LifeEcho helps you record your life stories by turning spoken words into written memories. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

Data we collect

• Account information: Your email address and name, provided when you register or sign in with Google.
• Voice and transcription: When you record a session, LifeEcho uses your device's microphone and the browser's Web Speech API to transcribe your speech to text in real time. Audio is processed locally by your browser and is not stored as an audio file by LifeEcho.
• Story content: The transcribed text, along with any titles, chapters, and memories you create or edit.
• Photos: Images you upload to illustrate your stories. Photos are stored privately and linked to your account.
• AI-generated questions: After you save a recording, your transcript is sent to an AI service to generate follow-up questions for future sessions.
• Family groups: When you create or join a family group, your user ID is associated with that group so members can collaborate on shared stories.
• Payment information: When you purchase a plan, transaction details are processed by Stripe. We store your plan type and status but do not store your card details.

How we use your data

• To transcribe your spoken words into editable text.
• To generate thoughtful follow-up questions based on what you've shared.
• To store, organize, and display your stories, memories, and photos.
• To enable sharing with family members and helpers you invite.
• To process payments and manage your subscription.
• To provide account management, including account deletion.

Third-party services

• Browser Web Speech API: Voice transcription is performed by your device's browser. Your audio does not leave your device for transcription purposes.
• AI service: Your transcript text is sent to an AI provider to generate follow-up questions. Only the text is shared, not audio.
• Stripe: Processes all payments. Your card details are handled by Stripe and never touch our servers.
• Google: If you sign in with Google, Google authenticates your identity. We receive your email and name but not your password.

Data sharing

Your stories, memories, and photos are private to you. You can invite family members or helpers to contribute to a specific story; they will be able to see and edit that story's content. Family group members can see photos shared within the group. We do not sell your data to third parties. We share data only with the service providers listed above to deliver the features of the app.

Data retention and deletion

Your data is retained for as long as your account is active. You can delete your account at any time:

• From within the app: Go to Account and use the "Delete my account" option. This immediately removes your stories, memories, recordings, photos, and family groups.
• Without signing in: Visit our deletion request page and enter your email. We'll send a confirmation link that completes the deletion when clicked.

Some records, such as payment transaction logs, may be retained by Stripe for legal and financial compliance. These records do not contain your story content or photos.

Your rights

• Access: You can view all your stories, memories, and photos within the app at any time.
• Export: You can export your stories as Word documents, PDFs, or plain text files.
• Delete: You can delete your account and all associated data at any time, as described above.

Security

Your data is stored securely with row-level access controls that prevent other users from seeing your stories or photos unless you explicitly invite them. All communication with our servers is encrypted in transit. Photo uploads are stored in private storage accessible only through signed, time-limited URLs.

Children's privacy

LifeEcho is designed for adults preserving life stories. The app is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect data from children under 13.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the date at the top of this page.

Contact

Questions about this policy or your data? Use the contact support option within the app and we'll be happy to help.