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Whirlwind Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 28, 2025

We believe in respecting your privacy. We do not sell your data, do not serve ads, and do not track you across the web.

Whirlwind is owned and operated by Bearish FH INC, a Delaware corporation ("Whirlwind," "we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service").

1. What We Collect

We collect only what's necessary to deliver a personalized, high-quality storytelling experience.

a. Account Information

When you sign in using Apple or Google, we receive:

  • Your name (if provided)
  • Your email address (only if available)
  • A unique authentication token

We do not collect passwords or access your full third-party profile.

b. Content Usage

To deliver and improve your reading experience, we store:

  • Which books and chapters you open
  • Completion status and bookmarks
  • Your reading streak and engagement stats

This data is tied to your account for personalization but never sold or shared.

c. Reading Analytics (Anonymized)

We use PostHog to track anonymized engagement data such as:

  • Cover images viewed or clicked
  • Pages read per session
  • Time spent on each chapter or book
  • Abandonment points (where readers stop reading)
  • Session length, navigation flow, and re-reads

This information is not tied to your name or email. It is used in aggregate to:

  • Improve our content quality
  • Adjust recommendation algorithms
  • Optimize UX and layout
  • Understand audience preferences

d. Device & Technical Info

We collect basic technical data to ensure smooth performance:

  • Device type and OS version
  • Language preference and timezone
  • Anonymous error logs and crash reports

We do not track your location, install cookies, or use third-party advertising SDKs.

2. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

  • Authenticate your login
  • Save your reading progress
  • Improve story delivery and app performance
  • Analyze reading patterns (anonymized) to guide story development
  • Fulfill legal and operational obligations

3. No Ads. No Cross-App Tracking.

We do not:

  • Sell your data
  • Show ads
  • Track you across websites or apps

Everything you do stays within Whirlwind.

4. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

  • Access a copy of your data
  • Request corrections
  • Delete your account and data
  • Object to data processing
  • Export your data in a portable format

To exercise your rights, email us at privacy@bearishfh.com | Privacy, Whirlwind Books

5. Data Retention

We keep your personal and usage data only as long as your account is active. Upon account deletion, your personal data is permanently removed. Some anonymized analytics may be retained for platform-level improvements.

6. Data Hosting & Transfers

All data is hosted in the United States, with encryption in transit and at rest. For users in the EU, EEA, or UK, we rely on standard contractual clauses (SCCs) to lawfully transfer and protect data under the GDPR.

7. Children's Privacy

Whirlwind is not intended for children under 13. If we discover that a child has created an account, we will delete it and all associated data.

8. Third-Party Services

We use a small number of essential, privacy-respecting third parties:

  • Apple & Google (authentication)
  • PostHog (anonymous analytics)

These services are governed by their own privacy policies and do not receive access to your personal reading content.

9. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy as laws evolve or as features change. When we do, we'll update the "Last Updated" date and notify you if changes are significant.

10. Contact

📧 privacy@bearishfh.com | Privacy, Whirlwind Books

📬 Bearish FH INC
95 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94103