Effective Date: 2026-01-01

Privacy Policy

Note: This privacy policy is a template tailored to the App’s current feature set (CloudKit sync, no third‑party SDKs, optional first‑party AI). It is not legal advice. Please consult counsel to finalize for your jurisdiction and App Store disclosures.

1. Overview

This Privacy Policy explains how the eDots application (the "App", "we", "us") collects, uses, and shares information when you use the App on iOS and macOS.

Summary:

No third‑party analytics or advertising SDKs.
Optional sync and sharing via Apple iCloud’s CloudKit.
Optional AI feature uses our first‑party service (dots.e-studio.ai) to process your prompts.
Your content remains yours; you control what to sync or share.

2. Information We Process

We process the following categories of information to operate the App and provide features:

User Content: Dots, Collections, tags, text, images, attachments, and related metadata you create or import.
Device and App Data: Basic device information (e.g., model, OS version), app version, and in-app settings necessary to run the App. On-device logs may be generated for troubleshooting; these are not transmitted by default.
iCloud/CloudKit Data: If you enable sync or sharing, User Content and metadata are stored in your iCloud account via CloudKit and synchronized across your devices. CloudKit may also use push notifications for sync events.

We do not collect your Apple ID credentials. Apple may process identifiers associated with your iCloud account per Apple’s policies.

3. How We Use Information

We use your information to:

Operate core functionality (create, edit, view, organize, randomize, and export/import content).
Sync and share content via CloudKit when enabled by you.
Provide widgets and related OS-integrated features.
Deliver optional AI-assisted content generation when you invoke it.
Maintain App security, prevent abuse, and improve reliability.

We do not sell your personal data.

4. Data Storage and Retention

On-Device: User Content is stored locally on your device (Core Data). You can delete it any time from within the App, which removes it from local storage. Deleted items may persist in local backups per your system settings.
iCloud/CloudKit: If enabled, User Content is stored in your iCloud account and retained until you delete it in the App (which propagates to iCloud) or manage it via iCloud settings. Retention and backup behavior are governed by Apple.
AI Requests: Prompts and generated outputs may be transiently processed by our first‑party service to fulfill your request and maintain service integrity. We do not use them for advertising. If diagnostic retention is required to maintain the service (e.g., abuse mitigation, debugging), we minimize what is stored and for how long, consistent with this Policy.

5. Sharing of Information

We share information as follows:

CloudKit Sharing: When you explicitly share Collections, invited participants gain access to the shared content. Apple may display your name or identifier per your Apple settings.
Service Providers (limited): We rely primarily on Apple’s platform services (e.g., CloudKit, push notifications). For the AI feature, requests are handled by our first‑party endpoint. We do not use third‑party advertising or analytics SDKs in the App.
Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or to protect rights, property, and safety.

6. Your Choices and Controls

iCloud Sync: Enable or disable iCloud sync in the App and system settings.
Sharing: Manage shared Collections and revoke access at any time.
AI Feature: Use is optional. If you prefer that prompts are not transmitted, do not use AI features.
Permissions: You can grant or revoke access to Photos, Location, and Notifications in system settings. Some features may be limited without the relevant permission.
Export/Import: You may export or import your data within the App. Exercise caution when sharing exported data.

7. Security

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information. CloudKit encrypts data in transit and at rest per Apple’s security model. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; use caution when sharing sensitive information.

8. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction). If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us to request deletion.

9. International Users

If you access the App from outside your home region, your information may be processed in the country where the device and Apple services operate. CloudKit processing is governed by Apple’s infrastructure and policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated within the App or by other reasonable means. Your continued use after the effective date signifies acceptance of the updated Policy.

11. Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact: Arno Nan, yeqingnan@icloud.com.