Privacy Policy

AfriTongue ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us and information collected automatically when you use the Service.

Information you provide:

• Account information — name, email address, profile picture (via Google Sign-In)
• Language preferences and selected learning language
• Payment information — phone number for M-Pesa transactions (we do not store card details)
• Communications you send us via the contact form or email

Information collected automatically:

• Usage data — lessons completed, words spoken, quiz scores, streaks, XP earned
• Device information — device type, operating system, app version
• Log data — IP address, access times, pages viewed
• Audio recordings — microphone input during speaking exercises (processed locally on your device; not stored on our servers)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain and improve the Service
• Personalise your learning experience and track your progress
• Process payments and manage your subscription
• Send you service-related communications (e.g. lesson reminders, streak alerts)
• Respond to your enquiries and provide customer support
• Monitor and analyse usage patterns to improve content
• Comply with legal obligations

3. Google Sign-In

AfriTongue uses Google Sign-In for authentication. When you sign in with Google, we receive your name, email address and profile picture from Google. We do not receive or store your Google password. Your use of Google Sign-In is also subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

4. M-Pesa Payments

Payments are processed via Safaricom M-Pesa. When you initiate a payment, we collect your phone number and pass it to Safaricom to trigger an STK push. We store a transaction record including your phone number, amount and transaction status. We do not have access to your M-Pesa PIN. Safaricom's own privacy policy governs their handling of your payment data.

5. Audio Data

When you use the speaking exercises, AfriTongue accesses your device's microphone. Audio is processed entirely on your device to detect whether you have held the microphone button long enough. We do not record, store or transmit your voice to our servers.

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information with:

• Service providers — Firebase (cloud storage), Google (authentication), Safaricom (payments), hosting providers — only as necessary to operate the Service
• Legal requirements — if required by law or to protect the rights, property or safety of AfriTongue, our users or the public

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Service. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law (e.g. financial records for 7 years).

8. Your Rights

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

• Right to access the data we hold about you
• Right to correct inaccurate data
• Right to delete your account and associated data
• Right to object to or restrict processing
• Right to data portability

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at afritongue@gmail.com or use our account deletion page.

9. Children's Privacy

AfriTongue is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.

10. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

• Email: afritongue@gmail.com
• Phone: +254 729 836 000
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya