Privacy Policy
Last updated: June 2026
Berean App ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Berean App mobile application. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our application.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Account Information
- Email address (for account creation and login)
- Display name (optional, user-provided)
- Authentication tokens (stored securely on device)
- Google account information (if using Google Sign-In: email, name, profile photo)
1.2 AI Usage Data
- Theological queries and questions you submit to our AI features
- Request type (chat, study, maps, timeline, denominational)
- Approximate token count per request
- Daily request count (for rate limiting)
- Timestamps of requests
Important: Your queries are processed in real-time by OpenAI and are NOT used to train AI models. We do not store the content of your queries beyond logging metadata.
1.3 Uploaded Content
- Images you photograph or select for AI analysis (Bible pages, study notes)
- Images are processed in real-time and are not permanently stored on our servers
1.4 Community Content
- Prayer requests you post to the Prayer Wall
- Messages in study group chats
- Discussion questions and responses
- Study group names and descriptions you create
1.5 Reading Activity
- Bible chapters you read (for streak tracking and reading history)
- Saved verses, highlights, and personal notes
- Reading plan progress
1.6 Device Information
- Device type and operating system version
- App version
- Crash reports (if you opt in)
2. How We Use Your Information
| Data | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|
| Email / Auth | Account creation, login, data sync | Contract |
| AI queries | Generating study responses | Contract |
| Usage logs | Rate limiting, abuse prevention | Legitimate interest |
| Community content | Enabling group features | Contract |
| Reading activity | Streak tracking, recommendations | Contract |
| Images | AI text extraction (real-time only) | Consent |
3. Third-Party Services
We use the following third-party services that may process your data:
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared | Privacy Policy |
|---|
| Supabase | Database, authentication, real-time | Account data, community content | Link |
| OpenAI | AI-powered study tools | Your queries (no personal info) | Link |
| Google Sign-In | Authentication | Email, name | Link |
| bible-api.com | Scripture text retrieval | Passage requests (no user data) | Public API |
| Google Play | App distribution, payments | Payment info (handled by Google) | Link |
4. Data Retention
- Account data: Retained while your account is active
- AI usage logs: Retained for 90 days, then automatically deleted
- Community content: Retained until you delete it or your account
- Reading activity: Retained while your account is active
- Uploaded images: NOT retained — processed in real-time only
5. Data Deletion
You may request deletion of your data at any time by:
- Emailing privacy@berean.co.za
- Deleting your account in the app (Profile → Settings → Delete Account)
Upon deletion request, we will:
- Delete your account and authentication data
- Delete all community content you created
- Delete your reading history and saved content
- Delete your AI usage logs
- Remove you from all study groups
Deletion is completed within 30 days of request.
6. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Delete your data
- Export your data
- Object to processing
- Withdraw consent
To exercise these rights, contact privacy@berean.co.za.
7. Security
- All data encrypted in transit (TLS/HTTPS)
- Authentication tokens stored in device Secure Store (hardware-backed)
- API keys stored server-side only (never in the app bundle)
- Database protected by Row Level Security (users can only access their own data)
- AI proxy authenticated via JWT (prevents unauthorized access)
- Rate limiting prevents abuse (50 requests/day)
8. Children's Privacy
Berean App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@berean.co.za and we will delete it promptly.
9. Community Content & Moderation
Content you post in study groups and the prayer wall is visible to other users. We moderate community content to maintain a safe environment. We may remove content that violates our Community Guidelines. Reported content is reviewed within 48 hours.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted in the app and on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
11. Contact Us
For privacy questions or data requests: