Privacy Policy

LaoWai Cards is a Chinese language flashcard app built on spaced repetition. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

We believe in collecting as little data as possible. We do not sell your data, display ads, or share your information with third parties for marketing purposes.

1. Information we collect

We collect only what is necessary to provide the app's core functionality:

• Apple ID identifier — a unique anonymous token provided by Sign in with Apple. We never receive your name or email address unless you choose to share them.
• Flashcard progress — your review history for each word, including interval, ease factor, repetition count, and next review date. This is used to power the spaced repetition algorithm and sync your progress across devices.

If you use guest mode (without signing in), all data is stored locally on your device only and never transmitted to our servers.

2. How we use your information

• To sync your flashcard progress across devices when you are signed in
• To restore your progress if you reinstall the app or switch to a new device
• To calculate your next review schedule using the SM-2 spaced repetition algorithm

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose other than delivering the app's core features.

3. Data storage

Your flashcard progress is stored securely using Supabase, an open-source database platform. Data is stored in servers located in Southeast Asia (Singapore). Supabase enforces row-level security, meaning only you can access your own data.

Local data (guest mode) is stored in your device's secure storage and is never transmitted.

4. Data retention

Your data is retained for as long as you use the app. You can delete all your progress at any time from the Settings tab within the app. If you would like your account and all associated data permanently deleted, contact us at the email below.

5. Children's privacy

LaoWai Cards is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

6. Third-party services

We use the following third-party service:

• Supabase — for cloud database and user authentication. Supabase's privacy policy is available at supabase.com/privacy.

We use Sign in with Apple for authentication, which is governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.

7. Your rights

You have the right to:

• Access the data we hold about you
• Request deletion of your data at any time
• Use the app in guest mode with no data sent to our servers

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

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