Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 12, 2026

TalkBuddy ("we", "the App") is an AI-powered language-practice companion for iPhone. This policy explains what we collect, how it's used, and who it's shared with. By using TalkBuddy you agree to this policy.

1. Information you provide

When you set up TalkBuddy you tell us the language you speak, the language you're learning, a display name, your goal, and your experience level. If you join the website waitlist, you give us your email address so we can tell you when the app launches.

2. Account & sign-in

You can sign in with Apple, Google, or continue as a guest, using Google Firebase Authentication. We store an account identifier and, if your sign-in provides them, your name and email. Signing in with Apple or Google is governed by Apple's and Google's own privacy policies.

3. Learning data

Your lessons and progress, streak, saved phrases, and a short "teacher's notes" summary the tutor keeps about your progress are stored on your device and synced to our cloud (Google Firebase Firestore) tied to your account, so your progress follows you across devices. Signing out removes this data from the device.

4. Microphone & speech

With your permission, the App uses the microphone so you can practice speaking. Speech is transcribed using Apple's on-device speech recognition and, to improve accuracy, short audio clips of your practice may be sent to our transcription provider. Short recordings are kept temporarily on your device so you can replay them.

5. Conversations & AI

To hold a conversation, the text of your messages (and short audio for transcription and voice playback) is sent through our servers (Firebase Cloud Functions) to our AI provider, OpenAI, which generates the tutor's replies and speech. Synthesized audio for reused phrases may be cached on our servers (Firebase Storage) to speed the app up and lower cost. AI-generated content can be inaccurate and is provided for practice, not professional instruction.

6. Subscriptions

TalkBuddy Pro is an auto-renewable subscription sold through Apple's App Store. Apple handles the payment; we never receive your card details. We store your subscription status, plan, and dates, tied to your account, so we know whether Pro features are unlocked.

7. Who we share data with

We use these processors to run the service: Google Firebase (authentication, database, storage, and functions), OpenAI (AI conversation, transcription, and speech), and Apple (sign-in and subscription billing). Each processes data under its own privacy policy. We do not sell your data, and we do not use third-party advertising or analytics trackers.

8. Data retention & deletion

Signing out erases TalkBuddy's data from your device. To delete the account data associated with you in our cloud, reach us through our contact page and we'll remove it.

9. Children

TalkBuddy is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from them.

10. Changes

If this policy changes materially, we'll update this page and, where appropriate, ask for your consent again in the App.

11. Contact

Questions about this policy? Reach us through our contact page.