Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Mother Tongue ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience when using our mobile application and services (collectively, the "Services").

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our translation application. Please read this policy carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data.

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this policy, please do not access or use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our Services:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly:

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, and password.
• Profile Data: Optional information such as profile picture, preferred languages, and location preferences.
• Translation Content: Text, voice recordings, and images you submit for translation (only processed, not permanently stored unless saved to Favorites).
• Feedback & Support: Information you provide when contacting our support team or submitting feedback.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: Features used, time spent on the app, language pairs selected, and translation frequency.
• Log Data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and crash reports.
• Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (precise location only with your explicit consent).

2.3 Information from Third Parties:

• Social login data (if you choose to sign in via Google, Apple, or Facebook).
• Analytics data from trusted partners.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes:

• Provide Services: To deliver accurate translations and app functionality.
• Improve AI Models: Anonymized and aggregated data helps improve our translation algorithms.
• Personalization: To customize your experience based on language preferences and usage patterns.
• Communication: To send service updates, security alerts, and promotional content (with your consent).
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address technical issues and fraudulent activity.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

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

• Service Providers: Trusted third parties who assist in operating our services (cloud hosting, analytics, customer support).
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets.
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information.
• Aggregated Data: Non-identifiable, aggregated statistics may be shared for research and marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256).
• Access Controls: Strict employee access policies with role-based permissions.
• Regular Audits: Third-party security assessments and penetration testing.
• Secure Infrastructure: Data centers with SOC 2 Type II certification.

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to maintaining industry-standard protections.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information only for as long as necessary:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for 30 days after deletion request.
• Translation Data: Processed in real-time and not stored unless saved to your Favorites.
• Usage Analytics: Retained in anonymized form for up to 24 months.
• Legal Records: Retained as required by applicable laws.

7. Your Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data.
• Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
• Objection: Object to processing for direct marketing purposes.
• Restriction: Request limitation of processing in certain circumstances.
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@africantongues.app.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses approved by relevant authorities.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we will provide a more prominent notice (such as an in-app notification or email).

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: