier (IDFA) for personalized advertising and cross-app measurement; if you decline, ads are non-personalized. The App also uses Apple's SKAdNetwork for privacy-preserving ad attribution, which does not use the IDFA. You can manage these choices through Apple's tracking settings and the App's "Manage Privacy Options" control. Subscribers do not see ads and are not subject to advertising-related tracking.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. For material changes, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you through the App.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:

Developer: Salman Ahmad
Email: salmanahmad@berkeley.edu

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the United States and the state in which the developer resides, without regard to conflict of law provisions.