Privacy Policy - YTong Chinese Learning App

Last Updated: December 30, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the YTong Chinese Learning App.

1. Introduction

Welcome to YTong ("we," "our," or "us"), developed by Xiamen Shiyi Kunze Culture Technology Co., Ltd. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application.

YTong is a Chinese learning application designed for users aged 13 and above. We implement strict age-based data collection policies to ensure compliance with global privacy regulations.

By using YTong, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not access or use the application.

2. Age Restriction and Data Collection Policy

YTong implements a strict age-based data collection policy:

• For users under 13 years old: We do not collect any personal information
• For users 13 years and older: We collect limited information as described in this policy

When you first use YTong, we will ask for your age to determine the appropriate data collection approach. This age-based approach ensures compliance with COPPA (Children's Online Privacy Protection Act) and other global privacy regulations.

3. Information We Collect

We collect only essential information required to provide our service for users aged 13 and above:

Account Information

• Email address (for account creation and password recovery)
• Username (displayed in the app, can be modified in settings)
• Securely hashed password

Profile Picture

• You may choose to set a profile picture from your device's photo library
• Access to your photo library is requested only when you choose to change your profile picture
• We do not access your photo library without your explicit permission
• Profile pictures are stored securely on our servers to display in the app
• You can remove or change your profile picture at any time in the app settings

Learning Data

• Progress tracking (lessons completed, scores)
• Learning preferences and settings
• App usage statistics

Technical Information

• Device type and operating system version
• App version and usage data
• Crash reports (for troubleshooting)

Note: For users under 13, YTong does not collect any of the above information. The app operates in a privacy-preserving mode with limited functionality.

4. Audio Recording Feature

YTong includes pronunciation practice features that require microphone access:

• Microphone permission is requested only when you use pronunciation exercises
• All audio processing occurs locally on your device
• We do not store your voice recordings on our servers
• Recordings are deleted immediately after processing
• We do not share your voice data with any third parties

Your voice data remains private and secure on your device. We never transmit, store, or analyze your voice recordings on external servers.

5. Third-Party Services (SDKs)

YTong integrates third-party SDKs to enhance user experience and support our global operations. Third-party SDKs are only activated for users aged 13 and above.

All third-party SDKs are configured to respect user privacy settings and comply with applicable privacy regulations. We have implemented age-gating mechanisms to ensure these services are only activated for users aged 13 and above.

For users under 13:

• No data is shared with third-party SDKs
• Analytics and advertising features are disabled
• The app operates with minimal data collection

6. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To create and manage your learning account
• To provide personalized Chinese learning content
• To store and display your profile picture (if provided)
• To display your chosen username in the app
• To analyze pronunciation during exercises (processed locally)
• To track your learning progress and achievements
• To improve app functionality and user experience
• To communicate important service updates and security notices
• To measure marketing campaign effectiveness (for users 13+)

We do not use personal information for personalized advertising. Any advertising-related data collection is limited to aggregated, non-personally identifiable information for users aged 13 and above.

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• With service providers who assist in app operation (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• When required by law or legal process
• To protect our rights or prevent fraud
• In connection with a business transfer (merger or acquisition)

We implement contractual safeguards with third parties to ensure they provide the same level of data protection as described in this policy.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

• Account credentials are hashed and salted using industry-standard algorithms
• Data transmission is encrypted using TLS
• Regular security assessments of our systems
• Access controls and authentication procedures
• Age-gating mechanisms to ensure appropriate data collection

While we take reasonable security measures, no electronic storage or transmission method is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your device secure.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information, including your username
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, including your profile picture
• Objection: Object to certain processing activities
• Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent (e.g., photo library access)

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information below.

10. Children's Privacy

YTong implements strict age-based privacy controls:

• For users under 13: We do not collect any personal information
• For users 13 and older: We collect limited information as described in this policy
• We use age-gating to determine the appropriate data collection approach
• If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly
• Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal information should contact us immediately

To comply with COPPA and other global privacy regulations, YTong does not collect any personal information from users under 13 years of age.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically:

• Significant changes will be notified through the app or via email
• The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when revisions were made
• Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights:

Company Name: Xiamen Shiyi Kunze Culture Technology Co., Ltd.

Address: Unit 902-1, Building F19, No. 1106 Jimei North Avenue, Software Park Phase III, Torch Hi-Tech Zone, Xiamen, China

Email: syyt@shiyi-yitong.com

App Name: YTong

We will respond to all legitimate requests within 30 days. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.