Privacy Policy

Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Storees AI ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use the Storees AI website or app ("App") or any related services (collectively, our "Services"). By using our Services, you agree to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

This Privacy Policy takes into account the requirements of various privacy laws including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union and United Kingdom, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents. Additional rights for these users are detailed in specific sections below.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We collect the following types of information when you use our Services:

• Identity Data: Name, Age, Gender, Profile information, Other information you choose to provide
• Contact Data: Email address
• Account Information: Login credentials, Password, Account preferences
• Financial Data: Payment information (processed through third-party payment processors), Transaction history, Subscription details
• Usage Information: Stories you create, Reading preferences, App interactions, Feature access, Session information, Usage patterns and statistics
• Technical Data: IP address, Browser type, Device information, Operating system, Cookie data, Log data
• Content Data: Story input information (i.e., character names, descriptions, genre, setting, plot, theme, keywords, tone), Stories and content you create, Saved preferences, Interaction history, User-generated content
• Voice Data: Voice input recordings for speech-to-text transcription, Voice recordings for cloning features (if explicitly consented to)
• Biometric Data: Voice patterns and mathematical representations (voiceprints) created from voice cloning features, when explicitly consented to

Sensitive Information

We do not actively request or collect sensitive information about you, except for voice and biometric data related to our voice cloning features, which require explicit consent. Voice patterns and voiceprints may be considered "biometric identifiers" or "biometric information" under various laws, including the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI), and similar regulations. If at any time we need to collect other sensitive information, unless otherwise permitted by law, we will first obtain your consent and only use it as required or authorized by law.

How We Collect Information

We collect information in various ways:

• Direct interactions when you:
  • Create an account
  • Use our Services
  • Contact customer support
  • Participate in surveys or promotions
  • Communicate with us
  • Use voice input features
  • Provide voice recordings for cloning (with explicit consent)
• Automated technologies, including:
  • Cookies
  • Web beacons
  • Analytics tools
  • App usage tracking
  • Voice processing systems
• Third parties, including:
  • App stores
  • Payment processors
  • Analytics providers
  • Marketing partners
  • Platform speech recognition services

Voice Input Data

General Voice Input Feature

Our Services include a voice input feature that allows you to speak your prompts and inputs instead of typing them. When you use this feature:

• Collection: Audio recordings are temporarily captured when you click the microphone icon and speak
• Processing: Voice recordings are processed solely for transcribing your speech into text
• Usage: The transcribed text is used as your input for story generation or other requested actions
• Data Handling: Audio recordings are treated as ephemeral data and are not used for voice cloning, user identification, or AI model training
• Third-Party Processing: We may use platform native speech recognition capabilities (Android or iOS) to convert speech to text. The handling of your voice data may be subject to the privacy policies of these underlying speech recognition services

Voice Cloning and Biometric Data

Optional Voice Cloning Feature

We offer an optional voice cloning feature that creates a synthetic version of a voice (a "User Voice Model") for text-to-speech generation. This feature requires explicit consent and involves sensitive biometric data.

Explicit Consent Required

The voice cloning feature is strictly opt-in. You must provide explicit, affirmative consent through a clear interface before recording or uploading audio files. This feature is entirely optional and not required for core story generation features.

Biometric Data Collection

When you consent to voice cloning, we collect and process:

• Voice Recordings: Audio files you provide for voice model creation
• Voiceprints: Mathematical representations derived from your voice recordings
• Voice Characteristics: Unique patterns and features of your voice

Legal Compliance

Voice patterns and voiceprints may be considered "biometric identifiers" or "biometric information" under various laws including:

• Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)
• Texas Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI)
• European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Other similar state, federal, or international regulations

Your Rights and Control

You retain full control over your voice data and voice models:

• Deletion: You can delete your voice recordings and User Voice Model at any time through account settings
• Access: You can access information about your stored voice data
• Opt-out: You can opt out of research and development use of your voice data
• Data Portability: You can request a copy of your voice data in a portable format

How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

Core Service Delivery

• To provide and maintain our Services
• To process and fulfill your story creation requests
• To manage your account and subscription
• To provide customer support
• To send service-related communications
• To enable features and personalize your experience
• To convert speech to text for voice input features
• To create and maintain voice models for text-to-speech generation (with explicit consent)

Voice Data Usage

• General Voice Input: Temporary transcription of speech to text for immediate use
• Voice Cloning: Creating, hosting, and maintaining your User Voice Model for your private use within your account
• Research and Development: Training, improving, and enhancing voice synthesis technologies (subject to your opt-out rights)

Business Operations

• To improve and optimize our Services
• To analyze usage patterns and trends
• To develop new features and services
• To maintain security of our Services
• To prevent fraud and abuse
• To enforce our Terms of Use
• To comply with legal obligations

Communication and Marketing

• To send administrative messages
• To provide updates about our Services
• To send promotional content (with your consent)
• To communicate about features and offers
• To respond to your inquiries

Data Sharing and Disclosure

Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with:

• AI Service Providers: We use various AI technologies to generate stories and images. We only share the text inputs you provide for story generation and age information to determine appropriate reading level. No other personal information is shared with AI providers.
• Payment Processors: Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Stripe. Payment information is processed directly by these platforms, and we receive only transaction confirmations.
• Voice Processing Services: Platform native speech recognition services for general voice input transcription. Voice cloning data is processed using our internal systems and trusted third-party voice synthesis providers under strict data protection agreements.

Voice Data Sharing

• General Voice Input: May be processed by platform speech recognition services (subject to their privacy policies). We do not control or store this data long-term.
• Voice Cloning Data: Your unique voice recordings and User Voice Models are never shared with other users, sold, leased, or publicly distributed. Access is strictly limited to authorized personnel for technical support and service delivery.
• Research Use: Voice data may be used for internal research and development to improve our voice synthesis technologies, subject to your opt-out rights.

App Store Refund and Data Sharing Practices

As part of processing refund requests through Apple App Store, Google Play Store, or Stripe, we may share:

• Transaction Information: Purchase dates and times, Transaction identifiers, Purchase history
• Usage Information: Content access logs, Access frequency and duration, Download status and completion, Content usage metrics, Progress tracking data
• Account Information: Device information, Account status, Eligibility information, Subscription patterns

This information is shared solely to validate refund eligibility, prevent fraudulent requests, and comply with platform policies. Data sharing is conducted securely and retained only for the necessary duration.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information to comply with laws, respond to legal requests, protect our rights, prevent fraud or abuse, and ensure platform safety.

Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you of any change in ownership or uses of your information.

Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information, including industry-standard encryption, secure data storage, access controls, regular security assessments, and employee training. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Voice Data Security

Voice recordings and biometric data receive additional protection including:

• End-to-end encryption during transmission
• Encrypted storage with restricted access
• Multi-factor authentication for access to voice processing systems
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Secure deletion processes for data removal

Children's Privacy

Age Restrictions

Users under 18 must have parent/guardian permission.

Profile Information

As part of the App's functionality, we collect first name, age, default language, default narrator voice, and story input information. This information is shared with AI providers to create personalized, age-appropriate stories and is kept confidential and protected under our security measures.

Voice Features for Minors

Special restrictions apply to voice features for users under 18:

• Voice Cloning: Absolutely prohibited for minors. Voice cloning features are not available to users under 18.
• Voice Input: General voice input features may be used with parent/guardian permission, subject to platform speech recognition policies.

Cookies, Analytics, and Similar Technologies

Types of Technologies Used

We use cookies (session, persistent, essential, analytical/performance), web beacons, device identifiers, and analytics tools.

How We Use These Technologies

These technologies help us remember your preferences, understand platform performance, analyze usage patterns, improve user experience, customize content, and maintain security.

Your Cookie Choices

You can modify browser settings to decline cookies, delete existing cookies, or opt out of analytics tracking. Note that declining cookies may affect some App functionality.

International Data Transfers

Data Location

Our servers are located in the United States. Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.

Transfer Safeguards

We ensure lawful data transfers through standard contractual clauses, appropriate safeguards, data protection agreements, and compliance with applicable laws.

Consent to Transfer

By using our Services, you consent to international data transfers, processing in other countries, and storage in the United States, understanding that privacy laws may differ from your country.

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Control

You have the right to access your personal information, correct inaccurate or incomplete data, delete your personal information, restrict processing, export your data, withdraw consent, and object to certain processing activities.

Voice Data Rights

For voice cloning and biometric data, you have additional rights:

• Deletion: Permanently delete voice recordings and User Voice Models
• Consent Withdrawal: Withdraw consent for voice cloning at any time
• Opt-out: Opt out of research and development use of voice data
• Access: Request information about stored voice data and processing activities
• Portability: Receive voice data in a portable format

How to Exercise Your Rights

Contact us at privacy@storees.ai to submit a request, ask questions, or get help with exercising your rights. We will verify your identity, respond within applicable timeframes, and assist with your request.

Region-Specific Privacy Rights

California Residents (CCPA)

California consumers have rights to know, delete, opt-out of sale, and non-discrimination. We do not sell personal information. Voice data and biometric information receive additional protection under California law. To exercise your rights, contact privacy@storees.ai.

Illinois Residents (BIPA)

Illinois residents have specific rights regarding biometric data under BIPA:

• Written consent before biometric data collection
• Right to know retention and destruction schedules
• Right to request destruction of biometric data
• Protection against disclosure without consent

European Union and UK Users (GDPR)

EU and UK users have additional rights, including the right to object to processing, restrict processing, data portability, lodge complaints, and refuse automated decision-making. Voice data and biometric information are considered special categories of personal data requiring explicit consent. Contact our Data Protection Officer at privacy@storees.ai.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be notified via app notification, email, or website notice. Continued use after changes means acceptance.

Data Retention

We retain your information as long as needed for services, as required by law, or for legitimate business purposes. After the retention period, we will delete or anonymize data.

Voice Data Retention

• General Voice Input: Audio recordings are processed temporarily and not stored long-term
• Voice Cloning Data: Retained for as long as you maintain an active account with voice cloning enabled, or until you request deletion
• Deletion Timeline: Voice data deletion requests are processed within 30 days, with permanent removal from active systems

Contact Information

For inquiries, contact privacy@storees.ai. We strive to respond within 24 hours for urgent issues, 7 business days for general inquiries, and 30 days for formal rights requests.

Interpretation

Headlines are for convenience only. The policy should be read as a whole. "Include" and similar words mean "including but not limited to." If any provision is invalid, others remain in effect.