Privacy Policy

Franco is a French language learning app built for Canadian immigrants. We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

1. Information We Collect

We collect only what is necessary to provide you with the best French learning experience:

• Account information: Email address and password (encrypted) when you create an account
• Learning data: Lessons completed, quiz scores, XP points, streaks, and progress through the curriculum
• Device information: Device type, operating system, and app version for technical support
• Payment information: Processed securely by Stripe. We never store your credit card details
• Usage data: Which features you use, to help us improve the app

2. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and personalize your French learning experience
• To track your progress and award XP, streaks, and achievements
• To process subscription payments securely
• To send you important account notifications (not marketing without consent)
• To improve the app based on usage patterns
• To provide customer support when you contact us

3. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase, hosted in North America. We use industry-standard encryption for all data in transit and at rest.

• Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text
• Payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe (PCI-DSS compliant)
• Learning data is backed up regularly and stored securely
• We conduct regular security reviews

4. AI Features

Franco uses AI (powered by Anthropic's Claude) to provide hints, writing feedback, and conversation practice. When you use these features:

• Your French writing and speaking exercises are processed to provide feedback
• We do not store your AI conversation history beyond your current session
• AI responses are generated in real-time and not used to train models

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with:

• Google Firebase — for authentication and data storage
• Stripe — for payment processing
• Anthropic — for AI-powered learning features (anonymized)
• Apple / Google — for app distribution (subject to their policies)

We may disclose information if required by Canadian law or court order.

6. Your Rights

Under PIPEDA and Quebec's Law 25, you have the right to:

• Access your personal data — request a copy at any time
• Correct inaccurate information in your account
• Delete your account and all associated data
• Withdraw consent for optional data processing
• Data portability — export your learning data
• Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

7. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we will remove your personal data within 30 days. Anonymized usage data may be retained for app improvement purposes.

8. Children's Privacy

Franco is designed for adults (18+) learning French for Canadian immigration, work, and citizenship purposes. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. Cookies and Tracking

Franco uses minimal tracking. We use local storage on your device to save your learning progress between sessions. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking pixels.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or an in-app notification. Continued use of Franco after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.