1. Introduction
ReadMe ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application. ReadMe does not require an account and does not collect personal data on our own servers.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Reading Data (stored locally on your device)
- Books in your library (title, author, cover image, status)
- Reading progress and session history
- Reading statistics and preferences
- Notes and ratings you add to books
- Wish list entries
2.2 Book Search Queries and Cover Images
- When you search for a book, your search query is sent to the Google Books API to retrieve results. This is governed by Google's privacy policy.
- Book cover images are loaded directly from Google's servers (books.google.com) whenever they are displayed in your library. As a result, Google may receive your device's IP address and which covers are being shown.
- We do not store or log your search queries or cover image requests ourselves.
2.3 Device Information
- App version and iOS version, used only for local app operation
- iCloud account status, used solely to enable or disable optional sync
3. How We Use Your Information
- All reading data is stored and used entirely on your device to provide the app's features
- If you enable iCloud sync, your data is synced through your own Apple iCloud account via CloudKit — it does not pass through our servers
- Search queries are sent to Google Books solely to return book results to you
- We do not collect, transmit, or store your data on our own servers at any time
4. Data Storage and Security
4.1 Data Storage
- Local Storage: All reading data is stored on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework
- iCloud Sync (optional): If iCloud is enabled on your device, your library syncs via Apple's CloudKit using your personal iCloud account. This is governed by Apple's privacy policy.
- No Developer Servers: We do not operate any backend servers that store your data
4.2 Security Measures
- All data is stored using Apple's native frameworks, which benefit from iOS sandboxing and device encryption
- iCloud data is protected by Apple's end-to-end encryption and your Apple ID credentials
- All network requests (e.g., to Google Books) are made over HTTPS/TLS
5. Third-Party Services
5.1 Google Books API
- We use the Google Books API to provide book search functionality
- Search queries are sent to Google's servers when you search for a book
- Book cover images are fetched from Google's servers when displayed in your library
- Google's privacy policy applies to data processed by their services
- We do not share any personal data with Google beyond the search query and the cover images your library displays
5.2 Apple iCloud / CloudKit
- Optional iCloud sync is provided through Apple's CloudKit service using your existing iCloud account
- Apple's privacy policy applies to data stored in iCloud
- You can disable iCloud sync at any time in your device's iCloud settings
6. Data Retention
- Local Data: Retained on your device until you delete the app
- iCloud Data: Retained in your iCloud account until you disable iCloud for the app or delete your iCloud account
- We hold no server-side data — there is nothing to delete from our end
7. Your Rights and Data Deletion
- Export: You can export a full copy of your library at any time from Settings > Export Library (JSON)
- Delete Local Data: Delete the app from your device to remove all locally stored data
- Delete iCloud Data: To remove iCloud data, go to Settings > Apple Account > iCloud > Manage Account Storage and remove ReadMe's data, or delete the app while iCloud sync is active
- No Account to Delete: ReadMe does not use accounts, so there is no account deletion process
8. Children's Privacy
ReadMe does not knowingly collect any personal information from children. Because the app does not collect any personal data on our servers, it is suitable for general audiences.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
- Email: khakichimp@gmail.com
11. Legal Basis (GDPR)
For users in the European Union, our legal basis for processing your data is:
- Legitimate Interest: Providing reading tracking features and improving our app
- Consent: For optional iCloud sync, which you can disable at any time
Because all data is stored locally on your device or in your own iCloud account, the data is under your direct control at all times.
12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):
- Right to Know: You can request details about what personal information we collect — in practice, we collect none on our servers
- Right to Delete: You can delete all your data by removing the app and clearing iCloud data as described in Section 7
- Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information
- Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights