Thank you for using VocaLock. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have. We have written it to be straightforward and easy to understand.
VocaLock is a vocabulary-building app that uses Apple's Screen Time framework to temporarily block selected apps at scheduled times, encouraging you to learn a new word each day before continuing. We take your privacy seriously and have designed the app to collect as little data as possible to provide this service.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Information You Provide During Onboarding
When you set up VocaLock, you tell us:
- Your vocabulary level
- Your vocabulary goal (e.g. improve confidence, career, general enrichment)
- Your answers to onboarding questionnaire questions
This information is stored locally on your device using SwiftData and is used solely to personalise the words generated for you. It is never transmitted to our servers or shared with third parties.
1.2 App Usage Data (Stored Locally)
VocaLock stores the following data on your device:
- Words generated for you, including their definitions and example sentences
- Which words you have marked as learned or bookmarked
- Your current streak and streak history
- The date and time each word was completed
All of this data lives entirely on your device. We do not have access to it, and it is not synced to any cloud service by VocaLock.
1.3 Information Sent to OpenAI
VocaLock uses the OpenAI API to generate your daily words. When fetching a new word, we send the following to OpenAI:
- Your vocabulary level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced)
- A request for a new word at that level
We do not send any personally identifying information to OpenAI: no name, email address, device ID, or usage history. OpenAI may process and retain this data in accordance with their own privacy policy, which you can review at openai.com/privacy .
1.4 Subscription and Purchase Information
VocaLock uses RevenueCat to manage subscriptions. When you subscribe, RevenueCat processes your transaction and provides us with an anonymized entitlement token confirming your subscription status. We do not receive or store your payment card details, Apple ID, or billing information. RevenueCat's privacy practices are described at revenuecat.com/privacy .
Apple processes all payments directly through the App Store. Apple's privacy policy applies to that transaction: apple.com/legal/privacy .
1.5 Screen Time and App Selection
VocaLock uses Apple's Family Controls framework to temporarily block the apps you select. The list of apps you choose to block is stored locally on your device in a shared App Group container accessible only to VocaLock and its extensions. This information is never transmitted off your device.
VocaLock does not monitor which apps you use, how long you use them, or what you do inside them. The blocking mechanic is handled entirely by iOS. VocaLock only instructs iOS to apply or remove a shield at scheduled times.
1.6 Advertising Attribution (TikTok)
VocaLock uses the TikTok SDK to measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns. This SDK may collect your device ID and app interaction data to attribute app installs to TikTok ads. This data is shared with TikTok and used for advertising measurement purposes. This constitutes "tracking" under Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework — you will be asked for permission before this data is collected. If you decline, attribution will fall back to Apple's SKAdNetwork. TikTok's privacy policy: tiktok.com/legal/page/ca/privacy-policy/en
2. Information We Do Not Collect
To be explicit about what VocaLock does not do:
- We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any contact information
- We do not collect your location
- We do not track your browsing history or app usage patterns
- We do not read your messages, emails, or any content from other apps
- We do not sell your data to anyone
- We do not use analytics SDKs (such as Firebase, Mixpanel, or similar services)
3. How We Use Information
The limited information VocaLock handles is used only for the following purposes:
- To generate vocabulary words matched to your level (vocabulary level sent to OpenAI)
- To display your bookmarked words (stored locally on device)
- To verify your subscription status and unlock the app (handled by RevenueCat)
- To apply and remove app shields at scheduled times (handled locally via Screen Time API)
- To measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns (via TikTok SDK, with your ATT permission)
4. Data Storage and Security
All personal preferences, word history, and usage data are stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. This data is protected by your device's built-in security (including encryption at rest when your device is locked) and is subject to your device's own backup settings.
If you back up your device to iCloud or iTunes, VocaLock's local data may be included in that backup, subject to Apple's own privacy and security practices.
We do not operate servers that store your personal data. The only external services that handle any data on our behalf are OpenAI and RevenueCat, as described in Section 1 above.
5. Children's Privacy
VocaLock is rated 4+ on the App Store and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. The app does not include social features, user-generated content, or communication tools.
Because VocaLock collects minimal information and stores it locally on the device, it is designed to be safe for all ages. If you are a parent or guardian and have concerns, please contact us at the address below.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Deleting Your Data
Because all data is stored on your device, you can delete it at any time by uninstalling VocaLock. Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored words, streaks, preferences, and onboarding answers from your device.
Subscription Management
You can cancel your VocaLock subscription at any time through your Apple ID settings. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period. You can also restore a previous purchase from within the app via the Settings screen.
Data Requests
Since we do not collect or store personal data on our servers, we are unable to provide data exports or deletion confirmations for data we do not hold. For any questions about data held by OpenAI or RevenueCat, please contact those services directly using the links in Section 1.
7. Third-Party Services
VocaLock integrates with the following third-party services. Each operates under its own privacy policy:
TikTok
Used for advertising attribution and campaign measurement. Privacy policy: tiktok.com/legal/page/ca/privacy-policy/en
OpenAI
Used to generate vocabulary words. Privacy policy: openai.com/privacy
RevenueCat
Used to manage subscriptions and entitlements. Privacy policy: revenuecat.com/privacy
Apple App Store
Used to process payments and distribute the app. Privacy policy: apple.com/legal/privacy
We do not integrate with advertising networks, social media platforms, or data brokers.
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the Effective Date at the top of this document and, where required by law, notify you through the app or by other appropriate means.
We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Your continued use of VocaLock after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:
VocaLock
Email: vocalockapp@gmail.com
We will respond to all legitimate inquiries within a reasonable time.