Privacy Policy

Root Labs OÜ ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Root News mobile application (the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.

2.1 Account Information

• Sign in with Apple: We receive your Apple ID identifier. We receive your email address and name only if you choose to share them with us.
• Email Sign-in: Your email address and the credentials needed to sign you in
• Display Name: A name you choose to provide for account personalization

2.2 Usage Information

• News Preferences: Topics and categories you follow
• Notification Settings: Your reminder preferences and timing
• Subscription Information: Plan type (monthly or annual) and subscription status only. We do not receive your payment details.
• App Usage: Basic app functionality usage for service improvement
• Globe Usage: The countries you open on the Globe, used for analytics
• Audio Brief Interactions: Audio brief plays
• Ask Root Usage: Feature usage counts and patterns
• In-App Review Responses: Responses to in-app review prompts

2.3 Device Information

• Device Type: To optimize app performance
• Push Notification Tokens: To deliver news reminders (only if enabled)
• Platform Information: iOS version and device capabilities
• Advertising Identifier: Collected only if you grant permission through App Tracking Transparency (see Section 9)

2.4 AI Interaction Data

• Ask Root: When you use an Ask Root preset (The backstory, Both sides, Made simple, What to watch), the request, together with any question you type where that option is available, is sent to our AI providers to generate a response. These requests are not stored long-term.
• Audio Brief Preferences: Your preferred voice and brief settings, stored locally on your device

2.5 Home Screen Widget

The Root News widget shows app content using data stored locally on your device. The widget does not collect any additional personal information.

We use your information to:

• Provide Service: Deliver personalized news content and maintain your account
• Manage Subscriptions: Unlock Root Pro features based on your plan type and status
• Send Notifications: Deliver news reminders and app updates (with your consent)
• Improve Service: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Measure Marketing: Understand which campaigns lead to installs, only with your permission
• Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and resolve issues
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal obligations and protect our rights

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: The third parties listed below, which process data on our behalf
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with user notification)
• Consent: When you explicitly agree to sharing

We use the following third-party service providers:

• AI Processing Providers: Third-party AI services generate news summaries, Ask Root responses, country briefings, and text-to-speech audio for audio briefs. Article context and your Ask Root requests may be sent to these providers for processing. Their respective data usage policies apply.
• Mixpanel: Product analytics used to understand app usage, retention, and feature engagement. Events are pseudonymous.
• AppsFlyer: Mobile attribution, used only with your App Tracking Transparency permission.
• Superwall: Paywall presentation and subscription conversion tracking.
• Supabase: Cloud database hosting for user accounts and content storage.
• Apple: Sign in with Apple, App Store distribution, and subscription payment processing.

5.1 Data Storage

• Location: Data stored on secure servers in the United States
• Duration: Account data retained while your account is active
• Deletion: When you delete your account, your account and associated data are deleted immediately; residual copies in backups are removed within 30 days

5.2 Security Measures

• Industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to personal data on need-to-know basis
• Secure authentication systems

6.1 Account Management

• Access: View your account information in app settings
• Update: Modify your preferences and account details
• Delete: You can delete your account at any time in Settings > Account. This deletes your account and associated data immediately; residual copies in backups are removed within 30 days. Deleting your account does not cancel an Apple subscription; cancel it in your Apple ID subscription settings.
• Export: Request a copy of your data by emailing support@rootnews.app

6.2 Communication Preferences

• Control push notification settings in the app
• Unsubscribe from email communications
• Adjust reminder timing and frequency

6.3 Tracking Choices

• Change your tracking permission at any time in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

Root News is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover such information, we will delete it immediately.

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

We use analytics tools to understand how our app is used and to improve the Service. We do not serve third-party advertisements, and we do not sell your data.

• Mixpanel: We use Mixpanel for product analytics, including feature engagement, retention, Globe usage, and usage patterns. Mixpanel data is pseudonymous: events are linked to a device or account identifier, not to your name.
• AppsFlyer: We use AppsFlyer for install attribution only if you grant permission through Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. We ask for this permission at the end of onboarding. If you decline, we do not use AppsFlyer to track you across other companies' apps and websites.
• Superwall: We use Superwall for paywall analytics and subscription conversion tracking.

Root News uses artificial intelligence to generate content and provide features throughout the app:

• News Summaries and Analysis: Article summaries and story analysis are generated using AI based on content from trusted news sources.
• Ask Root: Preset requests, and any questions you type where available, are sent to our AI providers to generate a response and are not stored long-term.
• Globe Country Briefings: Country briefings on the Globe are generated using AI.
• Audio Briefs: Morning and evening audio briefs are generated server-side using AI text-to-speech technology and streamed to your device.
• Accuracy: AI-generated outputs may contain inaccuracies. Users should verify important information with original sources.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes through:

• In-app notifications
• Email notifications (if provided)
• Updated policy posted on our website

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

For users in the European Union, our legal basis for processing personal information includes:

• Contract Performance: To provide the Root News service you've subscribed to
• Legitimate Interest: To improve our service and provide customer support
• Consent: For optional features like push notifications
• Legal Obligation: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

You have the right to withdraw consent, request data portability, and lodge complaints with supervisory authorities under GDPR.