Cognito ("the App") is built with privacy in mind. This policy explains what data is collected, how it is used, and your rights as a user.
Local Data Storage
Your flashcards, study history, settings, and progress are stored locally on your device using Apple's SwiftData framework. This data stays on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.
If you enable iCloud, your data may sync across your devices through Apple's secure iCloud infrastructure. We do not have access to your iCloud data.
Anonymous Analytics
Cognito collects anonymous usage events through Firebase Analytics to help us understand how the app is used and improve the experience. These events include:
- Study sessions (start, completion, accuracy)
- Feature usage (card creation, AI generation, import)
- Settings changes (theme, study mode, daily goal)
- Subscription events (paywall views, purchases)
No personally identifiable information (PII) is collected. Events do not contain your name, email, card content, or any data that could identify you. We use this data solely to improve the App.
AI Features & Cloud Processing
AI-powered features (card generation, AI Tutor, Voice Tutor, Quiz Mode, answer checking, diagram analysis) are processed by a cloud AI provider. For most users this is Google's Gemini, accessed via Firebase AI Logic. In regions where Google's AI services are unavailable, these requests are routed to DeepSeek instead. When you use these features, the following data is sent to the active provider:
- Text prompts (topics you want to study)
- Images and photos you upload for card generation or diagram analysis
- Documents (PDFs) and audio you provide — uploaded files or in-app recordings — to generate cards
- Links to YouTube videos and web pages you ask the App to process
- Microphone audio during a Voice Tutor session, streamed live for real-time conversation
- Card content for regenerating, rephrasing, or answer validation
This content is sent only when you actively use an AI feature. No user IDs, device identifiers, or personal information are included in these requests. Data is processed according to the active provider's terms — Google's Gemini API Terms or DeepSeek's Privacy Policy.
Purchases & Subscriptions
Premium features are available via optional subscriptions managed through Apple's StoreKit. All payment processing is handled entirely by Apple. We do not receive, store, or have access to your payment information, credit card details, or Apple ID.
Anonymous App Identifier
Cognito has no sign-up, login, or user profiles. To enable anonymous analytics and crash reporting, the App automatically signs in to Firebase with an anonymous identifier in the background. This identifier is a random value that is not linked to your name, email, Apple ID, or any personal information. There is no nickname, avatar, or public profile, and you are never asked to create an account.
Third-Party Services
Cognito integrates the following third-party services:
- Firebase Analytics — anonymous usage analytics (Google)
- Firebase Authentication — anonymous, automatic app authentication (Google)
- Firebase Firestore — anonymous, non-personal app data such as onboarding survey responses (Google)
- Firebase AppCheck — app integrity verification (Google)
- Firebase Crashlytics — anonymous crash reporting and diagnostics (Google)
- Google Gemini (via Firebase AI Logic) — AI card generation and study features
- DeepSeek — AI processing in regions where Google's AI services are unavailable
- Apple StoreKit — subscription and purchase management
No advertising SDKs, ad networks, or user tracking services are used.
Data We Do Not Collect
Cognito does not collect or store:
- Real names or phone numbers
- Location data
- Device identifiers linked to personal data
- Browsing or search history
- Your flashcard content (stored on your device, and in your private iCloud if enabled)
Your Rights
Your flashcards and study data live on your device — and, if you enable it, in your private iCloud — and are fully under your control. You can:
- Erase all app data at any time from Settings → Delete all data
- Remove the app from your device to delete all local data
Analytics and crash reports are anonymous and are not linked to your identity.
Children's Privacy
Cognito is intended for users aged 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided data through the App, please contact us so we can remove it.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected with an updated date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of any changes.
Contact
For questions or concerns about privacy, contact us at support@cognitosystem.com.