Privacy Policy for Novels Time

Last updated: 22 July 2025

At Novels Time ("Novels Time," "we," "us," or "our"), we respect your privacy and are committed to being transparent about the data we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. This Privacy Policy describes our practices for the Novels Time mobile applications, related services, websites, and any content or features we provide (collectively, the "Service").

Plain‑language summary: We collect only the information needed to run the app, personalize your reading experience, improve performance, and—if you choose—enable social/profile features. We access photos or files on your device only when you take an action that clearly requires it (for example, uploading a profile picture). We do not scan your entire photo library.

Quick Key Points

• You control what personal information you provide.
• Media access happens only when you choose a file (e.g., via system photo picker) or ask us to save something back to your device.
• We minimize data collection and retain data only as long as needed for the feature or as required by law.
• You can request access, correction, deletion, data export, or restriction of your data.
• We do not sell your personal information.

1. Scope

This Policy applies to all users of the Novels Time mobile apps (Android, iOS) and related web properties. Some region‑specific rights (for example, under the European Union’s GDPR or California’s CCPA/CPRA) are described in Section 12.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: (i) you provide it to us; (ii) it is collected automatically when you use the Service; (iii) you authorize us (e.g., by granting a permission) to access specific content for a feature.

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account data: Name, email address, password or authentication tokens (when using federated sign‑in).
• Profile details (optional): Username/alias, profile photo, preferred languages, genre preferences.
• User content: Reviews, ratings, comments, bookmarks, reading lists, uploaded cover images (if feature enabled).
• Support communications: Messages you send us (in‑app chat, email, forms) and any attachments you choose to include (screenshots, logs, etc.).

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: App screens viewed, reading progress, session length, in‑app actions (e.g., downloaded chapter, opened ad reward).
• Device & technical data: Device model, OS version, app version, language, country (derived from locale or IP), crash logs, and performance metrics.
• Approximate device identifiers: Resettable advertising IDs (where permitted), Firebase Instance IDs, analytics SDK identifiers.

We design our analytics to avoid collecting content of what you read unless needed for core functionality (e.g., syncing last‑read chapter).

2.3 Media You Choose to Share With Us

See Section 5 – Use of Device Storage & Photos for full details. In short: we only access the specific photos, images, documents, or other media files you select for upload (e.g., a profile avatar) and do not browse your full library.

3. Why We Use Your Information

• Provide, operate, and personalize the reading experience (sync preferences, show recommended titles).
• Enable optional social features (profile photo, reviews, comments).
• Offline reading (download and locally cache chapters or book files you select).
• Improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance usability based on aggregated analytics.
• Send service notifications (e.g., new chapters, critical updates) and—where you opt in—marketing or promotional messages.
• Support advertising & rewards systems (e.g., coins for watching ads) in compliance with applicable law and platform policies.
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Use.

4. Use of Device Storage & Photos

Some Novels Time features let you upload or save media (for example, setting a profile photo or exporting an eBook cover). When you do, the app may request access to photos, images, or media files stored on your device. We follow a least‑access approach: we request the minimum access needed, prefer modern system pickers, and never scan your device media without your action.

4.1 When We Request Access

• Uploading a profile picture, product image, or other content you explicitly choose.
• Selecting a local file to attach to a support ticket or feedback report.
• Saving edited / generated content (e.g., downloaded chapter PDF, converted cover image) back to device storage when you tap "Save" or similar.

4.2 What We Do Not Do

• We do not automatically collect, scan, index, or upload your entire photo / media library.
• We do not access media in the background without your interaction.
• We do not sell your photos or media.

4.3 How Access Works by Platform

4.4 Storage & Transfer of Selected Media

Media you upload may be processed (e.g., resized) and stored on our secure cloud storage (currently Cloudflare R2 or an equivalent provider). If you remove a profile photo, we will delete or de‑reference the associated file from active use; cached copies may persist briefly in CDN caches or backups.

4.5 Revoking or Changing Media Permissions

• Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Novels Time > Permissions and change Photos/Media permission or clear granted access if using Selected Photos mode.
• iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Photos > Novels Time and set access to Selected Photos, All Photos, or None.

4.6 Your Responsibilities

Please do not upload media that you do not have the right to share. If media you upload contains personal data of others, ensure you have their permission where required by law.

5. Cookies, Analytics & Advertising Technologies

Our mobile apps use SDKs (software development kits) rather than traditional browser cookies. These SDKs may help us measure app installs, crashes, ad impressions, or reward fulfillment. Where required, we will ask for consent before enabling analytics/ads that rely on personal data. You can also opt out in the app settings where available.

5.1 Analytics Providers (Examples)

• Firebase / Google Analytics for Firebase – usage metrics, crash analytics.
• AdMob / mediation partners – ad delivery, frequency capping, reward validation.

Each provider processes data under its own privacy terms; links are available in‑app.

6. Advertising & Rewards

Novels Time may display ads (e.g., rewarded videos that grant in‑app coins). Ad networks may receive device identifiers and coarse contextual data needed to serve ads or validate rewards. We try to avoid invasive ad tracking; see in‑app settings for controls.

7. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We share personal data only as needed to operate the Service, comply with law, or with your consent:

• Service providers: Cloud hosting, content delivery, analytics, email delivery, customer support tools.
• Advertising partners: To deliver ads or rewards you opt to view.
• Legal / safety: To respond to lawful requests, enforce our terms, prevent fraud or abuse, or protect rights, property, or safety.
• Business transfers: If we undergo a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may transfer as part of that transaction; you will be notified of material changes.

We do not sell personal information.

8. Data Storage & Security

Data is stored using reputable cloud infrastructure providers. We use a combination of technical and organizational safeguards such as encryption in transit (HTTPS), access controls, environment segregation, logging, and periodic security reviews. No system is 100% secure; please use a strong password and keep your device updated.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law (e.g., dispute resolution, fraud prevention, legal obligations). When no longer needed, we will delete or de‑identify data within a reasonable timeframe. You may also request deletion; see Your Rights.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your country of residence. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses) for transfers from regions with data export restrictions (e.g., EEA). Details are available on request.

11. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under the minimum age required to consent to data processing in their jurisdiction (16 in the EU unless member state sets a lower age; 13 in many regions, including the U.S.). If we learn that we have collected personal data from a child without verifiable parental consent, we will delete that data.

12. Your Privacy Rights

Your rights depend on where you live. We will honor all valid, authenticated requests consistent with applicable law.

12.1 European Economic Area (GDPR)

• Right of access
• Right to rectification
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restriction or objection to processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to withdraw consent at any time (without affecting prior lawful processing)

12.2 California (CCPA/CPRA)

• Right to know categories & specific pieces of personal information collected, used, shared, or sold.
• Right to delete personal information (subject to exceptions).
• Right to correct inaccurate information.
• Right to opt out of sale or sharing of personal information.
• Right to limit use of sensitive personal information.
• Right to non‑discrimination for exercising your rights.

12.3 How to Submit a Request

Use the in‑app Privacy Request form (Settings > Privacy) or contact us by email at contact@noveltime.online. Please include the email tied to your account and specify the request type (access, delete, export, etc.). We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling a request. Authorized agents may submit requests on behalf of California residents with appropriate written authorization.

13. Managing Your Information

• Update account info: In‑app profile settings.
• Change notification preferences: In‑app settings.
• Review granted permissions (camera, photos, storage, notifications): Device OS settings.
• Delete account: In‑app (if available) or by contacting us.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our services. When we make material changes, we will provide a prominent notice in the app or by email (where we have your address) and update the "Last updated" date above. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact us:

Not legal advice: This document is provided for informational purposes. Because privacy requirements vary by jurisdiction and may change, please consult qualified legal counsel to ensure full compliance for your specific use case.