Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2026-10-03

This Privacy Policy explains how the LaoLingo mobile application ("LaoLingo", "the app", "we", "us") collects, uses, and shares information when you use it. By using LaoLingo, you agree to the practices described here.

1. Information we collect

Information you provide

• Translation content. Text you enter and speech you record are processed to produce a translation result.
• Optional account information. If you sign in with Google, we receive your Google account identifier, display name, email address, and profile image to identify your account and provide cloud sync.
• Learning cloud sync. If you optionally sign in, LaoLingo automatically syncs your learning progress, check-ins, and learning favorites with your account on LaoLingo's servers. Guest learning records are kept on the device and may be synced when you later sign in.
• Translation-history sync choice. In version 126 and later versions that provide an explicit history-sync choice, history sync is off by default. Only if you allow it will existing and new translation history be synced, including original text, translated results, source and target language selections, record identifiers, timestamps, and deletion status. You can keep history on the device while syncing learning data, and change this choice through the Profile sync controls. The choice applies to the signed-in account on that device. Earlier released versions, including version 125, may automatically sync translation history for signed-in users; previously uploaded server copies are not erased by the new choice.
• On-device preferences. App settings and the saved/favorite status of translation-history items are kept on your device and are not restored by LaoLingo cloud sync. Translation processing and analytics described in this policy still apply when you use the app as a guest.

Information collected automatically

• Usage and analytics data. We collect in-app events (for example, opening a course, studying vocabulary, or subscribing) and basic device information to understand how the app is used and to improve it.
• Device identifiers. An app-instance identifier and similar identifiers are used by our analytics provider.
• Approximate location. A coarse, country-level location may be derived from your IP address by our analytics provider. We do not collect precise GPS location.
• Diagnostic data. If an error occurs, limited technical information such as device model and app version may be recorded to help us fix problems.
• LaoLingo first-party analytics. Our server receives a random installation identifier, app version, interface language, device model, Android version, event name, and limited event parameters. These events do not include translated text, course content, advertising IDs, or precise location.

Purchases

• Subscription information. If you purchase a subscription, the transaction is handled by Google Play. We receive purchase records (such as order identifiers and purchase status) to activate and verify your subscription. We do not receive or store your full payment card details.

You can use core features without signing in. Google sign-in is optional and is used for cloud sync and subscription entitlement across devices. We do not ask for your postal address or phone number.

2. How we use information

• To provide translation, speech, and language-learning features.
• To operate, maintain, and improve the app and its content.
• To understand usage trends and measure feature performance.
• To process and verify subscriptions.
• To diagnose and fix technical problems.

3. Third-party services

To deliver its features, LaoLingo relies on the following third-party services. Your information may be processed by them in accordance with their own privacy policies:

• Translation providers. Text and speech you submit for translation may be sent to third-party translation services to generate results.
• Online text-to-speech. When you tap to hear dynamically translated text, that text may be sent directly from your device to Microsoft Edge's online Read Aloud service to generate audio. Fixed course and daily-phrase audio is served from LaoLingo's media servers instead.
• Google Firebase / Google Analytics. Used for app analytics and diagnostics.
• Google Firebase Authentication. Used for optional Google sign-in and secure access to cloud sync.
• Cloud backend services. Used to store app configuration, subscription order records, account-linked learning data and translation history, and diagnostic logs.
• Google Play Billing. Used to process subscription purchases.

We do not sell your personal information.

4. Data retention and storage

• Learning records and translation history have local copies on your device. Signed-in learning data is also stored on LaoLingo's servers. Synced history may include copies uploaded by earlier versions and, in versions with the explicit choice, copies uploaded after you allow history sync.
• Deleting a translation-history entry marks it as deleted and removes it from the visible history. To reflect that deletion in a synced server copy or on other devices, history sync must be allowed where the app provides that choice and must complete successfully. Deletion records can retain the original and translated text and timestamps on the device and server; deleting an individual entry is not immediate physical erasure of all stored copies.
• Clearing the app's data or uninstalling removes local copies only; it does not delete data already synced to our servers. To remove your account-linked synced data from LaoLingo's active server database, use Delete account in Profile or follow the account deletion instructions. Account deletion does not mean immediate erasure of every backup or records managed by third-party services.
• Raw LaoLingo first-party analytics events are retained for up to 180 days. Other analytics, diagnostic, and subscription records are retained only as long as needed for the purposes described above.
• Information is transmitted over encrypted HTTPS or secure WebSocket (WSS) connections.

5. Your choices

• In versions with the history-sync choice, you can allow history sync or sync only learning data. Withdrawing history-sync permission stops subsequent history sync from that device, but does not delete server copies already uploaded or change sync choices on other devices. Older versions on other devices may continue their earlier automatic history-sync behavior.
• You can delete individual translation-history entries or clear the visible history in the app. Complete a successful history sync to propagate the deleted status, or use account deletion or a data-deletion request to remove data from active synced storage without allowing further history uploads.
• You can limit ad and analytics identifiers through your device's system settings.
• You can uninstall the app to stop the app collecting new data on that device. This does not delete previously synced server copies or cancel a Google Play subscription.
• You can manage or cancel a subscription in your Google Play account.
• You can delete your LaoLingo account and its synced data from active server storage through Profile. See the account deletion instructions for the scope and other retained copies.

6. Children's privacy

LaoLingo is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us so we can remove it.

7. International users

LaoLingo is available globally. By using the app, you understand that your information may be processed in countries other than your own, where data protection laws may differ.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above. Continued use of the app after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at lchenyu347@gmail.com.