Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Vernara ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it when you use our spoken-language practice app. By using Vernara, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account information

• Sign in with Apple: a unique Apple identifier for your account. Your name and email are collected only if you choose to share them with Apple at sign-in.

Voice and practice data

• Audio recordings: short recordings of the sentences you speak, captured so they can be transcribed. These recordings are processed to produce a transcript and are not stored afterwards (see Section 4).
• Transcripts and feedback: the text of what you said, the AI-generated corrections and upgraded phrasings, and the phrases you collect into your library.
• Progress: your streak, review history, and learning statistics.

Settings and preferences

• Target language, native language, level, goal, register, reminder time, and time zone.

Subscription information

• Your subscription status and an app-account token used to link your purchase to your account. Payment is handled entirely by Apple — we do not collect or store your payment card details.

Technical information

• A push-notification token (if you enable reminders), and standard log data such as IP address, access times, and error logs.

3. How We Use Your Information

• Service provision: to transcribe your speech, generate feedback, and build and schedule your review library.
• Personalization: to tailor prompts to your level, goal, and language.
• Reminders: to send a daily practice nudge if you enable notifications.
• Account & subscription management: to maintain your account and verify your subscription.
• Security: to protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access.
• Legal compliance: to comply with applicable laws.

4. Your Voice Recordings

5. Service Providers and Third-Party AI

We use a small number of trusted providers to deliver the service. Information is shared with them only as needed to provide the feature you requested, and each is contractually bound to handle it under confidentiality and to provide the same or an equal level of data protection as described in this policy:

• OpenAI (third-party AI) — receives your voice recording to transcribe what you said, and the resulting transcript together with your learning preferences (target language, level, goal, and register) to generate corrections, feedback, and practice prompts. Recordings are sent only for transcription and are discarded afterward (see Section 4).
• Google Cloud (third-party AI) — receives only the AI-generated example text (a natural rephrasing of the line) so it can be read aloud in a native voice. Your voice recording is never sent to Google.
• Apple — Sign in with Apple and subscription processing.
• DigitalOcean — hosting and storage of your account data.
• Expo — delivery of push notifications.

Before your first recording, Vernara asks for your explicit consent to this AI processing, and no audio or transcript leaves your device until you agree. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

6. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share information only in these circumstances:

• Service providers: as described above, under confidentiality.
• Legal requirements: when required by law, court order, or government request.
• Safety and security: to protect the rights, property, or safety of Vernara, our users, or others.
• Business transfers: in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to you.

7. Data Security

• Encryption: data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
• Access controls: strict access and authentication requirements.
• Secure hosting: data is stored on secure, monitored servers.

No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure; while we work to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

We retain your account data while your account is active. You can delete your account and all associated data at any time in the app (Settings > Account > Delete account & data), or by contacting us.

9. Your Privacy Rights

• Access: request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: request deletion of your personal information and account.
• Data portability: request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.
• Withdraw consent: withdraw consent for processing where applicable.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below.

10. Children's Privacy

Vernara is not intended for children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us so we can delete it.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We take steps to ensure such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the new policy on this page and update the "Last updated" date above.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us by email at contact@sergedevs.com. We will respond within 30 days.

Mailing address: Building 16, Dubai Internet City, Dubai, UAE