Privacy Policy

Overview

Model Communicator is a free communication tool built for people who rely on augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). We believe that communication is a fundamental right, and that right extends to the privacy of what you communicate.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, what we do not collect, and how we handle your data. We have written it in plain language because we want you to actually understand it.

Information We Collect

When you use Model Communicator with an account, we collect a limited amount of information:

• Email address -- provided through Google Single Sign-On (SSO) when you choose to create an account
• Custom grid data -- any communication grids you create and choose to save to the cloud
• App preferences -- your settings such as grid size, voice selection, and language preferences
• Website analytics -- if you consent, Google Analytics records which pages of this website you visit. It does not run inside the app, and it is never linked to your account.
• App store statistics -- Apple (App Store), and the other stores that distribute our native apps, show us aggregate download, session, and crash counts. These numbers come from the store platform itself, not from anything inside the app, follow the analytics-sharing setting on your own device, and never identify you.

Information We Do NOT Collect

This is the most important section of this policy. Model Communicator is a communication tool, and we take the privacy of your communication seriously. We do not collect:

• Spoken utterances or sentences you compose
• Specific words or symbols you tap
• Communication content of any kind
• Frequency data about which words you use
• Voice recordings or audio data
• Location data
• Contact lists or phone data
• Photos, videos, or camera access
• Behavioral profiles for advertising

All text-to-speech processing happens on your device. The words you build and speak never leave your device and are never transmitted to our servers.

Mailing List

If you sign up for release updates on our website, we store your email address, the optional description you choose (for example parent, speech-language pathologist or teacher), the page you signed up on, and the date. We use this only to email you about new releases and features of Model Communicator. We do not sell or share the list. It is stored in our database on Microsoft Azure in the United States.

The signup form is for adults. Every email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can also contact us to be removed or to have your address deleted.

How We Use Your Information

The limited information we collect is used solely to:

• Authenticate your account so you can access your saved grids
• Store and sync your custom grids across devices
• Remember your application preferences
• Improve the Model Communicator application based on aggregate, anonymized usage patterns
• Respond to support requests you send us

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We never have and we never will.

Data Storage

Your data is stored using the following infrastructure:

• Microsoft Azure -- hosts the Model Communicator website and web application (Azure Static Web Apps), and stores your custom grid data and account preferences in a PostgreSQL database with row-level security (Azure Database for PostgreSQL). Images and board files you upload are kept in Azure Blob Storage.

All of this infrastructure runs in Microsoft data centers in the United States. All data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2 or higher. Data at rest is encrypted using AES-256 encryption. Microsoft Azure maintains SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and other industry-standard security certifications.

Third-Party Services

Model Communicator uses a small number of third-party services to operate. Each is chosen with privacy in mind:

We do not use any advertising networks or social media tracking pixels. Google Analytics runs on this marketing website only, and only if you accept it on our cookie banner; it is not present in the Model Communicator app, and we do not use it to build profiles of individual users. The native apps contain no analytics, crash-reporting, or advertising SDK of any kind. The only usage figures we see for them are the aggregate statistics that Apple and the other app stores provide to every developer, which are governed by those platforms' own privacy policies and by the analytics-sharing choice you make on your device.

We used AI tools to help build Model Communicator. Our Use of AI page lists them and confirms that no AI service receives the words you say.

Children's Privacy

Model Communicator is an AAC tool intended for users of all ages, including children under 13. We take children's privacy extremely seriously and comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under 13. All account creation requires a Google account, which itself requires parental consent for users under 13.

For our complete children's privacy practices, please read our dedicated COPPA Compliance page.

Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. If you wish to delete your data:

• Custom grids can be deleted individually at any time through the application
• Account deletion can be requested by contacting us at jim@modelcommunicator.com
• Upon account deletion, all associated data (custom grids, preferences, email) will be permanently removed within 30 days
• Anonymized, aggregate analytics data that cannot identify you may be retained

Your Rights

Regardless of where you live, we believe you have the right to:

• Access -- request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Delete -- request that we delete your personal data
• Export -- receive your custom grid data in a portable format
• Correct -- request correction of inaccurate personal data
• Object -- object to certain processing of your data

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at jim@modelcommunicator.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Cookies

Model Communicator uses a small number of essential cookies to keep you signed in and remember your preferences. We do not use advertising cookies or social media tracking cookies. Google Analytics cookies are set on this website only if you choose "Accept All" on our cookie banner.

For a detailed list of every cookie we use, please visit our Cookie Policy.

International Data Transfers

Model Communicator is operated from the United States. If you are accessing Model Communicator from the European Union, European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or other regions with data protection laws, please be aware that your data will be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

We rely on standard contractual clauses and your explicit consent as our legal basis for international data transfers. For more information about your rights under the GDPR, please see our GDPR Compliance page.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants you specific rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Know -- you may request that we disclose what personal information we collect, use, and share
• Right to Delete -- you may request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination -- we will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights
• Right to Opt Out of Sale -- we do not sell your personal information, so there is nothing to opt out of

Model Communicator does not sell personal information. We have never sold personal information and have no plans to do so.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, for significant changes, notify users through the application or via email.

We encourage you to review this page periodically. Continued use of Model Communicator after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please reach out:

Email: jim@modelcommunicator.com
Project: Model Communicator
Location: Michigan, USA