01Scope
This Privacy Policy applies to the handling of user information in the grow books application and this website (collectively, the “Service”) provided by Tea (the “Operator”).
02Information we collect
The Operator collects the following information to the extent necessary to provide the Service:
- Account information: the user identifier for the anonymous account automatically created when you begin using the Service, authentication information, and, when you choose Apple or Google Sign-In, information such as the email address provided by the authentication provider
- Profile information: display name and the profile image you set
- Reading and shelf information: registered books, reading status, shelf arrangement, ratings, reflections, notes, classifications, media type, purchase information, reading dates, reading goals, book selections saved for retrospectives, and similar records
- Images you provide: profile images, book cover images, book-spine images, and bookshelf photos you take or select for book-spine extraction
- Data import information: bibliographic information and reading records normalized on your device from a selected CSV, the import source, processing status, and any CSV column mapping settings you save
- Preference information, including display language, theme, font, and other app settings
- Purchase information: subscription status, products, and information about purchases, renewals, and restorations. The Operator does not directly collect payment information such as credit card numbers
- Usage and connection information: IP address, app instance identifier, device, operating system and app versions, access times, types of in-app actions, errors, server logs, and similar information
- Inquiry information: your name or display name, email address, and the content of your inquiry
Camera and photo access
The camera is used to scan book barcodes, take book-spine photos, and take bookshelf photos for book-spine extraction. The photo library is used when you select a profile image, book cover image, book-spine image, or bookshelf photo for extraction, and when you direct the app to save an image generated within the app. We do not automatically collect photos that you have not selected or captured for the Service. You can change these permissions at any time in your device settings.
How we handle CSV files
A selected CSV file is read on your device. The file itself is not sent to or stored on our servers. However, for preview and import processing, rows normalized from the CSV are sent to Supabase and stored as an import job. Saved CSV column mapping settings do not contain CSV row data or sample values. When you export data, the app creates a CSV in temporary storage on your device and passes it to the destination you select.
03How we use information
We use the information we collect to:
- Provide the Service, authenticate users, synchronize data, and save preferences
- Provide book search, registration, shelf display, reading records, CSV import and export, and retrospective features
- Store and display profile, book cover, and book-spine images; extract book-spine images from bookshelf photos; and generate images for sharing
- Process subscription purchases and restorations and verify subscription status
- Respond to inquiries and deliver important notices
- Prevent misuse, maintain security, and investigate service disruptions
- Improve the Service and consider new features
- Comply with laws and the Terms of Service
04External services and data sharing
The Service uses the following external services to provide its features. Each provider handles the information it receives in accordance with its own privacy policy and other applicable terms.
| Service | Main information sent | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | Account identifiers, profile, shelf and reading records, images, normalized CSV import data and processing status, preferences, and connection information | Authentication, database and API services, and relay to the image-processing service |
| Cloudflare | Profile images, book cover images, book-spine images, bookshelf photos sent for book-spine extraction, and connection information | Image storage and delivery, bookshelf photo processing, and website delivery |
| Information required for authentication, book search terms, and ISBNs | Google Sign-In and book information search | |
| Firebase Analytics (Google) | App instance identifier, device, operating system and app information, access times, and types of in-app actions (search terms, bibliographic information, and reading records are not sent) | Usage analysis, quality improvement, and consideration of new features |
| Rakuten / openBD | Book search terms and ISBNs | Searching for and retrieving book information |
| Apple / RevenueCat | User identifiers, authentication information, purchased products, purchases, renewals, restorations, and subscription status | Apple Sign-In, in-app purchases, and purchase status management |
| Google Forms | Information you enter in the form | Receiving inquiries |
Bookshelf photos sent for book-spine extraction and the extracted results are handled temporarily to return the processing results to the app. The current extraction feature does not persist them on the server. Profile images, book cover images, and book-spine images you register separately are stored on Cloudflare for display and synchronization.
When you use a sharing feature or your device’s share sheet, the text, image, or CSV you select is passed to the app or service you choose. When you open an external link, connection information such as your IP address may be sent to the linked destination. The destination service’s terms and privacy policy apply to its handling of that information.
We do not provide personal data to third parties unless required by law, necessary to protect a person’s life, body, or property, or done with your consent. If an external provider’s servers are located outside Japan, information may be processed and stored outside Japan.
05Security
The Operator takes reasonable security measures to prevent the leakage, loss, or damage of user information. These measures include access controls, encryption in transit, appropriate management of authentication information, and least-privilege access settings.
06Retention
We retain user information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described above, or for any period required by law. Profile images, book cover images, and registered book-spine images may be retained until you delete or replace them or delete your account. Import jobs containing data normalized from CSV files may be retained until you clear the import while it is in progress or delete your account. When you delete an account from the in-app Settings screen, we delete information linked to the account, except for information that must be retained by law or to prevent misuse. Information in backups is deleted according to the normal backup update cycle.
07Your rights and requests
Subject to applicable law, you may request access to, correction or addition of, deletion of, restriction of use of, or cessation of third-party provision of your personal information. To make a request, contact us using the details below. We may ask you to verify your identity.
08Use by minors
If you are a minor, use the Service only after obtaining consent from a parent, guardian, or other legal representative as required by the laws applicable to your age and place of residence.
09Changes to this Policy
The Operator may revise this Policy in response to changes in law or the Service. We will clearly announce material changes within the Service or on this website. The revised Policy takes effect when posted on this page or on a separately stated effective date.
10Contact
For questions about this Policy or how we handle user information, contact us using the details below.