Privacy Policy
BlackBytes is built on a privacy-first foundation. We don't require accounts, don't sell data, and don't run ads. This policy explains the minimal data we do handle — and why.
Contents
- 01 Introduction & Scope
- 02 What We Don't Collect
- 03 Auto-Collected Information
- 04 Info You Provide
- 05 AI Processing
- 06 Third-Party Services
- 07 How Information Is Used
- 08 Data Retention
- 09 Storage & Security
- 10 Your Privacy Rights
- 11 Do Not Track
- 12 Children's Privacy
- 13 International Transfers
- 14 Policy Changes
- 15 Consent
- 16 Contact
Introduction & Scope
Welcome to BlackBytes. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the BlackBytes mobile application — an AI-powered news aggregation and summarization app that presents concise, swipeable summaries while always displaying the original source.
This policy applies to all users regardless of location and is designed to comply with GDPR (EU), CCPA/CPRA (California), CalOPPA (California), PIPEDA (Canada), and the Privacy Act 1988 (Australia).
By using the BlackBytes App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
Information We Do NOT Collect
BlackBytes is designed with privacy as a core principle. We want to be transparent about what we never collect:
Information That May Be Automatically Collected
While we minimize data collection, certain limited technical information may be collected through third-party services to keep the App functioning and improving.
3.1 Device Information
When you use the App, the following may be collected in a non-identifying manner:
| Data Point | Example |
|---|---|
| Device type & model | "Android Phone" |
| Operating system version | "Android 14" |
| App version number | "1.2.0" |
| Language & region settings | "en-US" |
| Screen resolution | "1080 × 2400" |
3.2 Crash Reports & Diagnostics
To improve App stability, crash logs may include technical stack traces, device state at time of crash (memory, battery), and app performance metrics. This data contains no direct personal identifiers such as name or email.
Information You Voluntarily Provide
When you use the feedback or contact form within the App, we may collect:
| Field | Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Message content | Yes | Respond to your inquiry |
| Name | No | Contact forms only |
| No | Contact forms only | |
| Rating | No | Feedback forms only |
| Device platform | Auto | Diagnosed technical issues |
| App version | Auto | Diagnosed technical issues |
| Timestamp | Auto | Track improvements |
AI Processing Disclosure
BlackBytes uses automated AI systems to generate concise summaries of news articles. Here's what you need to know:
Third-Party Services
BlackBytes uses the following third-party services to operate and improve the App:
For more: Google Privacy Policy · Firebase Privacy & Security
How Information Is Used
| Purpose | Legal Basis (GDPR) |
|---|---|
| Delivering enabled push notifications | Consent / Legitimate Interest |
| Improving App features and UX | Legitimate Interest |
| Fixing bugs and improving stability | Legitimate Interest |
| Ensuring security and preventing abuse | Legitimate Interest |
| Responding to user feedback | Consent / Legitimate Interest |
| Complying with legal obligations | Legal Obligation |
Data Retention Policy
We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this policy:
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Crash Reports | Up to 90 days |
| FCM Tokens | Until App is uninstalled or token is refreshed |
| Local App Data | Until you clear App data or uninstall |
| User Feedback / Contact Submissions | Up to 12 months |
After the retention period, data is automatically deleted or anonymized so it can no longer be associated with your device.
Data Storage & Security
9.1 Local Storage
News content may be cached locally on your device for offline access. This data is stored in the App's private storage area, is not accessible to other apps, and is deleted when you uninstall.
9.2 Security Measures
No method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
Your Privacy Rights
10.1 GDPR — European Union
10.2 CCPA/CPRA — California
10.3 PIPEDA — Canada
10.4 Australia — Privacy Act 1988
Do Not Track Signals
Some web browsers transmit "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. As BlackBytes is a mobile application — not a website — traditional DNT signals do not apply. You can control data collection through the App's Settings menu.
Children's Privacy
BlackBytes is intended for a general audience and is not directed toward children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction).
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. As the App does not require account creation or sensitive personal information, age verification is not enforced. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us immediately.
We comply with COPPA and similar international regulations.
International Data Transfers
As we use Google Firebase services, some technical data may be processed on servers located outside your country of residence, including in the United States. Google maintains appropriate safeguards for international transfers, including Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) approved by the European Commission and compliance with the EU-US Data Privacy Framework where applicable.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we do, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy, provide in-app notification for significant changes, and post the updated policy within the App.
Your continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Consent
Where required by applicable law, we rely on your consent for certain processing activities such as push notifications. By downloading, installing, and using the BlackBytes App, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
You may withdraw consent at any time by disabling relevant features in App settings, uninstalling the App, or contacting us directly.
Contact Information
BlackBytes is the data controller responsible for processing personal information described in this policy. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests, reach out: