Fonetikly

Privacy Policy

Effective 30 July 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Fonetikly ("we", "our", or "us") collects, uses, and protects information when you use the Fonetikly app.

Information you provide

• Email address: if you create an account using email sign-up
• Name or display name: if you enter one or a sign-in provider supplies one
• Apple ID: if you sign in with Apple (we receive only the information Apple provides, which may include a name and email)
• Google account information: if you sign in with Google (we receive only the information Google provides, which may include a name and email)
• Content you create: saved words, folder names, phonetic corrections, scripts, feedback, and support messages you choose to submit

Information collected automatically

• User ID: a unique identifier assigned to your account
• Words you search: words you type or scan are sent to our servers to generate phonetic pronunciations
• Camera images: when you use camera lookup, the photo you capture is sent to Google to detect words in it; we use the image only to extract text and do not retain it
• Voice recordings: practice features record your voice so the app can give you pronunciation feedback. Recording only starts when you tap to record. See "Voice recordings" below for what happens to the audio and how long we keep it
• Usage data: app opens, searches, camera activity, challenge progress, saved words, and session activity, used to operate, personalise, and understand use of the service
• Purchase history: subscription status managed via RevenueCat

How we use your information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and improve the Fonetikly service
• Generate phonetic pronunciations for words you search
• Detect words in photos you capture with camera lookup
• Score your pronunciation in the Hear & Repeat practice
• Give you feedback when you practise reading a whole script
• Play text-to-speech audio for words you look up
• Sync your saved words and progress across devices
• Process and manage your subscription
• Send password reset and account-related emails
• Understand feature use and improve the service

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your voice recordings or your searches for advertising, and we do not use them to train our own models.

Third-party services

Fonetikly uses the following third-party services, each with their own privacy policies:

• Supabase: database and authentication
• Google Gemini, AI features: words you search (to generate pronunciations), photos you capture with camera lookup (to detect words), word-level practice recordings (to score pronunciation), and whole-script recordings and script text (for word checks and coaching) may be sent to Google's API
• Groq: speech to text; when you practise reading a whole script, your recording is sent to Groq to transcribe what you said
• Google Sign-In: account authentication if you choose to sign in with Google
• ElevenLabs: text-to-speech audio; words you look up may be sent to ElevenLabs' API
• RevenueCat: subscription and purchase management
• Apple: Sign in with Apple, App Store payments
• Google Play: app distribution and payments on Android

We require service providers that receive user data to protect it to the same or an equivalent standard as described in this Privacy Policy and as required by applicable law.

The Google Sign-In SDK privacy manifest also identifies phone number, coarse location, device identifiers, and technical or usage data that Google may process for sign-in functionality and analytics. Fonetikly does not request a phone-number scope or use your phone number or location as an app feature.

Camera images

Camera access is optional. Before camera access is requested, the app explains why it is needed. When you choose to scan, the photo you capture is sent securely to Google Gemini to detect text. The image is used only to service that request and is not retained by Fonetikly.

You can decline camera access and type words or scripts instead. You can revoke camera access at any time in your device settings.

Voice recordings

Practice features use your microphone. Nothing is recorded until you start a recording yourself, and you can turn off microphone access at any time in your device settings.

In word-level pronunciation feedback features, including Hear & Repeat, your recording is sent to Google Gemini to score your pronunciation and is not stored on our servers. We keep the score and a short text transcription of what you said so we can show you the detail behind it.

When you practise reading a whole script, your recording is uploaded to private storage, sent to Groq for transcription, and sent to Google Gemini for focused word checks and coaching. The recording and script text are deleted from Fonetikly automatically within 24 hours. Your results are deleted 7 days later.

Recordings you keep so you can play them back are stored on your device only and are never uploaded.

Your choices and consent

Camera lookup and voice feedback are optional. The app identifies the third-party AI service used before protected camera or microphone data is sent. You provide permission by choosing to use the feature after that disclosure.

You can withdraw permission by turning off camera or microphone access in your device settings and by not using the related feature. You can continue to use other parts of Fonetikly. You can also delete your account or contact us to request deletion of your data.

Data retention

We keep different information for different lengths of time:

• Camera images: used to service the text-detection request and not retained by Fonetikly
• Raw voice recordings: deleted within 24 hours, and not stored on our servers at all for Hear & Repeat
• Script practice results: deleted 7 days after the practice
• Pronunciation scores and transcriptions: kept with your account so you can see your history
• Account details, search history, saved words, folders, and progress: kept while your account is active
• Purchase records: held by Apple, Google, and RevenueCat under their own policies

You can delete your account at any time in the app, from the Profile screen. This permanently removes your account, your saved data, your pronunciation history, and any voice recordings we hold, including recordings stored on your device. You can also ask us to delete your data by contacting us at the email below.

How we protect your information

Voice recordings are held in private storage that is not publicly accessible, and access is restricted to your own account. Information is sent over encrypted connections. No system is completely secure, but we take reasonable steps to protect your information and to delete it when it is no longer needed.

Where your information is processed

Our database is hosted in Sydney, Australia. Some of the third-party services listed above process information on servers outside Australia, including in the United States. By using Fonetikly, you agree to your information being transferred to and processed in those locations.

Children's privacy

Fonetikly is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Your rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, or delete your personal data. The quickest way to delete everything is the Delete account option on the Profile screen. To exercise any other right, contact us at the email below.

Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the effective date above.

Contact

Questions about this privacy policy? Email hello@fonetikly.com.