Privacy Policy AI‑powered language learning & teaching

Introduction

Lingus AI is an artificial intelligence–driven language learning and teaching application designed to help users practice, translate, and improve their language skills through interactive AI conversations, speech recognition, and personalized feedback.

We respect your privacy and are committed to being transparent about the information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. This policy explains our data practices for the Lingus AI mobile app (the “App”) and associated services.

Important: This policy applies to the App only. Third‑party services integrated into the App (such as Firebase, DeepSeek AI, Google AdMob, and Google Play Billing) may process data according to their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review those policies as well.

By using Lingus AI, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

Information We Collect

Lingus AI collects only the information necessary to provide and improve the language learning experience. We do not collect data beyond what is required for the core functionality of the App.

Account and Authentication Information

When you create an account, we collect the following information to authenticate you and manage your profile:

• Email address – used for login, account recovery, and essential service communications.
• Display name – the name you choose to show within the App.
• Authentication identifiers – such as user UID and authentication provider details (e.g., Firebase Auth).

We do not collect or store your password directly; authentication is handled securely through Firebase Authentication.

How We Use Information

The information we collect is used solely for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your user account.
• To authenticate your identity when you log in.
• To provide AI‑powered language learning features.
• To process premium subscriptions and in‑app purchases.
• To send critical service notifications (e.g., payment confirmations, account updates).
• To improve the App’s performance, stability, and user experience.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their own marketing purposes.

AI Features and User Content

Lingus AI uses artificial intelligence to power interactive language conversations, translations, pronunciation feedback, and teaching assistance. To enable these features, the App may process:

• Text inputs – phrases, sentences, or questions you type or speak for translation, practice, or conversation.
• Audio recordings – when you use speech‑based features, audio is captured and transcribed for AI processing.
• Language preferences – the languages you are learning and your native language.

How we handle this content:

• Text and audio inputs are transmitted to our AI service provider (DeepSeek AI) for real‑time processing.
• Transcriptions and analysis results are used to generate responses, corrections, and feedback.
• We do not use your conversation content to train or improve AI models unless you explicitly opt in (and we will ask for your consent separately if that ever becomes the case).
• We do not sell or share your conversation history with third parties.

Camera, Microphone and Speech Permissions

Lingus AI may request access to your device’s camera and microphone to enable certain features. These permissions are optional and you can change them at any time in your device settings.

• Microphone – used for speech‑to‑text transcription when you practice speaking, record pronunciation, or use voice‑based translation. Audio is processed in real time and is not stored after the session ends.
• Camera – used only if you choose to upload a profile picture or scan text via the camera (if such features are added in the future). We do not access your camera without your explicit permission.

We do not record or store audio or video from your device beyond what is necessary to fulfill your immediate request. No media is uploaded to our servers unless you explicitly initiate an action that requires it (e.g., sending an audio clip for pronunciation analysis).

Translation and Language Learning Data

To provide accurate translations and personalized learning, the App processes the following data:

• Source text – the text you want to translate or practice.
• Target language – the language you are translating into or learning.
• Learning progress – anonymized metrics such as words practiced, accuracy scores, and session history (used only to show your progress within the App).

This data is stored in your user account (via Firebase Firestore) and is used exclusively to deliver and personalize your learning experience. We do not share this data with advertisers or third parties.

Firebase Authentication and Database

Lingus AI uses Firebase (a Google platform) for authentication, data storage, and real‑time database services. Firebase collects and processes certain data to enable these services.

• Firebase Authentication – manages user accounts, email/password authentication, and secure login sessions.
• Firebase Firestore – stores user‑specific data such as profile information, learning progress, and preferences.

Firebase may collect device identifiers, IP addresses, and other metadata for security and performance purposes. For full details, please review the Firebase Privacy Policy .

We do not store sensitive personal data (e.g., payment information) in Firebase. All payment processing is handled through Google Play Billing.

DeepSeek AI / API Usage

Lingus AI integrates with the DeepSeek AI API to power language translation, conversation, and teaching features. When you use these features, the following data is sent to DeepSeek:

• Text or transcribed audio that you submit for processing.
• Contextual metadata such as source/target language and conversation history (within a session).

DeepSeek AI processes this data to generate responses, translations, corrections, and feedback. DeepSeek’s processing is governed by their own privacy policy, which we encourage you to review. We do not share any personally identifiable information (like your email or name) with DeepSeek beyond what is embedded in the content you submit.

Data retention: DeepSeek may retain certain data for service improvement, but we do not have access to their internal retention policies. We recommend reviewing DeepSeek’s Privacy Policy for more information.

Google AdMob and Advertising

Lingus AI may display advertisements through Google AdMob to support free usage. AdMob is a third‑party advertising service that may collect and use data about your device and usage to serve relevant ads.

AdMob may collect:

• Device information (model, OS version, advertising ID).
• App usage data (interactions, session length).
• IP address and general location (country/city level).

This data is collected and processed by Google according to the Google Privacy Policy . We do not share any personal information (like your email or name) with AdMob. You can opt out of personalized advertising in your device settings (see “Limit Ad Tracking” on iOS or “Opt out of Ads Personalization” on Android).

Premium Subscriptions and Google Play Billing

Lingus AI offers premium subscriptions and in‑app purchases through Google Play Billing. All payment processing is handled entirely by Google. We do not collect, store, or have access to your payment card details, billing address, or any other sensitive financial information.

When you make a purchase, Google Play provides us with a purchase token and transaction receipt to confirm your subscription status and grant access to premium features. We store only the minimum information needed to manage your subscription:

• Purchase token (for verification and renewal).
• Subscription status (active, expired, canceled).
• Product ID and purchase date.

We do not share any subscription data with third parties except as required to process your purchase via Google Play Billing.

For details on how Google handles your payment information, please review the Google Play Terms of Service .

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Lingus AI does not use traditional browser cookies, as it is a mobile app. However, we may use similar technologies (such as local storage or device identifiers) to:

• Keep you logged in between sessions.
• Remember your language preferences and settings.
• Understand app performance and usage patterns (via Firebase Analytics).

These technologies do not track you across other apps or websites. You can reset or disable these identifiers in your device settings at any time.

Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using industry‑standard practices:

• Firebase Firestore – encrypted at rest and in transit.
• Firebase Authentication – protected with secure hashing and encryption.
• API communications – all data sent to DeepSeek AI and other services is transmitted over HTTPS/TLS.

While we take reasonable measures to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security, but we continuously review our practices to safeguard your data.

In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide the App’s services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Account data – retained for as long as your account is active.
• Learning progress – retained to maintain your personalized experience.
• AI conversation inputs – not stored beyond the session unless required for a specific feature (e.g., saved practice history, which you can delete).
• Analytics data – aggregated and anonymized after 12–24 months.

If you request account deletion (see Account/Data Deletion below), we will delete your personal data from our systems within a reasonable timeframe, except where we are required to retain data for legal or compliance reasons.

Children's Privacy

Lingus AI is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL] and we will delete the information promptly.

Third-Party Services

Lingus AI integrates with the following third‑party services, each of which may process data according to their own privacy policies:

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these services for complete information on their data handling practices.

User Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access – request a copy of the data we hold about you.
• Correction – update or correct inaccurate information.
• Deletion – request deletion of your account and data (see Account/Data Deletion below).
• Restriction – limit how we process your data.
• Portability – receive your data in a structured format.
• Objection – object to certain processing activities.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL]. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe as required by law.

Account / Data Deletion

If you wish to delete your Lingus AI account and all associated data, you can do so in one of the following ways:

• In‑App – navigate to Settings → Account → Delete Account (if available) and follow the prompts.
• By Email – send a request to [YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL] with the subject line “Account Deletion Request”.

When you delete your account, we will permanently delete your profile information, learning progress, preferences, and any other personal data associated with your account. Some anonymized or aggregated data may remain for analytical purposes, but it will no longer be linked to you.

Please note that if you have an active premium subscription, you must cancel it through Google Play before requesting account deletion to avoid future charges.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page.

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the App or via email (if you have provided one). Your continued use of Lingus AI after the updated policy becomes effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please reach out to us:

• Email: [YOUR SUPPORT EMAIL]
• Support: Available through the App’s Help section (if enabled).

We aim to respond to all inquiries within 5–7 business days.

This policy is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional for legal guidance regarding your specific obligations.