Privacy Policy

Histou ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you use the Histou mobile application ("App") and website at histou.com ("Website").

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address
• Display name
• Profile photo (if provided)
• Authentication credentials (managed securely with industry-standard encryption)

Usage Data

We automatically collect information about how you use Histou, including:

• Historical figures you interact with and content you view
• Chat conversation history with AI historical figures
• Voice conversation data (processed in real time for AI responses)
• Quiz results and learning progress
• Saved items, bookmarks, and library activity
• App usage patterns, feature interactions, and session duration
• Learning streaks and engagement metrics

Device Information

We may collect:

• Device type, operating system, and version
• Unique device identifiers
• Language and locale preferences
• Push notification tokens (if notifications are enabled)

Payment Information

Subscription payments are processed entirely through the Apple App Store. We do not directly collect, store, or have access to your payment card details. We receive confirmation of your subscription status from the platform.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain the Histou service, including AI conversations, audio content, and quizzes
• Process and respond to your AI chat and voice conversations
• Personalize your learning experience and content recommendations
• Track your progress, streaks, and learning achievements
• Manage your subscription and account preferences
• Send push notifications (with your permission) about new content, streaks, and updates
• Display relevant advertisements to free-tier users
• Improve and develop new features for the service
• Ensure the security and integrity of our platform

3. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using industry-leading cloud infrastructure with enterprise-grade security:

• User authentication credentials are managed with industry-standard encryption.
• Your profile data, chat history, quiz progress, saved items, and personalization preferences are stored in secure cloud databases.
• Audio content and media files are stored in secure cloud storage.
• Server-side operations are processed through secure cloud functions.

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

4. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services that may collect or process your data in the following categories:

• AI Services: Our AI conversations and voice interactions are powered by third-party AI providers. Your chat messages are sent to these services to generate responses, governed by their respective privacy policies.
• Subscription Management: In-app subscriptions and purchase verification are handled through third-party services that receive subscription status data from Apple.
• Advertising: Free-tier users may see advertisements served by third-party ad networks. These may collect device identifiers and usage data for ad targeting. You can manage ad personalization preferences in your device settings.
• Cloud Infrastructure: We use third-party cloud services for authentication, database, storage, analytics, and server functions, processed in accordance with their privacy policies.
• App Distribution: The Apple App Store processes subscription payments and provides app distribution.

5. Advertisements

Free-tier users may see advertisements served by third-party ad networks. These ads may use device identifiers and usage patterns to serve relevant content. Premium subscribers enjoy an ad-free experience. You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device's privacy settings (iOS: Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising).

6. Children's Privacy

Histou is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at contact@histou.com, and we will take steps to delete such information.

7. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service:

• Account data is retained until you request account deletion.
• Chat conversation history is retained to provide continuity in your learning experience.
• Voice conversation audio is processed in real time and is not permanently stored.
• Quiz progress and learning data are retained to track your achievements.

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us at contact@histou.com. Upon receiving a deletion request, we will delete your data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data and account.
• Export: Request a portable copy of your data.
• Opt-out: Opt out of personalized advertising and non-essential communications.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at contact@histou.com.

9. Cookies and Local Storage

The Histou website may use cookies and local storage to maintain your session, remember your theme preference, and provide core functionality. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising on the website. The mobile app uses local device storage to cache content and save your preferences.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States, where our service providers maintain their servers. We ensure that any such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that your data is protected to the standards described in this policy.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the App or via email. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision. Your continued use of Histou after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

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

Email: contact@histou.com