Privacy Policy

Overview

flowread is a comprehensive learning platform available as a Chrome extension, web application, and mobile app that provides text-to-speech functionality with synchronized highlighting and collaborative knowledge features. This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information in compliance with UK data protection laws.

Information We Collect

Account Information

• What: Name, email address, and account preferences
• How: When you create an account or sign up for our service
• Why: To provide personalized features and manage your account
• Storage: Stored securely on our servers

Saved Content & Highlights

• What: Articles you save, highlights, comments, and annotations
• How: When you actively save content or create highlights
• Why: To provide your personal library and enable collaborative features
• Storage: Stored securely on our servers with version control

Text Content Processing

• What: Text content from web pages you choose to read
• How: Only when you actively use the extension to read a page
• Why: To provide text-to-speech functionality
• Storage: Text is processed in real-time and not permanently stored

Usage Analytics

• What: Basic usage statistics (feature usage, error reports)
• How: Automatically collected when you use the extension
• Why: To improve functionality and fix bugs
• Storage: Stored securely on our servers

Technical Information

• What: Extension version, browser version, error logs
• How: Automatically collected for debugging
• Why: To ensure compatibility and fix technical issues
• Storage: Stored securely on our servers

Information We Do NOT Collect

• Passwords or login credentials (handled securely by our authentication system)
• Browsing history outside of pages you actively read
• Financial information
• Location data
• Social media accounts or third-party login data

How We Use Your Information

1. Account Management: Create and manage your user account
2. Personal Library: Store and organize your saved articles and highlights
3. Collaborative Features: Enable sharing and discussion of content (with your consent)
4. Text-to-Speech Processing: Convert text to audio for reading
5. Personalization: Provide tailored content recommendations and learning paths
6. Feature Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve functionality
7. Bug Fixes: Use error reports to identify and fix technical issues
8. Performance Optimization: Monitor extension performance

Data Storage and Security

• Local Storage: Settings and preferences stored locally in your browser
• Server Storage: Usage analytics stored securely on our servers
• Encryption: All data transmission uses HTTPS encryption
• Access Control: Limited access to stored data by authorized personnel only

Third-Party Services

Text-to-Speech Providers

• We use Deep Infra as a hosting platform for our TTS models
• Text content may be sent to Deep Infra for processing
• Deep Infra has its own privacy policy

Authentication and User Management

• We use Clerk for secure user authentication across all platforms
• Clerk handles user registration, login, and session management
• User account data is stored securely by Clerk

Payment Processing

• We use Stripe for secure payment processing and subscription management
• Payment information is handled securely by Stripe and not stored by us
• Subscription status and billing information are managed through Stripe

Analytics and User Experience

• We use PostHog for analytics to improve user experience
• We use Bento for email marketing and user communication
• Both PostHog and Bento use website trackers to understand how you interact with our service
• This data helps us improve functionality and provide better user experiences
• These services have their own privacy policies

Communication and Notifications

• We use Resend for transactional emails and user notifications
• Email communications are sent securely through Resend's platform

Performance Monitoring

• We use Sentry for error tracking and performance monitoring
• Sentry helps us identify and fix technical issues quickly
• Error reports may include technical information to help with debugging

Your Rights (UK GDPR)

Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing
• Portability: Request data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to processing of your data
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

Data Retention

• Account Information: Retained until you delete your account
• Saved Content & Highlights: Retained until you delete your account or specific content
• Usage Analytics: Retained for up to 2 years for improvement purposes
• Error Logs: Retained for up to 6 months for debugging
• Local Settings: Stored until you uninstall the extension

Children's Privacy

This extension is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13.

International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside the UK. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with UK data protection law.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify users of significant changes through the extension or our website. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:

Compliance

This privacy policy complies with:

• UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR)
• Data Protection Act 2018
• Google Chrome Web Store Developer Agreement
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)