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Understory Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 10, 2026

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1. Introduction

Understory Studios LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your information.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the Understory mobile application, website, and related services (the “Service”).

By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

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2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you provide directly, including:

  • Account information (e.g., name, email, username, phone number)

  • Profile details (e.g., photos, preferences)

  • Reading activity (books, progress, goals)

  • Content you create (reviews, comments, interactions)

  • Communications with us (support requests, feedback)

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2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the Service, we may collect:

  • Device information (device type, operating system)

  • Usage data (features used, interactions, session activity)

  • Log data (IP address, access times, app performance data)

  • Approximate location (used to determine country for sign-in options)

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2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

  • Authentication providers (e.g., Apple, Google)

  • Payment processors (subscription status, not full payment details)

  • Tree-planting partners (aggregated participation data only)

  • Social network service providers

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3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide, operate, and improve the Service

  • Personalize your experience

  • Enable social features and interactions

  • Process subscriptions and transactions

  • Communicate with you (updates, support, service messages)

  • Monitor and prevent fraud, abuse, or misuse

  • Comply with legal obligations

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4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal data.

We may share information in the following situations:

4.1 With Other Users

  • Your profile information and activity (e.g., reading progress, garden) will be visible to others depending on your settings

 

4.2 With Service Providers

We share data with trusted third-party providers that help us operate the Service, such as:

  • Cloud hosting and infrastructure

  • Analytics providers

  • Social network service providers

  • Payment processors (Apple, Google)

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4.3 With Partners

We may share limited, aggregated data with tree-planting partners to fulfill environmental contributions. This data does not identify you personally.

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4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

  • Comply with laws or legal processes

  • Protect rights, safety, or property

  • Prevent fraud or abuse

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5. Social Features and Visibility

Understory includes social features.

Depending on your settings:

  • Your reading activity may be visible to others

  • Your garden and interactions (comments, engagement) will be public

You can manage visibility for specific books and reviews when logging the book.

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6. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to:

  • Provide the Service

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements

You may request deletion of your account and data at any time.

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7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Delete your data

  • Restrict or object to processing

  • Request data portability

To exercise these rights, contact us.

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8. Children’s Privacy

The Service is not intended for children under 13 (or the minimum age required by local law).

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it.

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9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information.

However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

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10. International Users

Your information will be transferred to and processed in countries outside your own.

By using the Service, you consent to this transfer.

 

11. Third-Party Services

The Service may link to or integrate with third-party services.

We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their policies separately.

 

12. App Store and Google Play Compliance
12.1 Apple App Store

  • Payments and subscriptions are processed by Apple

  • Apple may collect and process data according to its privacy policy

 
12.2 Google Play

  • Payments and subscriptions are processed by Google

  • Google may collect and process data according to its privacy policy

 

13. Analytics and Tracking

We may use analytics tools to understand how users interact with the Service.

We do not use tracking for third-party advertising without your consent.

If applicable, you will be asked for permission for tracking (e.g., Apple App Tracking Transparency).

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14. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.

We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Updating the “Last Updated” date

  • Providing notice within the app or via email when required

 

15. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at support@understory-app.com

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