TL;DR: Sabo is privacy-first and offline-first. Your data stays on your device by default. Cloud sync is optional and only happens when you sign in with Google.
1. Our Privacy Philosophy
Sabo is built with privacy as a core principle. We believe your study materials, notes, and learning data belong to you. The app works entirely offline, and cloud features are optional.
2. Data We Collect
When you use Sabo without signing in:
- No data is collected or transmitted
- All your notes, PDFs, and flashcards are stored locally in your browser
- No analytics or tracking
When you sign in with Google:
- Your Google account email and display name (for identification)
- Your profile photo URL (for display purposes)
- Your study data (notes, flashcards, PDF annotations) is synced to Firebase for cross-device access
3. How We Use Your Data
If you choose to sign in, your data is used solely to:
- Sync your content across your devices
- Restore your data if you switch browsers or devices
⚠️ 4. When Your Data Leaves Your Device
Your data is NOT private in these situations:
- AI Features: When you use AI-powered features (flashcard generation, LaTeX extraction, autocomplete), your content is sent to OpenAI or Google Gemini servers using YOUR API key. These companies may log and process your data according to their policies.
- Cloud Sync: If you sign in with Google, your notes, flashcards, and PDF annotations are stored on Google Firebase servers. While encrypted in transit, this data is accessible to Firebase infrastructure.
- Google Authentication: Your email, name, and profile photo are shared with Sabo when you sign in via Google OAuth.
5. Third-Party Services
Sabo integrates with the following services. By using these features, you agree to their respective privacy policies:
- Google Firebase: Authentication and cloud storage. Firebase Privacy Policy
- OpenAI: AI features when using OpenAI API key. OpenAI Privacy Policy
- Google Gemini: AI features when using Google API key. Google Privacy Policy
6. Data Storage & Security
- Local storage: Uses IndexedDB in your browser. Data persists until you clear browser data.
- Cloud storage: If signed in, data is stored in Firebase with your Google account's security.
- API Keys: Your OpenAI and Google Gemini API keys are stored locally only in your browser. They are never synced to Firebase or any cloud service.
Note: We cannot guarantee the security of data stored on third-party services. Use cloud sync and AI features at your own discretion.
7. Data Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or share your data with third parties for advertising purposes. However, your data IS shared with:
- Google (if you use cloud sync or authentication)
- OpenAI or Google Gemini (if you use AI features)
8. Your Rights & Choices
You can:
- Stay fully private: Use Sabo completely offline without any account or AI features
- Export your data at any time
- Delete your data from the app settings
- Sign out to stop cloud syncing
- Avoid using AI features to prevent data transmission
9. Disclaimers
- Sabo is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind.
- We are not responsible for data loss, security breaches at third-party services, or misuse of your API keys.
- You are solely responsible for the content you create and store.
- AI-generated content may be inaccurate and should be verified.
10. Children's Privacy
Sabo does not knowingly collect data from children under 13. The service is intended for students and learners of all ages, but account creation requires parental consent for users under 13.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected with an updated "Last updated" date.
12. Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy, please visit our About page.