Privacy Policy for AlwaysSpeak

Effective date: August 12, 2026
Developer: Ember Studio
Contact: emberstudio.support@gmail.com

AlwaysSpeak (“the App”) is a language-learning companion application. This Privacy Policy explains what information is handled when you use the App, how it is used, and the choices you have. By using AlwaysSpeak, you agree to this Policy.

1. Who we are

AlwaysSpeak is developed by Ember Studio. We do not require you to create an account and we do not operate a user login system for this App.

2. Information the App handles

Depending on how you use AlwaysSpeak, the following information may be processed:

• Conversation content — text messages you type or dictate, and AI replies shown in the App (including bilingual or target-language practice replies).
• Images — photos you choose to take or upload to send as part of a scene-based conversation.
• API keys — keys you optionally enter for third-party AI providers (for example Groq, Google Gemini, or OpenRouter) so the App can call those services on your behalf.
• Settings — preferences such as native language, target language, chat mode (easy / practice / immerse), whether to show the native-language line, voice output on/off, speech rate, follow-read options, and AI display name.
• On-device voice data — when you use voice input, audio may be processed for speech-to-text (on device and/or via a provider you configure, such as Groq Whisper). Text-to-speech may use the device’s system voice engine.
• Feature unlock status — a local flag if you unlock optional features such as follow-read and speech-rate controls (for example after a one-time purchase via Google Play).

3. Where information is stored

• On your device: Chat history, images attached to saved messages, pending photos, API keys, language and mode settings, and unlock flags are stored locally on your device (for example using on-device storage such as local app storage).
• Not on Ember Studio servers: We do not run an AlwaysSpeak account backend that receives or stores your chats, photos, or API keys. We do not sell your personal data.

4. Third-party AI services

To generate replies (and, if you enable related features, to transcribe speech or analyze images), the App sends the necessary content to the AI provider(s) for which you have entered API keys. Those providers process data under their own privacy policies and terms. Examples may include:

• Groq
• Google Gemini / Google AI
• OpenRouter (and models routed through OpenRouter)

You choose which keys to provide. If you do not add any keys, network features that depend on those services will not work. Please review the privacy policy of each provider you use.

5. How information is used

Information is used only to:

• Display and continue your language-practice conversations inside the App;
• Send prompts, messages, and optional images to the AI services you configure;
• Provide optional text-to-speech playback of replies and follow-read practice;
• Remember your language settings, modes, speech rate, and API keys on the device;
• Remember whether optional paid features are unlocked on this device.

We do not use your chat content for advertising.

6. Permissions

The App may request device permissions such as:

• Internet — to reach AI and speech services you configure;
• Microphone — for voice input and follow-read practice;
• Camera / photos — for taking or selecting images to send in a chat.

You can deny or revoke these permissions in system settings; related features will then be unavailable.

7. Purchases

Optional features (such as follow-read and adjustable speech rate) may be offered as a one-time unlock. When you buy through Google Play, payment is processed by Google under Google’s terms and privacy policy. AlwaysSpeak may store only a local indication that the feature is unlocked on this device.

8. Children

AlwaysSpeak is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

9. Data retention and deletion

• You can delete individual chats or messages inside the App.
• You can clear API keys in Settings.
• Uninstalling the App removes locally stored App data from your device (subject to your operating system’s behavior).
• Data already sent to a third-party AI provider is subject to that provider’s retention practices.

10. Security

API requests to third-party services are made over encrypted HTTPS connections. API keys are stored on your device; you are responsible for keeping your device secure and for protecting your keys. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure.

11. International processing

Third-party AI providers may process data in data centers located in different countries. By using those services through the App, you understand that your prompts and related content may be transferred to those locations.

12. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Effective date” at the top will be revised when changes are posted. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated Policy.

13. Contact

For privacy questions about AlwaysSpeak, contact Ember Studio at emberstudio.support@gmail.com.

This policy applies to the AlwaysSpeak mobile application (package name: com.alwaysspeak.app) published by Ember Studio on Google Play.