Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Vangas Apps ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and safeguards information when you use our mobile applications (including The Vangas Vault) and this website (collectively, the "Services"). We designed our Services to be privacy-friendly: we do not require an account and we do not sell your personal information.

1. Information we collect

We collect as little as possible. Depending on how you use the Services, this may include:

Information you provide

• Search queries and filters you enter to look up documents. These are sent to our servers and to the Internet Archive in order to return results.
• Document text you choose to analyze or translate, which is sent to our AI processing provider to generate the requested output.
• Messages you send us (e.g. by email) for support, which include your email address and the content of your message.

Information stored only on your device

• Bookmarks / saved dossiers and saved searches are stored locally on your device (using on-device storage). They are not transmitted to us and never leave your device unless you explicitly export or share them.

Information collected automatically

• Basic technical data that any internet service receives, such as your IP address, device/browser type and timestamps, contained in standard server request logs. We use this only to operate, secure and debug the Services.

2. Information we do not collect

• We do not require you to create an account or provide your name, address or phone number.
• We do not use third-party advertising networks or ad trackers.
• We do not sell or rent your personal information.
• We do not access your contacts, photos, precise location, microphone or camera.

3. How we use information

• To provide core features: searching, filtering and displaying documents.
• To generate AI connection reports and translations you request.
• To maintain, secure, troubleshoot and improve the Services.
• To respond to your support requests.
• To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms.

Our legal bases (where GDPR applies) are: performance of a contract (delivering the features you request), our legitimate interests (securing and improving the Services), and legal compliance.

4. Third-party services

We rely on a small number of reputable providers to run the Services. When you use related features, limited data is shared with them solely to perform the requested task:

• Internet Archive — provides the source library of declassified documents. Your search queries are sent to their systems to return results.
• AI processing provider (Anthropic) — powers document analysis and translation. The document text you choose to analyze or translate is sent to generate the response. We do not send them any account or identity information.
• Cloud hosting — our servers and databases are operated on standard cloud infrastructure that processes requests on our behalf.

These providers process data under their own privacy policies. We do not authorize them to use your data for their own advertising.

5. Data storage and retention

• Bookmarks and saved searches remain on your device until you delete them or uninstall the app.
• Server request logs are retained only as long as needed for security and operations, then deleted or anonymized.
• Search queries and analysis requests are processed to return a result and are not tied to your identity.

6. How information is shared

We share information only: (a) with the service providers listed above to operate the Services; (b) if required by law, regulation or valid legal process; (c) to protect the rights, safety and security of our users and the Services; or (d) as part of a business transfer (e.g. merger or acquisition), subject to this policy. We never sell your personal information.

7. Children's privacy

The Services are not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

8. Security

We use industry-standard measures — including encryption in transit (HTTPS) and access controls — to protect information. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security, but we work to protect your information.

9. Your rights (GDPR & CCPA/CPRA)

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal information, to data portability, and to object to certain processing. California residents have the right to know what personal information is collected, to request deletion, and not to be discriminated against for exercising these rights. Because most of your data (bookmarks, saved searches) lives only on your device, you can exercise many of these rights directly by editing or clearing your data in the app. For anything else, contact us at VangasApps@gmail.com and we will respond as required by applicable law. We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.

10. International users

We operate globally and may process data in countries other than yours. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for international transfers. By using the Services, you understand your information may be processed in these locations.

11. App store disclosures

In line with the Apple App Store and Google Play requirements:

• Data used to track you: None. We do not track you across other companies' apps or websites.
• Data linked to you: None. We do not tie data to your identity.
• Data not linked to you: Search queries, document text you submit for analysis, and diagnostic/usage data, used only to provide and improve the app functionality.

This corresponds to the app's Google Play Data safety section and Apple App Privacy ("Nutrition") labels.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above and, for material changes, provide a more prominent notice. Continued use of the Services after an update means you accept the revised policy.

13. Contact us

Questions or requests about this policy or your data? Contact: