LinguistReader Privacy Policy

Version: v1.0

Last Updated: [2026-02-01]

Effective Date: [2026-02-01]

1. Overview

LinguistReader ("the App") is a local-first desktop application. This policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Local Data (Default)

  • Books, reading progress, vocabulary, notes, and settings are stored locally on your device.
  • By default, this data is not uploaded to our servers.

2.2 Third-Party AI Services (When You Enable Them)

When you use AI features (e.g., translation or text analysis):

  • The text you select is sent to the AI provider you configure (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, OpenRouter).
  • Your API keys are stored locally (encrypted).
  • We do not store or relay your API keys or request contents.

Please review the privacy policies of your chosen providers.

2.3 Analytics (Optional)

We may collect anonymous usage statistics (e.g., via PostHog) to improve the App.

  • This data does not include book content, vocabulary, or notes.
  • You can opt out of analytics in Settings.

If analytics are disabled, we do not send any analytics events.

2.4 License Activation & Device Info

When you activate a paid license, we may send limited device information (e.g., device identifier, OS version, app version) to the license service to verify entitlements and manage device activations.

3. How We Use Information

  • Provide core features and user experience
  • Validate licenses and prevent abuse
  • Perform optional, aggregated analytics
  • Improve product stability and performance

4. Data Storage & Security

  • Local data is stored on your device in a local SQLite database.
  • License cache is stored locally and encrypted for offline validation.

We take reasonable measures to protect data, but no method is 100% secure.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We only share data with third-party AI or license services when you explicitly use those features.

6. Your Choices

  • You can delete local data or uninstall the App at any time.
  • You can disable analytics in Settings.
  • You choose whether to use third-party AI services.

7. Contact

If you have questions about this policy, contact:

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will be posted with an updated date.