Speak Chinese · MertApp
Privacy Policy
Speak Chinese is published by Mert Korkmaz under the name MertApp (“we”, “us”). This policy covers the iOS and Android app. Contact: hezarfentech@gmail.com.
1. Information we process
- Account and learning profile: a Firebase anonymous account identifier, optional name, selected language, Chinese proficiency level, learning goals, practice style, premium status and profile timestamps. The profile is stored on your device and in Google Firebase Firestore.
- Learning content: chat messages, AI responses, corrections, saved vocabulary, practice history, streaks and preferences are stored locally. Saved corrections are also stored in Firestore under your account identifier.
- AI requests: after you accept the AI privacy consent, your message text and recent conversation context, or a selected word and its sentence context, are sent to Google Gemini to generate language-learning feedback. Requests also include learning settings such as language and proficiency. We do not attach your account identifier or profile name to Gemini requests. Personal information that you type into a message will still be part of that message.
- Purchases: Apple or Google handles payment. RevenueCat processes app user identifiers, purchase transactions, subscription status and associated device/app information to verify access and restore purchases. We do not receive your full payment-card details.
- Usage and diagnostics: Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics process app interactions, device/install identifiers, device and app information, crash reports and diagnostic information to understand usage and fix problems. Network service providers may also process IP addresses and technical request metadata.
2. Microphone and speech recognition
Voice practice requires your device’s microphone and speech-recognition permissions. Your operating system’s speech service turns speech into text and may process audio online according to device and system settings. The app does not store raw microphone recordings or send raw audio to Gemini. Recognized text is treated like typed text. You can deny or revoke microphone and speech permissions in system settings and use text input instead.
3. AI consent and Google processing
Chat and AI dictionary requests require your explicit in-app consent. Declining prevents those requests. To stop future AI sharing, stop using AI features; signing out or deleting your account clears the locally saved consent. You may also contact us about withdrawing consent. Withdrawal does not undo earlier processing.
Google's handling of Gemini inputs and outputs depends on the API service and billing configuration. Under Google's terms, unpaid services may use submitted content to improve products and may involve human review; paid services do not use prompts and responses for product improvement, but may retain them for safety and abuse detection. Do not submit confidential, sensitive or personal information in learning prompts. See Gemini API terms and Google Privacy Policy.
4. Why we use information
We use information to provide language practice, save preferences and progress, produce AI feedback, manage accounts, verify subscriptions, restore purchases, measure app usage, diagnose failures and protect service integrity. Where applicable, our legal bases include providing the requested service, consent for AI sharing and permissions, legitimate interests in reliability and improvement, and compliance with legal obligations. You may contact us to discuss the basis applicable to your information.
5. Service providers, transfers and tracking
Our providers include Google Firebase and Gemini, RevenueCat, Apple and Google Play. They may process information in countries outside your country of residence under their applicable terms and safeguards. Their policies are available at Firebase Privacy and Security, RevenueCat Privacy Policy, Apple Privacy Policy and Google Privacy Policy.
The app does not display advertising, sell personal information, or use information for tracking across other companies’ apps and websites. Firebase Analytics advertising identifier support and ad personalization are disabled in the iOS app.
6. Retention and account deletion
Local information remains until it is cleared through the app or removed with app data; device backups may retain copies. Cloud profiles and saved corrections remain while your account is active, unless you delete them or request deletion. In the profile tab, choose Delete Account to delete the current Firebase profile, saved cloud corrections and Firebase authentication account, and clear local session data. Deletion requires a working connection and successful completion; a failure is reported so you can retry.
Signing out is not cloud account deletion. Anonymous accounts may become inaccessible after signing out or removing app data. Contact us if you need help with an inaccessible account. Account deletion does not automatically cancel a store subscription, delete store transaction records, erase provider diagnostic records or remove earlier Gemini processing. Purchase, security, legal and provider-managed records may remain under their respective retention rules; contact us to request assistance with additional deletion.
7. Security and your rights
We use encrypted network connections and service-provider security controls. No system can guarantee complete security. Depending on applicable law, you may request access, correction, deletion or a copy of information, object to or restrict processing, withdraw consent, or complain to your local data protection authority. Send requests to hezarfentech@gmail.com. We may need information to verify ownership; do not send passwords or full payment details.
8. Age eligibility
The AI service is intended for adults aged 18 or older. Do not use its AI features if you are under 18. We do not knowingly seek personal information from children. If a child has submitted information, contact us for assistance with removal.
9. Website and policy changes
This policy page is hosted by GitHub Pages, which may process technical visitor information under GitHub's privacy statement. External links have their own policies. We will publish policy changes here with an updated effective date and provide additional notice where required.