Privacy Policy

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Bolo! ("we", "us", or "the app") is a language-learning app that helps you learn to speak Central and Eastern European languages out loud. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have. It applies to both the Bolo! website and the Bolo! mobile app.

Information we collect

We keep data collection to the minimum needed to run the app:

Account information. When you sign up we collect your email address (and, if you choose to sign in with a provider like Google, the basic profile information that provider shares). Authentication is handled by our identity provider, Clerk. We use this to create and secure your account.
Voice recordings. When you practice a phrase, the app records a short audio clip of you speaking (using your device microphone) and sends it to our backend so we can score your pronunciation and give you feedback. Recording only happens while you are actively practicing and tap the microphone.
Learning progress. We store your lesson progress, pronunciation scores, streaks, badges, and similar activity data so we can track your progress and personalize your practice.

How we use your information

To create your account and sign you in securely.
To transcribe and score your pronunciation and return coaching feedback in real time.
To save your progress, streaks, and achievements across your devices.
To operate, maintain, and improve the app's core learning features.

How your voice recordings are handled

Your audio recordings are used for one purpose only: scoring your pronunciation. An audio clip is sent to our backend, processed to produce a transcription and a pronunciation score, and is not retained beyond that scoring request. We do not use your voice recordings to build voice profiles, and we do not sell or share your recordings with third parties for advertising or any other purpose.

Sharing and third parties

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with the service providers that make the app work, and only to the extent needed to provide the service:

Clerk — authentication and account management (stores your email and login credentials).
Speech and AI processing providers — used to transcribe and score your pronunciation. In normal use, audio is sent only for scoring and is not retained by us beyond the request. Recordings made through our invited voice contribution mode are retained as described in Data retention below.

We may also disclose information if required by law, or to protect the rights, safety, and security of our users and the service.

Data retention

We keep your account information and learning progress for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, we delete your associated personal data and learning progress.

Voice recordings. In normal use, your voice recordings are processed to score your pronunciation and are not retained after the scoring request completes.

Separately, we run an optional voice contribution mode used to improve Bolo!'s pronunciation scoring. This mode is clearly indicated on screen and is only available to invited contributors. Recordings made in contribution mode are retained, along with the phrase and language they belong to, and are used solely to evaluate and improve our scoring system. If a contributor re-records a phrase, the discarded take is deleted. Contributors can request deletion of their contributed recordings at any time by contacting us, and we delete them when the associated account is deleted.

Children's privacy

Bolo! is friendly enough for younger learners, but it is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate consent. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, please contact us and we will remove it.

Your rights and choices

Microphone control. The app only records when you tap the microphone to practice. You can revoke microphone access at any time in your device settings (recording features will stop working, but the rest of the app still functions).
Access and deletion. You can request a copy of your data, or delete your account and associated data, from the Account screen in the app or by contacting us.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes will be communicated through the app or by email where appropriate.

Contact us

If you have questions about this policy, or want to access or delete your data, reach us through our contact page.