Privacy Policy for TheNook

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

1. Information Collection and Use

TheNook is designed with privacy as a core principle. We do not collect any personal information.

Data Stored Locally on Your Device:

• Journal Entries: All text, titles, and metadata you create
• Media Files: Photos, videos, and audio recordings you attach to entries
• Mood Data: Mood selections and tracking information
• App Preferences: Settings like dark mode, text size, name, emoji
• Passcode: Your app passcode (stored in device storage)

Important: All this data remains exclusively on your device. It is never transmitted to our servers or any third party.

2. Data Transmission

TheNook does not transmit any data to external servers. There are no:

• Analytics or tracking services
• Cloud backups (unless you manually export to iCloud Drive)
• Advertising networks
• Third-party data processors
• Server-side storage of any kind

3. Device Permissions

TheNook requests the following permissions to provide its features:

Camera Access

Purpose: To capture photos for your journal entries
Usage: Only when you tap the camera button to take a photo
Storage: Photos are stored locally on your device

Photo Library Access

Purpose: To select existing photos for your journal entries
Usage: Only when you tap the photo button to add images
Storage: Selected photos are copied and stored locally

Microphone Access

Purpose: To record voice notes for your journal entries
Usage: Only when you tap the microphone button to record audio
Storage: Audio recordings are stored locally on your device

Face ID / Touch ID

Purpose: To protect your journal with biometric authentication
Usage: Only when you enable passcode lock in settings
Storage: Face ID data never leaves your device (managed by iOS)

4. Export and Backup

TheNook allows you to export your journal data:

• Local Export: You can create a backup file containing all your entries and media
• Your Control: You decide where to save the backup (iCloud Drive, Files app, etc.)
• No Automatic Backups: We never automatically upload your data anywhere

5. Data Security

TheNook implements security measures to protect your data:

• Passcode Protection: Optional passcode lock with Face ID/Touch ID
• Local Storage: All data stored using iOS secure storage (SwiftData)
• No Network Access: App doesn't make network requests for user data
• App Sandbox: iOS sandboxing protects your data from other apps

6. Crisis Support Resources

TheNook provides links to mental health crisis support resources:

• These are informational links to public hotlines
• Tapping these links may open your phone app or messages
• These services have their own privacy policies
• We do not track when you access these resources

7. Children's Privacy

TheNook does not knowingly collect information from children. The app is rated 12+ due to mental health content. Parents should supervise usage by children under 17.

8. Third-Party Services

TheNook does not use any third-party services that collect data, including:

• No analytics (Google Analytics, Firebase, etc.)
• No crash reporting (except Apple's built-in crash reports)
• No advertising networks
• No social media integrations

9. Data Deletion

You have complete control over your data:

• Delete Entries: Swipe to delete any journal entry
• Clear All Data: Deleting the app removes all data from your device
• No Server Data: Since we don't store data on servers, there's nothing to delete remotely

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new privacy policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Notifying you within the app (for material changes)

11. Your Rights

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control:

• Right to Access: You can view all your data within the app
• Right to Export: You can export all your data using the backup feature
• Right to Delete: You can delete individual entries or all data
• Right to Portability: Export your data in a structured format

12. International Users

TheNook is available worldwide. Since all data is stored locally on your device, there are no data transfer concerns. Your data never leaves your country or device.

14. Consent

By using TheNook, you agree to this privacy policy. Since we don't collect any data, your privacy is inherently protected.

TheNook - Your private journaling sanctuary
Privacy-first. Data-free. Completely yours.