privacy-policy-vocablens

VocabLens Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 6, 2025
Effective Date: October 6, 2025

Introduction

VocabLens (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (“VocabLens” or “the App”). This policy complies with Google Play Store requirements and applicable data protection laws.

By using VocabLens, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

VocabLens does NOT require user accounts or personal information. All data is processed and stored locally on your device.

1.2 Permissions We Request

Camera Permission (REQUIRED)

Purpose: To scan and capture images of text for optical character recognition (OCR)

Used to take photos of printed text, books, documents, or signs
Processed locally on your device using Google ML Kit
Photos are NEVER saved, stored, or transmitted unless you explicitly save them
Camera access is only active when you use the scan feature

Internet Permission (REQUIRED)

Purpose: To enhance your vocabulary learning experience

Connect to our vocabulary extraction API for detailed word definitions, synonyms, antonyms, and examples
Display advertisements (AdMob)
The API only receives the text content extracted from your scans, NOT the images

Storage Permission (READ/WRITE)

Purpose: To save your vocabulary learning progress

Store your saved vocabulary words locally on your device
Save scan history for quick reference
Store app preferences (theme settings, etc.)
All data remains on your device and is NOT transmitted to external servers

1.3 Data Collected Automatically

Text Content

When you scan text, the extracted words are sent to our vocabulary extraction API (https://heyvoocabalpha.space) for analysis
The API receives only the text, not the image
Text is processed to provide definitions, parts of speech, synonyms, antonyms, examples, and frequency rankings
No personal identifying information is attached to this text

Usage Data

Scan count (for managing free scan limits)
App interaction data (for showing appropriate ads)
This data is stored locally and is NOT transmitted to us

Advertising Data

Google AdMob may collect device identifiers and usage data for ad personalization
See “Third-Party Services” section below for details

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Core Functionality

Text Recognition: Process images to extract text using Google ML Kit (on-device)
Vocabulary Analysis: Send extracted text to our API for detailed word information
Learning Tools: Provide definitions, synonyms, antonyms, examples, and word difficulty rankings
Progress Tracking: Save your vocabulary words and scan history locally on your device

2.2 App Features

Scan Limits: Track daily scan usage for free users (4 scans per day)
Rewarded Ads: Allow users to earn additional scans by watching rewarded video ads
Theme Preferences: Remember your dark/light mode preference

2.3 Monetization

Display banner, interstitial, and rewarded advertisements through Google AdMob
Ads are non-personalized by default and comply with user privacy preferences

3. How We Store and Protect Your Data

3.1 Local Storage

All user data is stored locally on your device using secure AsyncStorage
Saved vocabulary words
Scan history (last 50 scans)
App preferences and settings
We do NOT have access to this data - it never leaves your device

3.2 API Data Transmission

Only text content from your scans is transmitted to our vocabulary API
Transmitted over secure HTTPS connections
No personal information or device identifiers are sent
API does not store or log your text data permanently

3.3 Security Measures

On-device text recognition processing (Google ML Kit)
Secure HTTPS connections for all network requests
No user accounts or authentication required
No cloud storage or backup of your data

4. Third-Party Services

VocabLens integrates with the following third-party services:

4.1 Google ML Kit (Text Recognition)

Purpose: On-device optical character recognition (OCR)
Data Processing: All processing occurs locally on your device
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Data Shared: None - completely on-device processing

4.2 Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)

Purpose: Display advertisements (banner, interstitial, and rewarded ads)
Ad Personalization: Non-personalized ads by default
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Opt-Out: https://adssettings.google.com/
Data Collected: Device identifiers, IP address, app usage data
Ad Types Used:
- Banner ads on home and scan screens
- Interstitial ads after every 3 scans
- Rewarded video ads for earning additional scans

4.3 Vocabulary Extraction API

Purpose: Provide enhanced word definitions and vocabulary analysis
Service: Hosted at https://heyvoocabalpha.space
Data Shared: Only the text extracted from your scans
Data Retention: Text is processed in real-time and not permanently stored
No Personal Data: We do not send any identifying information with API requests

5.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

Google AdMob: Receives device and usage data for ad serving (as described above)
Vocabulary API: Receives only the text content from your scans for vocabulary analysis
No Other Sharing: We do not share data with any other third parties

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests from public authorities.

6. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

6.1 Camera Access

You can revoke camera permission at any time through your device settings
The app will prompt you to re-enable it when you try to use the scan feature

6.2 Data Deletion

Uninstall the App: Removes all locally stored data (saved words, scan history, preferences)
Manual Deletion: You can delete individual saved words within the app
Clear App Data: Use your device settings to clear all app data

6.3 Ad Preferences

Opt out of personalized ads: https://adssettings.google.com/
Ads cannot be completely disabled but are kept non-intrusive
Watch rewarded ads voluntarily to earn additional scans

6.4 No Account Required

VocabLens does not require user accounts
No email, name, or personal information is ever collected

7. Children’s Privacy

VocabLens is suitable for users of all ages, including children. We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA):

No Personal Information Collection: We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13
No Account Registration: No registration or personal details required
On-Device Processing: All data processing is done locally
Non-Personalized Ads: Ads shown to children are non-personalized and age-appropriate
Parental Control: Parents can revoke permissions through device settings

If you believe we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child, please contact us immediately.

8. International Data Transfers

The app is available globally
Our vocabulary API is hosted on servers that may be located outside your country
Only text content from scans is transmitted (no personal data)
All transmissions use secure HTTPS encryption

9. Data Retention

9.1 Local Data

Stored indefinitely on your device until you delete it or uninstall the app
Scan history limited to last 50 scans

9.2 API Data

Text sent to our vocabulary API is processed in real-time
No long-term storage or logging of your text content

9.3 Advertising Data

Managed by Google AdMob according to their data retention policies
See Google’s Privacy Policy for details

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, regulatory, or operational reasons.

How We Notify You

Updated “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
In-app notification for significant changes
Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance

Reviewing Changes

Current policy is always available in the app and at our website
We encourage you to review this policy periodically

By downloading, installing, and using VocabLens, you consent to:

The collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy
The use of camera for text scanning purposes
Transmission of extracted text to our vocabulary API
Display of advertisements through Google AdMob

You can withdraw consent by uninstalling the app or revoking permissions through device settings.

12. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@vocablens.app
Developer: VocabLens Team
App Name: VocabLens
Package Name: com.vocablens.app

Response Time: We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 48 hours.

13. Compliance and Certifications

Google Play Store Compliance

This privacy policy is designed to meet Google Play Store requirements for:

Data Safety section disclosure
Sensitive permissions (Camera)
Ad serving policies
Children’s content guidelines

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA):

Right to access your data (stored locally on your device)
Right to deletion (uninstall the app)
Right to object to data processing (revoke permissions)
Right to data portability (limited, as data is stored locally)

CCPA (California Users)

California residents have the right to:

Know what personal information is collected (minimal, see above)
Request deletion of personal information
Opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell data)

14. Summary of Key Points

✅ No personal information collected - No accounts, no names, no emails
✅ Camera used only for scanning - Photos are never saved or transmitted
✅ Local storage - All your data stays on your device
✅ Text-only API transmission - Only text content sent for vocabulary analysis
✅ Non-personalized ads - Privacy-friendly advertising
✅ No data selling - We never sell your information
✅ Easy data deletion - Uninstall the app to remove all data
✅ Children-safe - Suitable for all ages, COPPA compliant

VocabLens is designed with privacy first. We believe in empowering your learning without compromising your privacy.

Last Updated: October 6, 2025
Version: 1.0.1