Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your email address and a hashed password. We never store your password in plain text. Your email is used to authenticate you and, where necessary, to send transactional messages such as email verification.

1.2 Learning Data

We store the following data that you generate while using the app:

• Known words — vocabulary you have marked as learned, including the timestamp of when you marked each word.
• Tracked words — vocabulary you are actively tracking for review.
• Reading library — the manga titles you have added to your personal library and their reading status (reading, completed, wishlist, dropped).

This data is stored on our servers and associated with your account so it syncs across your devices.

1.3 Subscription Information

If you purchase a subscription through the Apple App Store, we receive a transaction identifier and subscription status from Apple via App Store Server Notifications. We do not receive your payment card details, Apple ID, or any other billing information. Payments are handled entirely by Apple.

1.4 Technical Data

Our hosting provider (Heroku) may log standard HTTP request metadata such as IP addresses, request timestamps, and HTTP status codes for operational and security purposes. We do not use this data to identify or track individual users.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Manga Kotoba service.
• Authenticate you and keep your account secure.
• Sync your learning progress (known words, tracked words, library) across devices.
• Manage and verify your subscription status.
• Send transactional emails, such as email address verification.
• Diagnose technical problems and improve the service.

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose beyond operating the service described above.

3. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes. We share data only in the following limited circumstances:

• Apple Inc. — In-app purchase transactions are processed by Apple. Apple's privacy policy governs all payment and App Store interactions: apple.com/legal/privacy.
• Heroku (Salesforce) — Our hosting provider. Your data is stored on servers managed by Heroku. Their privacy policy applies: salesforce.com/company/privacy.
• Legal obligations — We may disclose data if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests from public authorities.

4. Data Retention

We retain your account and learning data for as long as your account is active. If you request account deletion (see Section 6), we will permanently delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.

5. Data Security

All data transmitted between the app and our servers is encrypted using TLS. Passwords are hashed using a strong one-way algorithm before storage. Access to production data is restricted to authorised personnel only.

No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights and Account Deletion

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Correct inaccurate data associated with your account.
• Delete your account and all associated personal data.
• Export your tracked word list (available in the app under Profile → Export).

To request account deletion or exercise any of these rights, please email us at support@mangakotoba.app with the subject line "Data Request". We will respond within 30 days.

Note: Deleting your account does not automatically cancel an active App Store subscription. You must cancel your subscription separately through your Apple ID settings.

7. Children's Privacy

Manga Kotoba 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 under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

8. International Users

Manga Kotoba is operated from within the European Union and the United States. If you access the service from outside these regions, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries that may have different data protection laws than your own. By using the app, you consent to this transfer.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the app after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact: