Privacy Policy — Echo Speak

1. Introduction

Echo Speak ("the App") is an AI‑powered English‑speaking practice tool developed and operated by The English Life Academy ("we," "us," or "our").

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, process, and protect your information when you use Echo Speak. We are committed to transparent and responsible data handling practices that comply with global privacy regulations including GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable privacy laws.

By using Echo Speak, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our practices, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Provide and improve Echo Speak's speaking and conversation features
• Process your voice input into text or AI responses in real‑time
• Maintain app stability, security, and performance
• Communicate important service updates and security notices
• Diagnose crashes, technical issues, and usage patterns
• Respond to your support inquiries and feedback
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service

Important: We do not use your voice data to train or improve AI models without your explicit written consent. We do not sell or monetize your personal information in any form.

4. Voice Data Handling & User Control

Because Echo Speak is a speaking‑practice app, voice data receives special protections:

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties.

We may share limited information with trusted service providers who help us operate Echo Speak under strict confidentiality agreements and data processing terms:

• Speech‑to‑Text Processing: Third‑party providers who convert your audio to text
• AI Language Models: Services that generate conversational responses (data shared only for processing your specific request)
• Analytics & Crash Reporting: Tools that help us monitor app performance and stability
• Cloud Infrastructure: Servers and security services that host Echo Speak

All service providers are contractually obligated to process data only on our behalf, maintain confidentiality, and comply with applicable privacy laws. We do not permit third parties to use your data for their own purposes.

6. Data Retention

• Voice Data: Deleted immediately after processing unless you explicitly save a session for later review.
• Usage & Performance Data: Retained only as long as necessary for analytics, debugging, and service improvement (typically 90 days).
• Support Messages: Retained for as long as needed to resolve your inquiry, typically up to 1 year.
• Account Information: Retained while your account is active; deleted upon account termination unless retention is required by law.

7. Security

We use industry‑standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encrypted transmission (HTTPS/TLS) for all data in transit
• Secure server environments with firewalls and intrusion detection
• Access controls, authentication, and authorization mechanisms
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee training on data privacy and security best practices

While no system is 100% secure, we work continuously to implement and maintain reasonable safeguards. In the event of a data breach affecting personal information, we will notify affected users promptly in accordance with applicable law.

8. Children's Privacy

Echo Speak is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child under 13, we will promptly delete such information and terminate the child's account. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided information to Echo Speak should contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Echo Speak operates internationally, and your data may be processed on servers located outside your country of residence. When we transfer data across borders, we implement appropriate safeguards including:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by relevant regulatory authorities
• Adequacy decisions where applicable
• Your explicit consent where required by law

By using Echo Speak, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, which may include countries with different data protection laws.

10. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction (including under GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws), you may have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal obligations)
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Portability: Request your data in a portable, machine‑readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent for data processing at any time
• Object: Object to specific processing activities, including marketing communications
• Opt‑Out: Opt out of optional data collection and analytics

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address below. We will respond to your request within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). We may require verification of your identity before processing your request.

11. Third‑Party Services & External Links

Echo Speak may interact with or link to third‑party services for speech recognition, AI response generation, analytics, and crash reporting. These services have their own privacy policies that are separate from ours.

We are not responsible for third‑party privacy practices. We ensure that our third‑party partners:

• Meet modern privacy and security standards
• Process data only on our behalf under data processing agreements
• Do not use your data for their own commercial purposes

We recommend reviewing third‑party privacy policies. If you have concerns about a service provider, please contact us.

12. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Echo Speak may use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to enhance your user experience and remember your preferences. We use only essential cookies and analytics cookies (with your consent).

You can control cookies through your browser settings and may opt out of non‑essential tracking at any time.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. If we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify you within the App or via email of material changes
• Request your consent for changes that require it under applicable law

Your continued use of Echo Speak after changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

14. Contact & Data Subject Requests

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, wish to exercise your privacy rights, or have concerns about our data practices, please contact us:

We will acknowledge receipt of your request within 5 business days and respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). If you are not satisfied with our response, you may have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.