Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Hanzi.cool (“we”, “us”) handles information when you use our mobile application (the “App”). By using the App, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
Summary
- Account data is processed by our authentication provider, Clerk, when you sign in or create an account.
- Study progress, quiz history, review scheduling, and related preferences are stored primarily on your device in a local database (SQLite).
- If you submit in-app feedback, that message is sent to us through Formspree and may include your account email, an internal user id, device platform, and app version.
- Optional notifications use Apple’s notification services only to deliver practice reminders you configure; we do not use them for advertising.
Information we collect
Authentication (Clerk)
When you create an account or sign in, Clerk, Inc. processes authentication data on our behalf. That may include your email address, authentication provider identifiers, and session tokens needed to keep you signed in. Clerk’s handling of personal data is described in their privacy policy: clerk.com/legal/privacy.
Data stored on your device
The App stores learning-related data locally, including—for example—quiz sessions, character progress, spaced-repetition scheduling (FSRS), session completion, and settings such as study mode. This data remains on your device unless you choose to share it with us (for example, via feedback) or unless future versions of the App introduce optional cloud sync that is clearly disclosed at that time.
Feedback you send us
The App includes a Feedback screen. When you submit feedback, we transmit your message and related metadata to Formspree (or a comparable form endpoint we configure), which delivers it to our team. Payloads may include:
- Your message and selected category (general, bug report, feature request)
- Email address from your Clerk profile, if available
- Your Clerk user id
- Device platform (iOS/Android) and app version
- Timestamp of submission
Formspree’s privacy policy: formspree.io/legal/privacy-policy/.
Notifications
If you enable practice reminders, the App schedules local notifications on your device. Delivering notifications on iOS uses Apple Push Notification service (APNs) as implemented through our app framework (Expo). We use notifications only to support your study reminders, not for third-party ads. You can turn reminders off in the App or disable notifications in your device settings.
Technical and diagnostic data
Like most apps, basic technical information (such as device type, OS version, and crash data if you opt in through Apple’s systems) may be available to us through platform tools. We do not sell your personal information.
How we use information
We use the information above to:
- Provide and maintain accounts and sign-in
- Operate quizzes, progress tracking, and review scheduling on your device
- Respond to feedback and improve the App
- Send optional study reminders you request
- Comply with law and protect our rights where required
Canada
We are based in Canada. We collect, use, and disclose personal information in line with applicable Canadian privacy law, including the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), where it applies. Depending on your province or territory, provincial privacy laws may also apply (for example in Alberta, British Columbia, or Quebec).
You may request access to personal information we hold about you and ask that we correct inaccuracies, subject to legal exceptions. You may withdraw consent where processing is based on consent, subject to contractual or legal limits. If you have concerns you cannot resolve with us, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: priv.gc.ca.
Legal bases (EEA, UK, Switzerland)
For users in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or Switzerland, where applicable we rely on contract (providing the App), legitimate interests (improving the product and security, handling support), and consent (where required—for example, notifications or certain analytics if we add them in the future with clear prompts).
Retention
Feedback and messages we receive are kept only as long as needed to respond and improve the App, unless a longer period is required by law. Local App data stays on your device until you delete the App or clear app data from your device settings.
Sharing
We share personal information with service providers who help us run the App (currently including Clerk for authentication and Formspree for feedback delivery), and with Apple as needed to distribute the App and deliver notifications. We may disclose information if required by law or to protect users.
Your choices and rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal data, or to object to certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact us at hanzi.cool.org@gmail.com. You can also delete the App from your device to remove locally stored study data.
Children
The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have, contact us and we will delete it.
International transfers
Our service providers may process data in the United States or other countries. For transfers from Canada, we take steps that are appropriate under applicable Canadian law. For transfers from the EEA, UK, or Switzerland where required, we use appropriate safeguards such as standard contractual clauses.
Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the new date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about privacy: hanzi.cool.org@gmail.com · Support page