Privacy Policy

ReadShout — Privacy Policy
Last updated: 2026-02-25

1. INTRODUCTION
ReadShout ("the App", "we", "us") is a personal relationship-management tool designed to help you maintain meaningful connections. It provides reminders to stay in touch with friends and offers conversation-starter articles sourced from public RSS feeds. This Privacy Policy outlines the types of data we collect, how that information is utilized, and your rights as a user. By using ReadShout, you agree to the terms outlined in this policy. If you do not agree, please refrain from using the App and uninstall it from your device.

2. DATA WE COLLECT
2a. Information You Provide Directly: We process information you manually enter, including friend names, phone numbers, contact frequency preferences, last-contact dates, interest keywords (e.g., "music", "science"), personal notes, RSS feed preferences, and notification settings.

2b. Device Contacts (Optional): If you utilize the "Import from Contacts" feature, the App will request the READ_CONTACTS permission. We only access the name and phone number of the specific contact you select. We do not bulk-read, store, or upload your entire address book. This permission is requested interactively and is not required for general App functionality.

2c. Data Shared with External Services: To improve article matching, interest keywords (individual terms like "cooking" or "technology") may be sent to the ConceptNet public API. These requests are anonymous and do not contain friend names, phone numbers, personal notes, or any identifying information. Results are cached locally to minimize network requests.

2d. RSS Feed Content: The App fetches publicly available RSS feeds from third-party publishers (such as BBC, NPR, or TechCrunch). These standard HTTP requests do not include any personal or identifying user data.

3. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY
• Local Storage: All friend data, notes, preferences, and cached articles are stored exclusively on your device within an encrypted database (ObjectBox).
• No Cloud Backend: We do not operate backend servers or user databases. Your data is never uploaded to ReadShout servers.
• User Control: You can delete all App data at any time by selecting "Delete all data" in the Settings menu or by uninstalling the App.

4. HOW WE USE YOUR DATA
The information collected is used solely to provide and enhance App features: displaying your friend list, scheduling local contact reminders, and matching RSS articles to specified interests. We do not sell, rent, share, or monetize your personal data.

5. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
The App integrates with the following services for specific functions: ConceptNet API (semantic keyword expansion), Public RSS Feeds (content tips), and WhatsApp (optional chat initialization). ReadShout does not use advertising networks, analytics SDKs, crash-reporting services, or user-tracking libraries.

6. PERMISSIONS
• INTERNET: To fetch RSS feeds and ConceptNet data.
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS & SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM: To deliver contact reminders.
• RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: To reschedule reminders after a device restart.
• READ_CONTACTS: Optional permission for single-contact import.

7. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
ReadShout is not intended for individuals under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us for immediate deletion.

8. DATA RETENTION
Data remains on your device as long as the App is installed. Uninstalling the App permanently removes all local data. ConceptNet API responses are cached for 30 days before expiring.

9. YOUR RIGHTS
You have full control over your data: you can access all information within the App, correct any details, delete records, and export friend records using the Share feature.

10. CHANGES AND CONTACT
We may update this policy periodically; the "Last updated" date will reflect the most recent changes. For any questions or concerns, please contact the developer via the support link on our Google Play Store listing.