Horoscope

1. About this policy

Horoscope (the “app”) is built and maintained by Ariel Tkachenko, an independent developer (“I”, “me”). The app is free to download and use, and is supported by ads.

This policy explains what information the app collects, why, who it's shared with, and the choices you have. By using the app, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here.

2. Information collected

The app doesn't collect information that directly identifies you, such as your name, email address, phone number, date of birth or location. It works as follows:

Downloading horoscopes (Firebase)

• Anonymous sign-in. To read the database, the app signs in anonymously with Firebase Authentication. Firebase assigns a random user ID that isn't linked to your identity, email or Apple Account. It's kept in the device's keychain, so it can survive reinstalling the app.
• Horoscope texts are read from my Cloud Firestore database. Like any website, Google's servers receive your IP address and basic request details. The app only reads; it never writes anything about you to the database, and I don't keep a record of which signs, categories or dates you read.
• App integrity check (Firebase App Check). So that only the genuine app can read the database, the app proves its authenticity with Apple's App Attest service. This involves a key generated on your device, not information about you.
• On your device. Texts you've opened are cached on the device, so they can be shown again without a connection. Your choices in the app (sign, category, date) are never sent anywhere.

Where the horoscopes come from

Russian horoscopes come from Ignio.com, English ones from FreeHoroscopeAPI. My server copies them into the database once a day. The app never contacts these sources itself, so they receive nothing about you.

No usage statistics

The app has no analytics. It doesn't record which screens you open or what you read.

3. Ads and tracking

The free version shows a banner ad from Google AdMob. To show and measure ads, Google may collect your IP address, device and app information, ad interactions and, if you allow it, your device's advertising identifier (IDFA).

• Consent (EEA, UK, Switzerland and some US states). Where the law requires it, the app shows Google's consent form before any ads load. You can choose whether your data may be used for personalized ads, and change your choice at any time from Privacy Settings in the app's Settings.
• App Tracking Transparency. iOS asks whether the app may track you across apps and websites owned by other companies. If you choose “Ask App Not to Track”, the advertising identifier isn't shared and you'll see non-personalized ads. You can change this anytime in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
• Remove Ads. If you buy Remove Ads, the app doesn't load ads, show the consent form or the tracking prompt at all.

Learn more in how Google uses information from apps that use its services.

4. In-app purchases

The optional Remove Ads purchase is processed entirely by Apple through the App Store. I don't receive your name, Apple Account or payment details. The app only checks with Apple whether the purchase is active on your account, so it can be restored on your other devices.

5. Third-party services

These services process data on the app's behalf, each under its own privacy policy:

Google processes data on servers worldwide, including in the United States, under its standard data-protection safeguards.

6. Sharing and selling of data

I do not sell, rent or trade your information. It's shared only:

• With the service providers listed above, to run the app and show ads (under your ad choices)
• When required by law, or to protect the rights and safety of users or others

7. Data retention

• The anonymous user ID stays in Firebase Authentication. Nothing else is stored with it.
• Request details that Google's servers handle are kept by Google as described in its privacy policy; I don't keep logs of what you read.
• Ad data is retained by Google as described in its privacy policy.

8. Security

Data sent to Firebase and Google is encrypted in transit (HTTPS), the database can only be read by the genuine app, and access to the Firebase project is restricted. However, no method of transmission over the internet or of electronic storage is 100% secure, so I can't guarantee absolute security.

9. Your rights and choices

You're in control of what's collected:

• Personalized ads: change your choice from Privacy Settings in the app's Settings (where available in your region).
• Tracking: turn it off in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
• Ads altogether: buy Remove Ads.
• Everything: uninstalling the app stops all collection.

Depending on where you live (for example, under the GDPR in the EU/UK or the CCPA in California), you also have the right to access, correct or delete your personal data, to object to or restrict its processing, and to complain to your local data-protection authority.

Because the app has no accounts and uses only a random identifier, I usually can't match stored data to a specific person. If you'd like to make a request, email me and I'll do my best to help within 30 days.

Legal basis (EEA/UK): Anonymous sign-in and the app integrity check are processed on the basis of my legitimate interest in running the app and protecting its database. Personalized ads are shown only with your consent.

10. Children's privacy

The app isn't directed at children under 13, and I don't knowingly collect personal information from them. If you're a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information, please contact me and I'll delete it.

11. Changes to this policy

I may update this policy from time to time, for example when the app gains new features. Changes are posted on this page with a new “Last updated” date and take effect as soon as they're posted.

12. Contact

Questions, requests or suggestions about this Privacy Policy? Get in touch: