Privacy Policy
Ardent ("the app") is a reading app for romance fiction published by Caelix Labs ("we", "us"). This policy explains what information the app handles and why. Contact: support@caelix-labs.com.
The short version
- You don't need an account. We never ask for your phone number, location or contacts.
- Your reading progress, saved stories, coins and unlocked chapters are stored on your device, and also in your account if you choose to sign in with Google.
- We use Google services for ads, payments, analytics, crash reports and notifications. They process limited device data as described below.
Information stored on your device
Reading progress, saved and liked stories, reading settings, coin balance, unlocked chapters, VIP status and daily check-in status. This stays on your phone. You can erase it anytime in the app under Me → Delete my data, or by uninstalling the app.
Optional Google sign-in
If you choose Continue with Google, Firebase Authentication receives your name, email address and profile photo from Google. We use them only to identify your account and show your name in the app. Your coins, unlocked chapters, VIP status, saved and liked stories and reading progress are then saved to your account in Cloud Firestore so you can restore them on any device. We never sell this information or use it for advertising. Delete your account anytime in the app under Me → Delete account or as described on our account deletion page.
Services we use
Google AdMob (advertising)
Ardent shows optional rewarded video ads, which you choose to watch in exchange for coins or a chapter. AdMob may collect your device's advertising ID, IP address and ad interaction data to show and measure ads and to prevent fraud. Where the law requires it (for example in the EEA, the UK and some US states) we ask for your consent first, and you can change your choice anytime under Me → Ad privacy choices. Learn more: How Google uses information from apps that use its services.
Google Play Billing (purchases)
Coin packs and VIP subscriptions are processed by Google Play. We receive a purchase confirmation (product and order ID) to deliver what you bought. We never see your payment details.
Google Firebase
- Cloud Firestore delivers stories and chapters. It processes your IP address and basic device information to do so.
- Google Analytics for Firebase helps us understand how the app is used, for example which chapters are read and where readers stop. It uses an app-instance identifier and device information, not your name or contacts.
- Firebase Crashlytics collects crash reports (device model, OS version, the error) so we can fix problems.
- Firebase Cloud Messaging stores a device token if you allow notifications, so we can tell you about new chapters of stories you follow.
Learn more: Privacy and security in Firebase.
Public counters
When you start a story or tap the heart, an anonymous counter on that story goes up. It is not linked to you or your device.
Notifications
With your permission, the app may send a daily reminder to collect free coins and alerts about new chapters. Turn these off anytime under Me → Notifications or in your phone's settings.
Age
Ardent is intended for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has used the app, contact us and we will help remove any related data.
Data retention and deletion
On-device data stays until you delete it or uninstall the app. Analytics data is kept for up to 14 months; crash reports for up to 90 days. To request deletion of data held by our service providers, email support@caelix-labs.com.
Your choices and rights
- Reset or delete your advertising ID, or opt out of personalised ads, in your Android settings.
- Change ad consent in the app under Me → Ad privacy choices (where available).
- Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct or delete personal data. Email us and we will respond within 30 days.
Security
Data sent between the app and our services is encrypted in transit.
Changes
If this policy changes we'll update this page and the date above. Significant changes will also be noted in the app.