Kotobana
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 2026-06-28
This Privacy Policy explains how Kotobana (“the App”), provided by Ryota Ueda (上田涼太), collects, uses, and protects information when you use the iOS application.
Information we collect
Account identifier: When cloud sync is enabled, the App creates an anonymous account (a random user ID). Authentication tokens may be stored securely on your device (for example, in the Keychain). We do not require an email address or phone number to use the App.
Learning data you enter: daily study time by skill category (Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing), learning tasks and completion records, and related summaries shown in charts.
Garden and collection data: plant growth state, harvest results, flower inventory, bouquet layouts, and milestone titles, target dates, and achievement status.
Optional friend features (Supabase mode only): if you choose to register, we process a display name (1–20 characters), an 8-character friend code, friend requests and friendships, milestone sharing preferences, in-app notifications about friends’ achievements, bouquet gift records, and optional short messages (up to 50 characters) attached to pending gifts.
Local data on your device: when cloud sync is unavailable or before sign-in, some data may be stored locally (for example, via UserDefaults), including profile settings, learning logs, tasks, and onboarding flags.
Advertising-related data: the App displays ads through Google AdMob. AdMob and its partners may collect device identifiers (such as the advertising identifier on iOS when permitted), IP address, app interactions with ads, and diagnostic information to deliver, measure, and improve advertising.
How we use information
We use the information above to provide and maintain App features (learning records, garden progression, milestones, optional friend features), sync your data when cloud services are enabled, prevent abuse, respond to support requests, and improve reliability.
Advertising: AdMob data is used to show ads in the App, limit ad frequency, measure ad performance, and help keep the free version available. Where required, we request your permission on iOS (App Tracking Transparency) before using data for tracking across apps and websites owned by other companies.
What friends can see
If you use friend features, friends may see your display name, bouquet summaries (recipe names and counts per recipe), and milestones only when you keep milestone sharing turned on. Learning time charts and detailed garden state are not shared with friends.
Optional gift messages are shown only on pending gift cards for the recipient and are not carried over after a gift is accepted.
Authentication, sync, and account limits
The App uses anonymous sign-in through Supabase Auth. Because the account is tied to the device session, reinstalling the App or changing devices may create a new anonymous account and you may lose access to previous cloud data and friend connections unless account recovery features are added in the future.
Cloud data is stored on Supabase infrastructure and protected with access controls such as Row Level Security. Each user can access only their own data except where friend-sharing features explicitly allow limited visibility described above.
Third-party services
Supabase (authentication and database): processes account identifiers and App data you store in the cloud. See Supabase’s privacy documentation for details.
Google AdMob (advertising): delivers and measures ads. Google may process device and usage information as described in Google’s Privacy Policy and the Google Advertising Policies. AdMob partners may also receive limited data to serve ads.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not share learning logs or garden data with advertisers for their own independent use.
Your choices
Milestone sharing: you can turn off sharing of milestones with friends in the App settings (friend tab).
Advertising choices (iOS): you can limit ad tracking in Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking, and reset or limit the advertising identifier in Settings → Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising. These settings affect how personalized ads may be delivered through AdMob.
Data retention and deletion
We retain data for as long as necessary to provide the App. You may request deletion of your cloud account and associated data by contacting us using the details below. Some local data may remain on your device until you uninstall the App or clear app data.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy when we add features (such as advertising), change data practices, or comply with legal requirements. The “Last updated” date at the top indicates the latest version. Material changes may also be communicated in the App where appropriate.
Contact
For privacy questions or deletion requests, contact Ryota Ueda (上田涼太) via X: https://x.com/Ryo257171824842