Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 2024.04.02

At WriteApp, your privacy and the protection of your data is our top priority. WriteApp is built on a local-first architecture — your writing lives on your device first, not on our servers. This policy explains exactly what we do and don’t collect, and your rights over that data. This policy is fully compliant with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

This privacy policy applies to the WriteApp mobile and desktop applications.

1. Your writing is yours

WriteApp stores your manuscripts, notes, and project files locally on your device. We do not have access to the content of your writing. If you use optional cloud sync, your data is transmitted over an encrypted connection and stored in a way that only you can access it with a decryption key.

2. Data we collect

2.1. Sync key

WriteApp does not collect your name, email address, or password. When you purchase WriteApp on the App Store or Google Play, a random sync key is generated on your device. This key is used solely to sync your writing across your devices. We never associate it with any personal identity.

2.2. Purchase information

WriteApp uses Apple’s in-app purchase system on iOS and macOS, and Google Play’s billing system on Android. Payment transactions are handled entirely by Apple or Google — we never receive or store your payment card details. We do receive confirmation of your purchase status so we can grant access to paid features.

2.3. Crash reports and performance data

WriteApp uses Sentry for automatic crash reporting and performance monitoring. When the app crashes or encounters an error, a report is sent to Sentry containing:

• The error message and stack trace
• App version and build number
• Device type and OS version
• Screen navigation leading up to the crash

File paths in error reports are automatically scrubbed before sending — any path containing your username or personal directory is replaced with a placeholder.

We also sample app sessions for performance traces to identify slowdowns. No writing content is ever included in these reports.

2.4. Bug reports (user-initiated)

WriteApp includes an in-app bug report form. When you submit a report, the following is sent to Sentry:

• Your written description of the issue and optional steps to reproduce
• App version, platform, and OS version
• Your Vault ID and User ID (to help us locate and reproduce your issue)

Bug reports are always opt-in and only sent when you explicitly tap “Send Bug Report.”

2.5. Network access

WriteApp requests internet access for the following purposes only:

• Syncing your writing across your devices (when you choose to enable sync)
• Sharing or exporting documents (when you explicitly trigger a share action)
• Processing in-app purchases via the App Store or Google Play
• Sending crash reports and bug reports via Sentry

We do not use your internet connection to collect data in the background.

3. Data we do not collect

• The content of your manuscripts, notes, or any writing
• Your device’s location
• Your contacts or address book
• Any camera or microphone data
• Any data from other apps on your device

On macOS, WriteApp can read and write files you explicitly select (e.g. for export or import). This access is sandboxed — WriteApp cannot browse your filesystem freely, and we never transmit files you open to our servers.

4. How we use your data

We use your personal information exclusively to:

• Sync your writing across your devices using your randomly generated sync key
• Process and verify in-app purchases and subscriptions via the App Store or Google Play
• Respond to support requests you initiate

We do not sell your data. We do not use your data for advertising.

5. Third parties

WriteApp works with a minimal set of third parties to deliver our service:

• Apple App Store — handles payment processing for iOS and macOS purchases
• Google Play Billing — handles payment processing for Android purchases
• Sentry — receives crash reports, performance traces, and user-submitted bug reports as described in sections 2.3 and 2.4. Sentry does not receive your writing content. You can review Sentry’s privacy policy at sentry.io/privacy.

Sync infrastructure is self-hosted by WriteApp — your writing data does not pass through any third-party sync service.

Your personal data is never shared with third parties for marketing purposes.

If required by law or ordered by a court or law enforcement authority, we may be required to disclose information. We will inform you where legally permitted to do so.

6. Retention of information

We do not hold personal account data. Your sync key is stored on your device and is used only to identify your sync session. If you uninstall WriteApp or request deletion, your sync key and any associated sync data will be permanently deleted within 14 days. Your locally stored writing data (on your device) remains entirely under your control.

7. Your rights (GDPR)

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right of access — you can request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
• Right to rectification — you can request that incorrect data be corrected
• Right to erasure — you can request that your sync data be deleted
• Right to restriction of processing — you can request we stop processing your data in certain circumstances
• Right to data portability — you can request your data in a portable format

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the address below.

Right to object

You have the right to object to us processing your personal data for direct marketing purposes. If you file an objection, we are legally required to immediately halt such processing.

8. Security

We protect your data using:

• TLS-encrypted connections between your device and our servers
• Encrypted storage for synced data
• Randomly generated sync keys — no passwords or personal identifiers are ever created or stored
• On macOS and iOS, your sync key is stored in the system Keychain, which is encrypted and sandboxed to WriteApp

9. Changes to this policy

We reserve the right to update this privacy policy. If we make material changes, you will be notified in the app at least two weeks before the changes take effect. Continued use of WriteApp after that date constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or wish to exercise your rights, contact us at: m@ravdeep.com