Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

We Read The Bible ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

We believe in transparency and want you to understand exactly how we handle your data. We only collect information that is necessary to provide you with our Bible reading service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our service, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password
• Profile Information: Optional profile photo and preferences (such as Bible version)
• Content You Create: Reading plans, answers to reflection questions, comments, and discussion posts
• Support Communications: Messages you send us through support requests or help inquiries

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use our service, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Information about how you use the service, such as reading progress and features accessed
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, and device identifiers
• Log Data: IP address, access times, and pages viewed

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve our Bible reading service
• Create and manage your account
• Process your reading progress and save your answers
• Generate AI-powered reading plans and reflection questions
• Send you optional email reminders for your reading schedule (if you opt-in)
• Respond to your support requests and communications
• Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or security concerns
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We only use essential cookies necessary for our service to function. We do not use tracking, analytics, or advertising cookies.

4.1 Essential Cookies We Use:

• Session Cookie (_wereadthebible_session): Keeps you logged in and maintains your session. This cookie is essential for authentication and expires after 2 weeks of inactivity.
• CSRF Token: Protects you from cross-site request forgery attacks. This is a security measure that keeps your account safe.
• Authentication Cookies: Manages your login state and remembers your authentication.

4.2 What We Don't Use:

• ❌ Google Analytics or any analytics tracking
• ❌ Advertising cookies or pixels
• ❌ Social media tracking cookies
• ❌ Third-party marketing or tracking tools

You do not need to accept any cookies beyond the essential ones described above. These essential cookies are necessary for the service to work and are exempt from requiring consent under GDPR and other privacy regulations.

5. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you join a group or share a reading plan, other members can see your name and shared content
• Service Providers: We use trusted third-party services to help operate our platform:
  • Hosting providers (to store and serve the application)
  • Email service providers (to send you reading reminders if you opt-in)
  • AI service providers (OpenAI, to generate reading plans and questions)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Safety and Security: To protect the rights, property, or safety of We Read The Bible, our users, or others

6. Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect it:

• All data transmitted to and from our service is encrypted using SSL/TLS
• Passwords are securely hashed and never stored in plain text
• Session cookies use secure flags and are HTTPOnly (cannot be accessed by JavaScript)
• Regular security updates and monitoring

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you wish to delete your account or request that we no longer use your information, please contact us.

After account deletion, we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes, such as fraud prevention and enforcing our terms.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 General Rights

• Access: You can access and review your personal information through your account settings
• Correction: You can update or correct your information in your profile
• Deletion: You can request deletion of your account and associated data
• Export: You can request a copy of your data in a portable format

8.2 GDPR Rights (for EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to restrict processing of your data
• Right to object to processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to withdraw consent at any time
• Right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

8.3 CCPA Rights (for California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to know if we sell or disclose your personal information (we don't)
• Right to request deletion of your personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through the service or via the contact information provided below.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under the age of 13. 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, and we will delete such information.

10. Third-Party Services

Our service may contain links to external websites or services (such as BibleGateway.com for reading passages). These third-party sites have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their content or practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

10.1 AI Services

We use OpenAI's API to generate reading plans and reflection questions. When you create a reading plan, the passages and topics you select are sent to OpenAI to generate relevant content. OpenAI's data processing is subject to their privacy policy and terms of service.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from your country's laws. By using our service, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside of your country of residence.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
• Sending you an email notification (for significant changes)

Your continued use of the service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Through the Service: Use our Help Center or submit a support request
• Subject Line: "Privacy Inquiry"

We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe.