# Privacy Policy for Chinese Menu Decoder
**Last Updated: November 11, 2025**
## Introduction
Chinese Menu Decoder ("we," "our," or "the App") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.
## Information We Collect
### Information You Provide
**Photos and Camera Access**
- The App requests camera and photo library access to allow you to capture or select images of Chinese menus for translation
- Photos are processed locally on your device using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology
- We do NOT upload, store, or transmit your photos to external servers
- Images are only stored locally on your device if you choose to save them in your history or favorites
**Translation History and Favorites**
- The App stores your translation history and favorite dishes locally on your device using Core Data
- This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers
- You can delete your history and favorites at any time within the App
### Automatically Collected Information
**Device Information**
- We generate a unique device identifier for trial usage tracking and subscription validation
- This identifier is used solely to prevent abuse of the free trial system
- Device information is stored locally and in iCloud (if enabled)
**iCloud Sync (Optional)**
- If you enable iCloud on your device, trial usage data may sync across your devices signed into the same iCloud account
- This helps maintain a consistent trial experience across your devices
- No personal information is stored in iCloud beyond trial counters and subscription status
**Subscription Information**
- We use Apple's StoreKit framework to process in-app purchases
- Subscription and purchase information is managed entirely by Apple
- We do not collect or store your payment information
- We only receive transaction confirmations from Apple to verify active subscriptions
## How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
1. **Core Functionality**: To provide OCR translation services and display Chinese dish information
2. **Feature Enhancement**: To save your favorite dishes and maintain translation history on your device
3. **Trial Management**: To track free trial usage and prevent abuse (5 free translations)
4. **Subscription Validation**: To verify your subscription status and provide premium features
5. **App Improvement**: To ensure the App functions properly and securely
## Data Storage and Security
### Local Storage
- All photos, translation history, and favorites are stored locally on your device
- Data is protected by iOS system-level encryption
- We use Core Data for secure local data management
### iCloud Storage (Optional)
- Trial usage counters may be stored in iCloud Key-Value Storage if iCloud is enabled
- This data is encrypted and protected by Apple's iCloud security measures
- You can disable iCloud sync in your device settings
### Data Security
- We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- Device-specific identifiers using secure hashing (SHA-256)
- Anti-tampering measures for trial and subscription validation
- Local data encryption through iOS security features
- Secure StoreKit integration for payment processing
## Third-Party Services
### Apple Services
- **StoreKit**: For in-app purchases and subscription management
- **Vision Framework**: For on-device OCR text recognition
- **iCloud**: For optional trial data synchronization (if enabled by user)
All Apple services are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
### External Web Search (Optional)
When you choose to search for a dish online using the web search feature, you may be directed to:
- Bing
- Baidu
These services are governed by their respective privacy policies. We do not track or collect data from these external searches.
## Permissions Requested
The App requests the following permissions:
- **Camera Access**: To photograph Chinese menus for translation
- **Photo Library Access**: To select existing menu photos from your device
- **Microphone Access**: To enable text-to-speech pronunciation features (audio playback only)
You can manage these permissions in your device's Settings app at any time.
## Data Retention
- **Photos**: Only stored if you save them to history/favorites; deleted when you remove them
- **Translation History**: Stored until you manually delete entries
- **Favorites**: Stored until you manually remove them
- **Trial Data**: Persists to prevent trial abuse; cannot be reset by reinstalling
- **Subscription Status**: Validated through Apple's servers; no local retention of payment data
## Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your data:
1. **Access**: View your saved translations, history, and favorites within the App
2. **Deletion**: Delete individual items or clear all history/favorites at any time
3. **Opt-Out**: Disable camera/photo access in device settings (App functionality will be limited)
4. **iCloud Sync**: Disable iCloud sync in device settings to prevent trial data synchronization
5. **Data Portability**: Export your data by using iOS sharing features for saved items
## Children's Privacy
Chinese Menu Decoder does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The App is designed for general audiences. If you believe a child has provided information to the App, please contact us.
## International Users
The App is designed for use worldwide. Data processing occurs locally on your device. If you use iCloud, your data may be stored in Apple's data centers in accordance with Apple's global infrastructure and privacy practices.
## Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Providing an in-app notification for material changes
Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
## California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:
- **Right to Know**: What personal information we collect and how it's used (described above)
- **Right to Delete**: Request deletion of your data (available in-app)
- **Right to Opt-Out**: Opt-out of data "sales" (we do not sell any data)
- **Non-Discrimination**: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights
## European Privacy Rights (GDPR)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:
- **Legal Basis**: We process data based on legitimate interests (app functionality) and your consent
- **Data Minimization**: We only collect data necessary for app functionality
- **Right to Access**: Request a copy of your data
- **Right to Erasure**: Request deletion of your data
- **Right to Portability**: Receive your data in a portable format
- **Right to Object**: Object to processing of your data
## Data Not Collected
For transparency, we want to be clear about what we DO NOT collect:
- ❌ We do NOT collect your name, email, or contact information
- ❌ We do NOT upload your photos to external servers
- ❌ We do NOT track your location
- ❌ We do NOT sell your data to third parties
- ❌ We do NOT use advertising or analytics tracking
- ❌ We do NOT access your contacts or other apps
- ❌ We do NOT store your credit card or payment information
## Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
**Email**: info@ecfastworldwide.com
**App Name**: Chinese Menu Decoder
## Compliance
This Privacy Policy complies with:
- Apple App Store Guidelines
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
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## Summary (Plain Language)
**What we collect**: Device ID for trial tracking, local photos you choose to save, translation history
**What we DON'T do**: Upload your photos anywhere, sell your data, track you, or collect personal information
**Where your data goes**: Stays on your device (and optionally in your iCloud if enabled)
**Your control**: Delete anything anytime, manage permissions in iOS Settings
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*This privacy policy is provided for informational purposes. Users should review it before using Chinese Menu Decoder.*