Privacy Policy

Last updated on 19 July 2026

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy describes how Echo OpenMind (“we”, “us”, or “our”) collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use the Echo OpenMind mobile application (com.echoopenmind.learnenglish), website, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

1. Microphone & speech recognition (please read)

• The app requests microphone access so you can read stories aloud and answer discussion questions by voice.
• Your speech is transcribed by your device's built-in speech recognition (Apple Speech / Google speech services). Depending on your device settings, those platform services may process audio on Apple's or Google's servers under their own privacy policies.
• We do not record, upload, or store your audio. Only the resulting reading metrics (accuracy, fluency, completeness scores, words read, seconds spoken) are sent to our servers.
• Microphone use is optional: if you deny the permission, reading sessions fall back to a timed mode with an estimated score.

2. What information do we collect?

2.1 Information you give to us

We collect information when you:

• Create an account or sign in (email verification code, Google, or Apple) — your email, name, and optional avatar
• Set up your learning profile — English level, target level, topics, industry, role, and daily goal (used to personalise your story feed and AI-generated stories)
• Complete reading sessions — scores, metrics, words read, and time spoken (used for progress, history, streaks, and badges)
• Send debate messages to the AI partner — kept so your conversation continues
• Post in group rooms — shown to other participants under your anonymous handle (e.g. “Curious Otter”), never your name
• Make in-app purchases — credit balance and Remove Ads status
• Contact us for support

2.2 Information collected automatically

• How you use our Services (Firebase Analytics, for product improvement)
• Device information (make, model, operating system, language, IP address)
• General location based on IP address (city/country, for localisation)
• A push-notification token (FCM), if you enable optional streak reminders

2.3 Information from third parties

We may receive information from third parties such as Apple, Google, and payment processors when you purchase our Services via the App Store or Google Play, or when you sign in through Google or Apple accounts.

3. How do we use your information?

We use collected information to:

• Deliver, maintain, and improve our Services
• Personalise your story feed, difficulty level, and recommendations
• Process purchases and deliver what you bought
• Track your learning progress, streaks, and badges
• Send optional reminders and product updates (with opt-out)
• Perform analytics for product development
• Verify compliance with our Terms and respond to support requests

4. AI processing

Story generation and the debate partner are powered by third-party AI providers (such as Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google). We send them only what is needed to generate content: your chosen topics, level, industry/role, the story text, and your debate messages. We do not send your name, email, or audio.

5. Advertising & purchases

Unless you purchase Remove Ads, the app shows ads via AppLovin MAX, which may process device identifiers under its own policy. In-app purchases are handled by Google Play / the App Store; we never see your payment details.

6. When do we disclose information?

We do not sell your data. We disclose personal information only when required or authorised by law or law enforcement, to trusted processors who help us deliver our Services (hosting providers, Firebase, AI providers, AppLovin, payment processors), or to prevent serious emergencies or crimes.

7. Third-party services

We do not control how third-party services interact with you. Ensure you consent to their terms and privacy policies before providing information directly to them. Our processors may be located outside your country of residence.

8. Marketing & opting out

You can opt out of marketing and reminders at any time by:

• Clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email
• Adjusting your email and notification preferences in the app's Settings
• Contacting us at [email protected]

9. Storage & security

We strive to protect your information using industry-standard measures. Internet transmissions involve inherent risks; use our Services only if you are comfortable with this. Your data is kept while your account is active.

10. Access, correction & deletion

You may request access to or correction of your personal information by contacting us at [email protected]. You can delete your account in the app (Me → Settings → Account) or at echoopenmind.com/delete-account. Deletion is scheduled with a 30-day grace period, after which your profile, reading history, debate threads, room messages, and personal stories are permanently removed.

11. Children

Echo OpenMind is not directed at children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your region).

12. Complaints

Contact us regarding any privacy concerns at [email protected] or via echoopenmind.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe if you provide return contact details.

13. Updates to this policy

We update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes take effect from the publication date shown at the top of this page. We encourage you to check back regularly.

14. Definitions

• Analytics — interpretation of aggregated, non-identified data to improve product experience and understand usage trends.
• IP address — a unique number string identifying devices communicating over a network, usually assigned in geographic blocks.
• Echo OpenMind (“us”) — Echo OpenMind, its assignees, licensees, successors in title, and subsidiaries.
• Services — the Echo OpenMind mobile application, website, APIs, and related services offered by us.
• Third-party services — services provided by providers not owned or controlled by Echo OpenMind.