Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Overview

OpenShelf ("we", "us", "our") is operated by Futuron Inc. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we handle your information when you use the OpenShelf iOS app and related services.

Information We Collect

We do not require user accounts. The app uses an app-scoped device identifier to maintain book-chat conversations and prevent abuse through rate limits. Reading progress is stored locally on your device.

We collect minimal, anonymized usage data to improve the app experience. We record anonymous search terms, without any identifier, to improve the catalog.

Books viewed and reading progress
Feature usage patterns (anonymized)
Crash reports and performance data

Uploaded Content

When you use the "Bring Your Own Book" feature to upload PDFs, EPUBs, or other documents:

Your original file is processed in memory to extract text and is not retained as an uploaded file
The extracted book text is stored on Cloudflare R2 so OpenShelf can generate requested summaries, quizzes, flashcards, chat responses, and audio
A content fingerprint is stored to detect duplicate uploads
Book metadata and generated synopses may appear in the shared catalog, but the extracted full book text is never returned to app clients

AI Data Processing

With your consent, OpenShelf uses third-party AI services to provide its AI features:

Anthropic (Claude) processes book text and your chat questions to generate summaries, quizzes, flashcards, and book-chat responses. See Anthropic's Privacy Policy and Commercial Terms.
OpenAI processes generated summary text only when audio narration is requested. See OpenAI's Privacy Policy and Business Terms.
We do not send your name, email address, or other account information to these AI providers, and OpenShelf does not require an account.

Data Storage

Reading progress, favorites, and preferences are stored locally on your device using SwiftData. We use Cloudflare's infrastructure (Workers, D1, R2) for our API and content delivery.

Third-Party Services

Apple — App Store, StoreKit for subscriptions
Anthropic — summaries, quizzes, flashcards, and book chat
OpenAI — audio narration
Cloudflare — API hosting and content delivery

Children's Privacy

OpenShelf is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.

Your Rights

Since we don't collect personal data or require accounts, there is minimal data to manage. If you have concerns about any data associated with your device, contact us and we will address them promptly.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at:
support@futuron.ai