Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains what information the Kana Keyboard Android app and this website (together, the "Service") collect, how it is used, and the choices you have. By using the Service you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Our approach

A keyboard sees what you type, so we treat that responsibility seriously. The text you type is not uploaded to our servers. We collect only the limited information described below, and only to run and improve the Service.

2. Information we collect

Account information (optional)

If you create an account or sign in, we collect your name and email address. You can sign in with email and password or with Google. Authentication is handled by Google Firebase Authentication. If you sign in with Google, we receive only the basic profile details Google shares for sign-in. We never see your Google password.

Profile details you choose to add

You can edit your profile in the app and optionally add a phone number and city. These details are optional and you can change or remove them at any time.

Device and usage information

When you are signed in, the app stores a simple profile record containing your name, email, device model, Android version, selected keyboard language and the time you were last active. We use it to understand which devices and languages to support, to keep the app compatible, and to manage accounts.

Information stored only on your device

The following stays on your phone and is not sent to us: learned words, clipboard history and pinned items, your keyboard settings, themes and custom background image, and your sign-in session. Sensitive items such as sign-in tokens, clipboard history and learned words are encrypted with a key held in the Android Keystore.

3. Permissions the app requests

• Internet: to sign in, load app settings and updates, and use translation.
• Microphone (Record audio): only when you tap the voice button, for voice typing and voice translation. Audio is handled by your device's speech recognition service. We do not receive or store your recordings.
• Vibrate: to give haptic feedback when you press keys.

The keyboard does not request access to your contacts, location, camera, SMS or files. If you choose a custom background, the image you pick is copied into the app on your device.

4. How we use information

• To provide, maintain and improve the keyboard and this website.
• To create and manage your account and keep it secure.
• To detect and prevent abuse, fraud and misuse of the Service.
• To meet legal obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it to show advertising.

5. Translation feature

When you use the translate feature, only the text you choose to translate, along with the source and target languages, is sent over an encrypted connection to a translation service. By default this is the MyMemory service (api.mymemory.translated.net), or a translation server operated for Kana Keyboard if one is configured. Please do not translate confidential information. Translation is optional.

6. Third-party services

We rely on trusted providers to operate the Service:

• Google Firebase (Authentication and Realtime Database) for accounts and app configuration.
• Google Sign-In if you choose to sign in with Google.
• Cloudflare to host this website and to deliver app downloads.
• MyMemory for the default translation service.

These providers process data under their own privacy policies. This website does not use advertising trackers or analytics cookies.

7. Data security

All connections use HTTPS. Access to our administration tools is restricted to authorised administrators. Sensitive data on your device is encrypted with Android Keystore. No method of storage or transmission is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we work to protect your information.

8. Data retention and your choices

• On-device data: clear the app's data or uninstall the app to remove learned words, clipboard history, settings and your sign-in session at any time.
• Account data: we keep your account profile while your account is active. You can view and edit it in the app, or ask us to delete it by emailing [email protected].
• Permissions: you can revoke the microphone permission in your phone's settings at any time. Voice features will then stop working.
• Features: word learning and clipboard history can be switched off in the app settings where available.

Depending on where you live, you may also have rights to access, correct, export or delete your personal information, or to object to certain processing. To exercise them, contact us and we will respond within a reasonable time.

9. Children's privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

10. International use

Our service providers may process data in countries other than your own. By using the Service you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in those countries, with the safeguards our providers apply.

11. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will change the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be announced in the app or on this website. Continued use of the Service after a change means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact us

Questions or requests about this policy or your data? Email us at [email protected] or visit the Contact Us page.