Privacy Policy

(1) Account Registration

When you register for Speakblend, we collect your unique device identification code (such as Vendor ID or Android ID) to identify you as a Speakblend user. If you log in using Google, Apple ID, or other supported social platforms, we collect your unique identifier, avatar, and nickname from these services to synchronize your data and enable multi-device login. After registering with a third-party account, it will be linked to your Speakblend account, but you can choose to unbind it in [Settings→Account→Binding Info].

When creating your Speakblend profile, we collect: email address, gender, age, nationality, native language, and languages you're learning. This information enhances your service experience and improves our language matching algorithms.

We collect your mobile phone number to verify your identity. Mobile phone numbers constitute sensitive information, and we collect them to comply with relevant legal requirements for online identity verification. Declining to provide a phone number may affect certain features of your Speakblend experience.

(2) Network and Operational Security

To protect your account and ensure system security, our servers automatically record information sent by your device ("log data"). This includes device-related information (mobile operator, device model, operating system version, client version, device identifiers, and hardware/software characteristics) and location-related data (IP address, GPS location, WLAN access points, Bluetooth, and base station sensor information).

(2a) Product Analytics and Crash Reporting (Self-hosted)

Speakblend operates its own analytics and crash-reporting pipeline. The mobile app sends telemetry to the Speakblend backend at api.speakblend.com; data is not shared with third-party analytics providers (such as Google Analytics or Firebase Crashlytics).

We collect the following telemetry to understand product usage, diagnose stability issues, and improve the experience:

• Anonymous device identifier (UUID generated by the app and stored in the device's secure storage)
• Per-launch session identifier
• Screen views with entry/exit timestamps and the time the screen was visible/active
• Scroll depth milestones for feed-style screens
• Generic in-app events (for example: button clicks, login, sign-up, send message)
• Platform, app version, OS version, device model
• Locale and timezone
• Country code derived server-side from your IP address (your raw IP address is not stored)
• Advertising identifier (IDFA on iOS, AAID on Android) only if you have explicitly granted the App Tracking Transparency / Limit Ad Tracking permission. We honour your operating-system tracking preferences.
• For crash reports: exception type, message, stack trace, and the technical context above; user identifier is included only if you are signed in.

All telemetry is rate-limited and validated server-side, transmitted over HTTPS, and stored in our PocketBase database. You can request export or deletion of this data at any time by contacting [email protected].

(3) Camera Functionality

After enabling camera permissions, you can take photos or videos, upload, share, and use related features. We only access your camera when you actively engage with these functions in the app.

(4) Microphone Functionality

You can use the microphone for voice communication by enabling microphone permissions. We only access your microphone when you actively initiate voice features in the app.

(5) Geographic Location Information

With your consent, we record your geographic location to optimize language partner matching in your region. Geographic location is sensitive information, and refusing to provide it will not affect core app functionality. You can adjust location permissions anytime in your device settings.

(6) Storage Permissions

When uploading profile pictures or sharing media content, we need access to your device storage/gallery. Refusing these permissions will limit media sharing capabilities but will not affect other Speakblend functions.

(7) Other Circumstances

According to relevant laws, regulations, and national standards, we may collect and use your personal information without prior authorization in the following situations:

• When directly related to national security or defense security
• When connected to public safety, public health, or major public interests
• When linked to criminal investigation, prosecution, trial, or judgment enforcement
• When necessary to protect your or others' vital interests (life, property, reputation) but consent is difficult to obtain
• When you have already made the information publicly available
• When collecting information from legally published sources like news reports or government disclosures
• When necessary for contract execution based on your request
• When required for maintaining service stability, such as resolving technical issues
• When conducting statistical or academic research in the public interest (with results anonymized)
• In other circumstances stipulated by laws and regulations

(1) Storage Methods and Duration

We store your information securely through local storage (app caching), databases, and server logs.

We only retain your personal information for the time necessary to fulfill our service purposes or as required by law. You can delete your activity history and personal information at any time. When you request deletion of personal information, we will immediately remove the corresponding data.

(2) Information Management and Retention

Legal obligations: We retain information when legally required, to enforce our Terms of Service, or to protect rights, property, and users.

Operational needs:We don't store your messages on our servers except when necessary for delivery (encrypted and for up to 30 days if not immediately delivered). Your public information (profile and posts) remains until you delete your account, after which all data is deleted or anonymized.

(3) International Data Transfers

Speakblend operates globally, which may involve transferring data across international borders. Such transfers comply with applicable laws and are conducted securely. You can request information about your data transfers at any time.

(4) Personal Information Retention Period

Speakblend obtains user consent for personal information retention periods at registration:

• Mobile phone number: Up to 1 year from registration/modification/deletion request

In compliance with relevant laws including consumer protection regulations, Speakblend stores certain information for specified periods:

• Records of contract or subscription withdrawal: 5 years
• Records of payment and service supply: 5 years
• Records of user complaints or dispute settlement: 5 years
• Login information: 6 months

Information that has fulfilled its collection purpose is securely destroyed. Speakblend also separately manages or deletes personal information of users inactive for at least one year.

(1) Data Protection Measures

We implement comprehensive technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, modification, distribution, or loss.

To secure data transmission against third-party access, we employ industry-standard encryption protocols including SSL and TLS encryption.

(2) Video and Audio Communications

We do not monitor, record, or broadcast video or audio conversations at any time. However, we cannot prevent other users from recording or sharing conversations without permission. We recommend exercising caution when sharing personal information during video or audio communications.

(3) Security Incident Response

In case of data breaches or other security incidents, we will activate emergency protocols to contain the situation. We will promptly inform you about the incident and our remedial measures via push notifications, emails, or other appropriate channels. If individual notifications are impractical, we will issue public warnings through announcements.

(4) Managing Your Information

You can access and modify your personal information through [Me→Settings→Account]. You can manage user connections through [Me→Following]. You can access and delete conversations through [Talks→Message]. If you find errors in your information, you can request corrections. You can disable app permissions (notifications, photos, camera, microphone) through your device settings. You can delete your account by following this path: [Me→Settings→Account→Delete Account]. After account deletion, your information will be removed within 1 business day.

(1) Principles

Your personal information is governed by Speakblend's privacy policies and is only used to provide or improve our services and advertising. We will not share your information with third parties for their marketing purposes.

Third-party services accessed through Speakblend are subject to their own terms and privacy policies (not this "Speakblend Privacy Policy").

We share information only for legitimate, necessary, and specific purposes. Third-party service providers must fulfill confidentiality obligations and implement appropriate security measures.

Analytical information is collected and used in aggregated form that cannot identify individual users.

(2) Third-party SDK Integration

Speakblend integrates various third-party SDKs for specific functionalities. These SDKs may collect certain information as detailed below:

• Firebase Cloud Messaging (by Google): Used only for delivering push notifications. Speakblend no longer uses Firebase Analytics or Firebase Crashlytics; product analytics and crash reports are now collected directly by Speakblend's own backend (see Section 2a).
• Google Sign-In & Apple Sign-In: Used to provide secure social authentication.
• RevenueCat: Used to manage app subscriptions and in-app purchases.
• OpenStreetMap & Nominatim: Used for displaying maps and providing location-based language matching services.
• Device Info Plus: Used to identify device hardware characteristics for security and session management.

For personalized advertising, we may share anonymized and personal information (such as interests, age, and device types) with our advertising partners.

To deliver relevant advertising, we collect information about app and website activity (clicked ads, viewed screens, etc.) to provide interest-based advertising.

Cookies may be stored on your device for this purpose. You can opt out of personalized advertising in your device settings or by disabling ad identifiers.

We use your device information, IP address, and location data to show relevant ads. This information is anonymized to protect your identity. You can disable personalized ads in [Settings - Privacy - Personalized Ads], though this will reduce ad relevance.

You can edit, hide, or delete personal data in [Me→Settings→Privacy]. You can also request account deletion or information changes via customer support ([email protected]).