Privacy Policy

Paul Wakim ("we," "us," or "our") operates the PodSips mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the App. Please read this policy carefully. By using PodSips, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information. When you sign in with Apple or Google, we receive your name and email address from the identity provider you choose. We store this information to create and maintain your account.
• Chat Content. When you use PodSips's AI chat feature, the questions you ask and the AI-generated responses are stored so you can revisit past conversations.
• Contact Information. If you contact us via email or our website contact form, we collect the information you provide in your message.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Listening Activity. We record which episodes you play and your playback position so you can resume where you left off.
• Library Data. The podcast series you save to your library and the order you arrange them in are stored with your account.
• Usage Data. We track the number of AI messages you send per day and summaries you generate to manage service limits.
• Device Information. If you enable push notifications, we store your device push token and platform type (iOS) to deliver notifications to your device.
• Analytics Data. We use PostHog to collect information about how you interact with the App, including screens viewed, features used, and sign-in method. This data is associated with your account identifier.
• Error and Performance Data. We use Sentry to collect crash reports, error logs, and performance data. When an error occurs, diagnostic information including your user identifier and relevant context (such as the screen you were on) may be included.
• Subscription Information. We receive subscription status updates (such as purchase, renewal, cancellation, and expiration events) from RevenueCat, our subscription management provider, to determine your plan and access level.

1.3 Information We Do Not Collect

• We do not collect or have access to your Apple ID password or Google account password.
• We do not collect payment card numbers or banking information. All payment processing is handled by Apple through the App Store.
• We do not collect precise location data.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Create and maintain your account.
• Provide the App's core features, including podcast playback, AI-powered chat, and library management.
• Process and manage your subscription through RevenueCat and the Apple App Store.
• Send you push notifications you have opted into, such as alerts about new episodes from podcasts you follow.
• Enforce usage limits and prevent abuse of the service.
• Diagnose technical problems, monitor App performance, and fix bugs.
• Understand how users interact with the App so we can improve the experience.
• Respond to your support requests and communications.
• Comply with legal obligations.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following circumstances:

3.1 Service Providers

We use third-party services to operate the App. These providers process your data on our behalf and are contractually obligated to protect it:

• Supabase — authentication, database hosting, and user account management.
• OpenAI — processes your chat messages to generate AI responses. Your questions and relevant podcast transcript excerpts are sent to OpenAI's API to produce answers. OpenAI's data usage policies apply to this processing.
• RevenueCat — subscription management and purchase validation.
• PostHog — product analytics.
• Sentry — error tracking and performance monitoring.
• Expo (EAS) — push notification delivery.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) — cloud storage for podcast cover images.
• Pinecone — vector database used to search podcast transcripts when answering your questions. Transcript data (not your personal data) is stored in Pinecone.

3.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law, in response to a valid legal process (such as a subpoena or court order), or to protect the rights, property, or safety of PodSips, our users, or others.

3.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have regarding your information.

4. AI-Generated Content

PodSips uses artificial intelligence to answer questions about podcast episodes. When you send a message in a chat, your question and relevant excerpts from podcast transcripts are sent to OpenAI for processing. AI-generated responses may be inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date. PodSips is not responsible for the accuracy of AI-generated content. Do not rely on AI responses for medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice.

5. Data Retention

• Account data is retained for as long as your account is active.
• Chat history is retained until you delete individual chats or delete your account.
• Listening history and playback positions are retained for as long as your account is active.
• Analytics and error data is retained according to the retention policies of PostHog and Sentry, respectively.
• When you delete your account, we delete your personal data from our systems. Some data may persist in backups for a limited period before being permanently removed.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including encrypted data transmission (TLS/SSL), secure token-based authentication, and access controls on our backend systems. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and Deletion. You can delete your account at any time from the Profile screen in the App. This permanently removes your account data, chat history, library, and listening history from our servers.
• Push Notifications. You can enable or disable push notifications through your device settings or the App's notification preferences screen.
• Chat History. You can delete individual chat conversations at any time within the App.

If you would like to request a copy of your data or have questions about your rights, please contact us at [email protected].

8. Children's Privacy

PodSips is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at [email protected].

9. Third-Party Links and Content

The App may contain links to third-party websites or display podcast content from third-party creators. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the App or by other means. Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Paul Wakim
• Email: [email protected]