Privacy Policy for Rivela

Introduction

BrightStack Apps ("we", "our", or "us") operates the Rivela mobile application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our App.

Rivela is a read-only Reddit client that helps you organize subreddits into custom topics for easier browsing. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Topics and Subreddit Preferences: When you create custom topics and add subreddits, this information is stored locally on your device only.

Information Collected Automatically

Local Data Storage

The App stores the following data locally on your device:

• Custom topics you create (name, emoji, order)
• Subreddits you add to topics
• Cached Reddit posts and comments (for offline viewing)
• Your theme preferences (Light/Dark/AMOLED)
• App settings and preferences

Third-Party Services

The App uses the following third-party services that may collect information:

Google AdMob (Advertising)

• Collects Advertising ID
• May collect device information, IP address, and ad interaction data
• Used to display personalized advertisements
• Subject to Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Reddit API

• The App accesses Reddit's public API to fetch posts and comments
• API requests include a user agent identifier: "android:com.brightstack.rivela:v1.0.0 (by /u/brightstack_dev)"
• No Reddit account login is required
• Subject to Reddit's Privacy Policy: https://www.reddit.com/policies/privacy-policy

Firebase Analytics (Google)

• Collects anonymous feature usage events (e.g., app opened, topic created, post opened)
• No personal data, usernames, subreddit names, post titles, or browsing content is ever sent
• Advertising ID collection is explicitly disabled
• Ad personalization signals are explicitly disabled
• Events are aggregated and cannot be linked to individual users
• Subject to Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

How We Use Your Information

Data We Access

• Local Storage: All your topics, preferences, and cached content are stored locally on your device for app functionality
• Anonymous Analytics: We collect anonymous feature usage events (such as app opened and topic created) to understand how the app is used and improve it. No personal data or content is included in these events.
• No Tracking: We do not track your browsing behavior, the subreddits you read, the posts you view by content, or create user profiles

Third-Party Usage

• Advertising: Google AdMob uses your Advertising ID to show personalized ads
• Analytics: Firebase Analytics receives anonymous event names to help us understand feature usage. No personal data is attached to these events.
• Content Delivery: Reddit API is used solely to fetch and display public Reddit content

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not collect, store, or share any personal information. However:

• Google AdMob may share advertising data with third-party ad networks and advertisers as described in their privacy policy
• Firebase Analytics receives anonymous event names (e.g., "topic_created") with no attached personal data or content
• Reddit receives API requests when you browse content, subject to their privacy policy

We do not sell, rent, or trade any user information.

Data Retention

• Local Data: Cached posts and comments are automatically cleared based on cache expiration (posts after 5 minutes, comments after 10 minutes) or when you clear app data
• User Preferences: Stored indefinitely on your device until you uninstall the App or clear app data
• No Server Data: We do not retain any data on our servers

Your Privacy Rights

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control:

• Access: You can view all your topics and settings within the App
• Deletion: You can delete topics, clear cached data, or uninstall the App to remove all data
• Opt-Out of Personalized Ads: You can reset your Advertising ID in your device settings:
  • Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Reset advertising ID

Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13. Reddit content may include mature themes, and users should follow Reddit's terms of service regarding age restrictions.

Permissions

The App requests the following permissions:

• INTERNET: Required to fetch posts and comments from Reddit's API and display advertisements
• POST_NOTIFICATIONS: Allows the App to send notifications (optional, not currently active)
• AD_ID: Required by Google AdMob to display advertisements

The App does NOT request access to:

• Location
• Camera
• Microphone
• Contacts
• Phone
• Storage
• Calendar

Data Security

• All data is stored locally on your device using Android's secure storage mechanisms
• Network communications with Reddit API use HTTPS encryption
• We implement rate limiting to comply with Reddit's API guidelines
• No user authentication means no password or credential storage

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 in the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Third-Party Links and Content

The App displays content from Reddit, which may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. Reddit content is subject to Reddit's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

International Users

The App uses services (Google AdMob, Firebase Analytics, Reddit API) that may process data in various countries. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of information to countries outside your country of residence, which may have different data protection rules.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

Since we do not collect or sell personal information, California residents' data is not subject to sale or sharing for business purposes. However, you maintain the right to:

• Know what data third-party services (AdMob) collect through the App
• Opt-out of personalized advertising via device settings

European Users (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA):

• Legal Basis: We process local data based on your consent and legitimate interest in app functionality
• Data Controller: Third-party services (Google AdMob) act as independent data controllers for advertising data
• Your Rights: You have the right to access, rectification, erasure, and data portability (for locally stored data)
• Complaints: You may lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

Contact Us

Open Source and Transparency

Rivela is built with respect for user privacy:

• Minimal data collection
• Privacy-first analytics: anonymous feature events only, no personal data
• Local-first architecture
• Transparent about third-party services

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