Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2026

Introduction

MindBuds ("we," "our," or "us") operates StoryBook (心芽绘本), a multilingual picture-book app designed for families to read together. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information in plain, straightforward language.

Designed for Families

StoryBook is built for parents and caregivers to enjoy with children ages 0-5. A parent or guardian registers the account and makes all choices on behalf of the family — including whether to record audio, share recordings, or make purchases.

Children's Privacy (COPPA)

We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. A parent creates the account and operates all recording and sharing features. By doing so, the parent provides informed consent for the related information to be collected.

Information We Collect

• Account Information: Basic profile details (email, display name) from Apple, Google, or email sign-in.
• Device Identifiers: An anonymous device ID used to support guest mode.
• Usage Data: Reading history collected anonymously to help us improve content.
• Recordings: Read-aloud audio recorded by the parent, which may include a child's voice in the background.
• Purchase Information: Subscriptions are processed by the App Store. We do not store your payment details.

Recordings

Audio recordings are stored on your device and on our servers. You choose whether to upload a recording and whether to make it public. By default, recordings are visible only to you. You can delete any recording at any time from the App.

Voice input

When you start voice input, microphone audio is streamed through your selected StoryBook service to Soniox for the international service, or Volcengine Doubao for the China service, to recognize speech. StoryBook does not save this audio as a recording. Recognized text is kept in your input draft and is sent to the creation assistant only when you choose Send. We retain content-free usage metadata, including duration, status and provider request identifiers. You can cancel recording or continue typing instead.

How We Use Information

We use your information to:

• Sync your reading progress across devices.
• Manage your subscription.
• Provide the recording and playback features.
• Improve our content and app experience.

Information Sharing

We do not sell personal information. We share data only with the service providers needed to run the App:

• StoryBook servers — data storage and authentication.
• RevenueCat — subscription management.
• Apple / Google — sign-in services.

Data Retention

• Account information is retained until you delete your account.
• Recordings are retained until you delete them or close your account.
• Anonymous usage data may be kept in aggregate form after account deletion.

Data Security

We take reasonable measures to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission (TLS) and secure server storage. No system is perfectly secure, but we work hard to safeguard your data.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate data.
• Delete your account and all associated data.
• Export your data.

You can do this in the App's settings or by emailing us.

For Users in Europe (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, we process your data on the following legal bases:

• Contract — to provide the service you signed up for.
• Consent — for optional features like public recordings.
• Legitimate interest — to improve our products and prevent misuse.

You also have the right to data portability, to restrict processing, and to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.

Changes to This Policy

If we make significant changes to this policy, we will notify you through an in-app notification before the changes take effect.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this policy, please reach out:

[email protected]