TapeBuddy Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Last Updated: February 11, 2026

1. Introduction and Definitions

This Privacy Policy and Terms of Service (the "Agreement") governs the use of the mobile application TapeBuddy (herein referred to as "App").

  • App Branding: While listed on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store as TapeBuddy (Teleprompter), the App may or may not appear on your device's home screen and interface under the shortened name "TapeBuddy".
  • Ownership: The App and its associated services are owned and operated by Van Simeon.
  • Purpose: TapeBuddy is an "Audition Buddy" and productivity tool designed for performers to manage scripts, utilize teleprompter features, and record self-tapes.

2. Privacy Policy: Information We Collect

To provide a professional recording experience and maintain app performance, we collect and process the following data through our integrated SDKs and services:

2.1 Personal & Account Identity (Firebase Authentication)

  • Identity Data: Username and email address (via Google OAuth or manual sign-up).
  • Contact Information: Phone number (optional), and records of communications sent to us via Email, SMS, or MMS.

2.2 User-Generated Content & Script Management

  • Scripts & Files: Audition files (PNG, TXT, PDF, etc.) uploaded or scanned.
  • Activity Metadata: Notes, to-do list statuses, and custom script formatting.
  • Communications: In-app messages, support requests, and Other User-Generated Content created within the app environment.

2.3 Technical, Usage & Diagnostic Data

  • Performance Data: Crash logs, Diagnostics, and other app performance metrics to ensure an "ultra-smooth" experience.
  • App Activity: App interactions (how you use the UI), In-app search history (scripts you search for), and a list of Installed Apps (used solely to facilitate "Open With" or sharing functions).
  • Network & Web: Web browsing history (limited to interactions with web views within the app) and network requests to Google Fonts.
  • Identifiers: Device or other IDs (Advertising IDs and unique hardware tokens) used for app functionality, analytics, and advertising.

2.4 Advertising (Mobile Ads SDK)

  • We utilize a Mobile Ads SDK to serve advertisements. This SDK may collect and use device identifiers to provide relevant advertising content to the user.

3. Service Disclosures & Data Handling

3.1 Firebase Services (Core, Auth, & Firestore)

We use Firebase to secure your account and sync your script library metadata across devices via Cloud Firestore. While account settings sync to the cloud, your actual performance videos remain local.

3.2 Google ML Kit (On-Device AI)

TapeBuddy uses Google ML Kit for text recognition and image labeling (scanning scripts). This processing happens entirely on your device. Your script images are not transmitted to Google's servers for analysis.

3.3 OS-Level Services (Speech & TTS)

The "Smart Partner Read" feature uses speech_to_text and flutter_tts. These may utilize underlying OS-level services (Apple Siri or Google Assistant) which have their own data handling policies.

3.4 Device Permissions

  • Camera & Microphone: To record video/audio performances.
  • File Storage & Photo Library: To select, save, and manage files on your device using file_picker and gal.

4. How to Delete Your Account and Data

Because TapeBuddy prioritizes local storage, you have granular control over what you keep.

4.1 Account Deletion Process

To permanently delete your account and all associated cloud data:

  1. Open the TapeBuddy (TapeBud) App.
  2. Navigate to the Settings screen.
  3. Select the "Profile" button.
  4. Locate and select the Delete Icon.
  5. Confirm Deletion: The App will ask for a final confirmation.

4.2 Consequences of Deletion

  • Immediate Effect: Deletion takes place immediately.
  • Irreversibility: This action cannot be undone. All cloud-synced script metadata, profile information, and credentials will be permanently wiped from our Firebase servers.
  • Local Files: Deleting your account does not automatically delete videos already saved to your device's Camera Roll/Gallery; those must be deleted manually through your device's photo app.

5. Terms of Service

  • Content Responsibility: You are the "Director." You are responsible for the scripts you upload and ensuring you have the legal right to use them.
  • External Links: We use url_launcher to open external links. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites.
  • No Professional Guarantee: TapeBuddy is a tool to assist your process; we do not guarantee casting or professional employment.

6. Data Security Statement

  • Encryption: Data is encrypted using industry-standard AES-256 at rest and TLS during transit.
  • Local-First Architecture: Your confidential audition tapes are stored on your device, not our servers. You are responsible for your device's physical security and backups.

7. Onboarding Summary ("Simple" Version)

  1. Your Tapes Stay Yours: We don't store your videos on our servers. They stay on your phone.
  2. Smart & Private: Our AI script scanning happens on your device, not in the cloud.
  3. Synced Library: We use Firebase to keep your script list organized across your devices.
  4. Ads & Performance: We track crashes and show ads to keep the app free and fast.
  5. Easy Exit: Delete your account anytime via Settings > Profile > Delete. Once you confirm, it's gone forever!