Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025
Introduction
Welcome to StoryStream ("we," "our," or "us"), operated by Pelton Apps. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in an open and transparent manner. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.
By using StoryStream, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our app.
Information We Collect
Account Information:
- Name and email address
- Profile picture (optional)
- Account credentials (securely hashed)
- Sign in with Apple identifier (if used)
Reading Preferences:
- Favorite genres and categories
- Saved books and collections
- Reading history and progress
- Community memberships
- Stream viewing history
Usage Analytics:
- App usage patterns and feature interactions
- Stream watching duration and completion rates
- Search queries and discovery behavior
- Device information (model, operating system)
- Crash reports and error logs
Community Content:
- Posts and comments in communities
- Chat messages during live streams
- Reactions and interactions with content
How We Use Your Information
- Provide, maintain, and improve the StoryStream app
- Personalize your content recommendations and stream suggestions
- Manage your account and subscription
- Enable community features and social interactions
- Process subscription payments through Apple
- Send important notifications about your account and streams
- Respond to your support requests
- Analyze usage to improve the user experience
- Ensure platform security and prevent abuse
- Comply with legal obligations
Data Storage and Security
We use Firebase and Firestore (Google Cloud Platform) for secure data storage and authentication. Your data is protected with industry-standard security measures:
- Encryption in Transit: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL
- Encryption at Rest: Your data is encrypted when stored using AES-256 encryption
- Secure Authentication: Passwords are hashed and salted; Sign in with Apple provides additional security
- Access Controls: Strict access controls limit who can access user data
- Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security assessments
Third-Party Services
We integrate with the following third-party services to provide StoryStream:
- Firebase/Google Cloud Platform: Authentication, database storage, analytics, and cloud functions.
Firebase Privacy Policy - Apple: Sign in with Apple authentication and in-app purchase/subscription processing.
Apple Privacy Policy - Unsplash: Stock images used for stream visuals and scene imagery.
Unsplash Privacy Policy
These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.
We may share your information in the following circumstances:
- With Service Providers: To operate and improve StoryStream
- Community Content: Posts and chat messages are visible to other community members
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger or acquisition (with notice)
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to sharing
Your Rights and Choices
- Access: View your data at any time within the app
- Correction: Update your profile and preferences in Settings
- Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data through Settings > Account > Delete Account
- Export: Request a copy of your data by contacting support
- Opt-Out: Manage notification preferences and marketing communications
- Restrict Processing: Contact us to limit how we use your data
Data Retention
- Active Accounts: Data is retained while your account remains active
- Deleted Accounts: Personal data is deleted within 30 days of account deletion
- Backup Systems: Some data may persist in backups for up to 90 days
- Legal Requirements: Certain data may be retained longer as required by law
- Anonymized Data: Aggregated, anonymized analytics may be retained indefinitely
Children's Privacy
StoryStream is intended for users 13 years of age and older.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at support@storystream.app. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act:
- Right to Know: Request information about the personal data we collect and how we use it
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
- Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at support@storystream.app.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy in the app, sending an email notification, or displaying a prominent in-app notice. Your continued use of StoryStream after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Contact Us
For privacy-related questions, concerns, or to exercise your data rights, contact us at: support@storystream.app
Pelton Apps
StoryStream Privacy Team