Vocab Vault — Privacy Policy

1. Controller and scope

Vocab Vault is a project by the operator of cblum.ch. For privacy requests or support, use the contact details on the contact page. This notice covers the source reviewed on 19 October 2026; an installed older build may differ. The website, GitHub, Apple services and storage providers have their own processing and policies.

2. Local data and purposes

The local SwiftData database stores vocabulary word pairs, identifiers, languages, examples, translations entered or generated in the app, tags, creation/review times, scores and review scheduling information. Local app preferences store your daily goal, XP, streaks, activity date and achievements. These support vocabulary management, practice and progress displays.

The app does not add a separate app-level encryption layer to these local records. Device security and any device/computer/iCloud backup protections are separate. A storage-opening failure currently falls back to an in-memory store; changes in that temporary store are not durable across launches.

3. Camera, selected photos and text recognition

Camera access is optional and requested for the document scanner. The system photo picker supplies only the image you choose for processing. The image is passed to Apple’s Vision text-recognition API on the device; the inspected code does not upload it to a developer server or save a separate image file. The image is held while the scan view is open. From app build 1.0 (5), recognised word pairs that you have not yet imported or discarded are kept as a local text draft on the device, so an interrupted review can be continued after the app was closed; importing or discarding deletes the draft. Selected, reviewed word pairs become local vocabulary records when you import them.

Your original image, photo library and its backup or cloud synchronisation remain independent. Only scan material you are entitled to use; avoid importing other people’s personal information unnecessarily.

4. Speech, language detection and generated exercises

Pronunciation passes the selected word or sentence to Apple’s system speech synthesiser using an available system voice. It does not record your voice or request microphone access. Language detection uses Apple’s NaturalLanguage framework. Generated example sentences and cloze prompts are assembled from local text templates, not a cloud language model or external translation service. No developer-operated audio, OCR or AI endpoint was found.

Apple manages system voices and related operating-system services. This notice does not promise that every Apple service, voice download, system diagnostic feature or device backup works without a network connection.

5. CSV import, export and recipients

Import reads a file you select through the system file picker. The app copies the first two valid word columns into its local database. Export creates a plain CSV file containing native/foreign words, scores and example sentences, and uses the destination you choose. These files are not encrypted by Vocab Vault. File providers may include iCloud Drive or another cloud service under your account.

CSV is not a full backup: the importer restores word pairs only, not exported scores or examples, tags, language metadata, review history or achievements. Protect files that contain sensitive vocabulary and verify any recovery method before relying on it.

6. Servers, analytics and external links

No app account, authentication backend, developer sync client, advertising SDK or analytics SDK was found in the inspected app source or project dependencies. The developer therefore does not receive a routine copy of your vocabulary through an app sync service.

Opening the project website, privacy page or GitHub link is separate from local practice. Those services process ordinary connection information such as IP addresses and request times. cblum.ch is hosted on the operator’s Hetzner server in Germany. No exact website log-retention period or provider snapshot purge schedule has been verified for this notice. There is no Vocab Vault app database on that server to back up.

If you contact the operator, the information you choose to send and contact details are processed to respond. Do not submit private learner records unless necessary. No app telemetry or vocabulary is automatically attached by the inspected app.

7. Retention, deletion and your choices

Local vocabulary stays until you delete words or remove the app and its data. Settings provide a separate XP/streak reset; that action does not delete vocabulary. There is no app account or server-side vocabulary account to delete. You can deny or revoke camera permissions and choose whether to select images, import files or export data.

Deleting a word or the app does not erase original photos, exported files, copies shared with others or historical device/cloud backups. Apple or your file/backup provider controls retention of those copies. Device backups may include third-party app data depending on your settings; manage those copies separately. The app offers no verified secure-erasure or backup-purge guarantee.

For requests about information you sent directly to the operator, use the contact page. Rights of access, correction and deletion apply subject to applicable Swiss data-protection law and other law where applicable. You may contact the competent data-protection authority.

8. Learning and professional-advice limitations

OCR, meanings, pronunciation, generated examples and automated answer feedback may be wrong. Review important material with reliable sources. Scores do not certify proficiency, and no learning or examination result is guaranteed. Vocab Vault does not provide certified translations or medical, legal or other professional advice. The usage and liability notice is available in the app’s Settings and About screens and on the product page. Mandatory legal rights remain unaffected.