Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Real Life Subtitles ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you understand how we handle your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection, use, and disclosure when you use our iOS application ("App").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: We do not require you to create an account. Your Apple ID is used only for purchase verification through Apple's payment system.
• Settings and Preferences: Language preferences, caption styling choices, and app settings are stored locally on your device.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: We may collect anonymous usage statistics to improve app performance and features, such as:
  • App opens and session duration
  • Feature usage patterns (which features are used most)
  • Crash reports and error logs (no personal data included)
  • Device type and iOS version
• Subscription Information: Your subscription status and purchase history are managed by Apple through the App Store. We receive only the information necessary to verify your subscription status.

2.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• Audio Recordings: We never record, store, or transmit your audio to our servers. All speech recognition happens on your device using Apple's Speech Recognition framework.
• Transcription Content: Your transcriptions and captions are stored only on your device. We never have access to the content of your transcriptions.
• Location Data: We do not collect or track your location.
• Personal Identifiers: We do not collect your name, email, phone number, or other personal identifiers.

3. How We Use Your Information

The limited information we collect is used solely for:

• Service Delivery: Providing the core functionality of real-time transcription and translation
• Subscription Management: Verifying your Pro subscription status
• App Improvement: Analyzing anonymous usage patterns to enhance features and fix bugs
• Technical Support: Diagnosing and resolving technical issues when you contact us
• Legal Compliance: Meeting legal obligations and enforcing our terms of service

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 On-Device Storage

All your personal data, including transcriptions, session history, and settings, are stored exclusively on your device using iOS secure storage mechanisms. This data:

• Is protected by your device's passcode and biometric authentication
• Is automatically backed up to iCloud if you have iCloud Backup enabled (encrypted by Apple)
• Is deleted when you uninstall the app
• Cannot be accessed by us or any third parties

4.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security practices:

• All network communications use HTTPS encryption
• No sensitive data is transmitted outside your device except for translation (see section 5)
• We follow Apple's security guidelines and best practices
• Regular security audits and updates

5. Third-Party Services

5.1 Apple Services

• Speech Recognition: Apple's on-device speech recognition framework processes your audio locally
• App Store & In-App Purchases: Apple processes all payments and manages subscriptions. See Apple's Privacy Policy
• iCloud (Optional): If enabled, your device backups to iCloud may include app data

5.2 OpenAI Translation (Pro Feature)

When you use the Live Translation feature:

• Transcribed text (not audio) is sent to OpenAI's API for translation
• Text is transmitted securely using HTTPS encryption
• OpenAI processes the text according to their Privacy Policy
• Translation data is not used to train AI models per OpenAI's API terms
• You can disable translation at any time to prevent any data transmission

5.3 Analytics (Optional)

We may use anonymous analytics services to understand app usage:

• All data is anonymized and aggregated
• No personally identifiable information is collected
• You can opt out of analytics in iOS Settings → Privacy → Analytics & Improvements

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Control Your Data

• Access: All your data is accessible through the app's interface
• Delete: Delete individual transcription sessions or all data by uninstalling the app
• Export: Export your transcriptions in TXT, SRT, or VTT formats
• Disable Features: Turn off translation or other features in Settings

6.2 iOS Permissions

The app requires certain iOS permissions to function:

• Microphone: Required for audio capture and transcription. You can revoke this in iOS Settings → Privacy → Microphone
• Speech Recognition: Required for transcription. Managed through iOS Settings

7. Children's Privacy

Real Life Subtitles is not directed to children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. International Users

The App is designed for users worldwide. Your data is processed on your device regardless of your location. When using translation features, data may be processed by OpenAI's servers, which may be located in different countries. By using the translation feature, you consent to this international data transfer.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Notify you of significant changes through the app or on our website
• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Provide you the opportunity to review changes before they take effect

Your continued use of the app after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Data Retention

• Transcriptions: Stored on your device until you delete them or uninstall the app
• Settings: Stored on your device until you reset them or uninstall the app
• Usage Analytics: Retained for up to 24 months in anonymized form
• Subscription Data: Retained by Apple according to their policies

11. California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed (we do neither)
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (not applicable - we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@reallifesubtitles.com.

12. European Users (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal Basis: We process data based on consent and legitimate interests
• Data Portability: Export your data through the app's export features
• Right to Object: Object to data processing by discontinuing use
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: Contact your local data protection authority

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@reallifesubtitles.com
• Support: support@reallifesubtitles.com
• Website: reallifesubtitles.com

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

14. Your Consent

By downloading and using Real Life Subtitles, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our practices regarding data collection and use as described herein.