Privacy Policy
Effective Date: April 28, 2026
ForeverTale ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy of our users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the ForeverTale mobile application (the "App"). Please read this policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the practices described herein.
1. Information We Collect
Account Information: When you create a ForeverTale account, we collect your first name, last name, email address, and a password. Your password is securely hashed using industry-standard encryption (bcrypt) before storage and is never stored in plain text.
Story Content: Stories you record (video and audio) are stored locally on your device and may be backed up to your personal iCloud account if you enable iCloud backup. Story content is not stored on our servers permanently. When you share a story with a connected family member, the encrypted story file is temporarily uploaded to our secure servers (Amazon S3) and automatically deleted after 24 hours.
Device Permissions: The App may request access to your device's camera, microphone, photo library, notifications, and contacts. These permissions are used solely for core app functionality (recording stories, sending notifications, and finding family connections). You can manage these permissions at any time in your device settings.
Subscription Information: Subscription purchases are processed entirely through Apple's App Store and StoreKit. We do not collect or store your payment information, credit card numbers, or Apple ID. Apple handles all payment processing according to their own privacy policy.
Usage Data: We do not use third-party analytics services. We do not track your behavior, collect device identifiers for advertising, or build user profiles.
2. How We Use Your Information
- Account Management: To create and manage your account, authenticate your identity, and enable login.
- Email Communications: To send account verification emails, password reset emails, and connection invitation emails. We use Amazon Simple Email Service (SES) to deliver these transactional emails only.
- Family Connections: To facilitate connections between family members so they can share stories.
- Story Delivery: To temporarily store and deliver shared stories between connected family members.
- App Functionality: To provide core app features including recording, playback, and story management.
We do not use your information for advertising, marketing to third parties, or any purpose other than providing and improving the ForeverTale service.
3. Data Storage and Security
Your account data is stored in Amazon Web Services (AWS) DynamoDB databases in the US East (N. Virginia) region. All data is transmitted using HTTPS encryption. Shared story files are stored temporarily in Amazon S3 with a 24-hour automatic deletion policy.
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- bcrypt password hashing
- HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data in transit
- Token-based authentication
- Automatic expiration of shared content
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, rent, or otherwise share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes. We may share information only in the following circumstances:
- Service Providers: We use Amazon Web Services (AWS) to host our backend infrastructure. AWS processes data on our behalf in accordance with their privacy policies and our data processing agreements.
- Family Connections: When you connect with a family member, they can see your name and shared stories. You control who you connect with.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
5. Children's Privacy
ForeverTale is designed for use by families. While children may appear in recorded stories, the App is intended to be operated by adults (parents, grandparents, and other family members). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Account creation requires an email address and is intended for adult users. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
6. Data Retention
- Account Data: We retain your account information for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account at any time through the App's settings, which will permanently remove your account data from our servers.
- Shared Stories: Temporarily stored story files are automatically deleted from our servers after 24 hours.
- Local Content: Stories stored on your device and in iCloud are managed by you and Apple, respectively, and are not under our control.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: View your account information within the App.
- Correct: Update your account details through the App.
- Delete: Delete your account and all associated data at any time from the App's settings. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
- Withdraw Consent: Revoke device permissions (camera, microphone, etc.) at any time through your device's settings.
8. Third-Party Services
The App integrates with the following third-party services:
- Apple App Store / StoreKit: For subscription management and payment processing. Governed by Apple's privacy policy.
- Apple iCloud: For optional story backup. Governed by Apple's privacy policy.
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): For backend infrastructure, email delivery, and temporary file storage. Data is processed in the US East region.
- Google Books API: For book search functionality. Only search queries are sent; no personal data is shared.
9. International Data Transfers
Our servers are located in the United States (AWS US East / N. Virginia). If you access the App from outside the United States, your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States. By using the App, you consent to this transfer.
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. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes 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 at:
Email: support@forevertaleapp.com
Website: https://forevertaleapp.com