Last updated: 2025-06-11
1. Introduction
At Hend, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our language learning application and website (collectively, the “Service”).
We prioritize data minimization and local-first technology to protect your privacy. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using Hend, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.
2.1 Local-First Data
Our application uses a local-first approach, which means you always have a complete copy of your learning data on your device. This data includes:
- Language learning progress
- Word and phrase lists
- Personal content you’ve imported
- Application settings and preferences
- Generated or downloaded learning materials
To enable our features, this data is also continuously synchronized with our servers in an end-to-end encrypted format, which we cannot read.
We only collect information necessary to create your account and manage your subscription. We do not have access to the content of your learning data, even when it is synchronized.
If you register for an account or subscribe to premium features, we process the following:
- Account Information: Your email address, which is managed through our third-party authentication provider, Clerk.
- Payment Information: For subscribers, payment information is processed by our secure third-party payment processor, Stripe. We do not store your credit card details but may have access to subscription-related information, such as your subscription status and billing history.
We use information to:
- Provide, maintain, and improve Hend
- Process transactions and manage your subscription
- Continuously synchronize your end-to-end encrypted data to our servers
- Enable cross-device access to your encrypted data for registered users
- Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
- Communicate with you about your account or subscription
- Provide customer support
- Detect and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activity
4. Data Storage and Security
4.1 Local Data Storage
A complete copy of your learning data is always stored locally on your device. We do not have direct access to this local data.
4.2 Continuous End-to-End Encrypted Synchronization
To provide a seamless experience, Hend continuously synchronizes your learning data. This process is protected with mandatory end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for all users, registered or not.
- Synchronization is always active: Your learning data (such as progress, word lists, and imported content) is automatically synchronized with our servers.
- Encryption happens on your device: All this data is encrypted on your device before it is sent.
- We cannot access your content: We only handle encrypted data. We do not have the keys to decrypt and read your data, regardless of your account status.
- Cross-Device Sync for Registered Users: When you register an account, you gain the ability to link multiple devices. This allows you to securely access the same set of encrypted data across all your authorized devices.
4.3 Data Retention
- Local data remains on your device until you delete it or uninstall the application.
- Account information (your email) is retained as long as you maintain an active account.
- After account deletion, we retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, such as financial records of transactions.
We do not sell your personal information. We may share the limited information we have access to in the following circumstances:
5.1 Service Providers
We rely on third-party vendors who provide services on our behalf, such as:
- Payment processors (such as Stripe)
- Authentication providers (such as Clerk)
- Synchronization technology providers
- Analytics services
- Customer support tools
These providers are contractually obligated to use your information solely for providing services to us. Due to end-to-end encryption, our synchronization provider cannot access your content data in plaintext.
5.2 AI Service Providers
When you use AI generation features:
- Your generation requests may be processed by third-party AI providers
- These providers may retain data according to their own privacy policies
- When you use your own API keys, your relationship with that provider is governed by their terms
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
6. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:
- Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you (e.g., your email and subscription status).
- Correction: You can request correction of inaccurate information.
- Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and personal information.
- Opt-out: You can opt out of marketing communications.
- Data portability: You can request a copy of your data in a structured format.
6.1 Local Data Control
Because Hend uses a local-first approach:
- You maintain direct control over the complete copy of data stored on your device.
- Uninstalling the application will remove this local data from your device.
7. Children’s Privacy
Hend is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.
8. Third-Party Links and Services
Hend may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any information.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the “Last Updated” date. For significant changes, we will provide additional notice through the application or via email.
10. International Data Transfers
Your end-to-end encrypted data is synchronized to servers that may be located around the world. Therefore:
- Your encrypted information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your residence.
- Because all synchronized data is end-to-end encrypted, your privacy is protected regardless of location.
- Our synchronization technology optimizes data caching to keep your encrypted data as close to your location as possible.
- We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.
11. California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Please contact us to exercise these rights.
12. GDPR Compliance
For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The legal bases for processing your information include:
- Performance of the contract we have with you
- Your consent
- Legitimate interests
- Compliance with legal obligations
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
[email protected]
Thank you for trusting Hend with your language learning journey!