Privacy Policy

This page explains what information Words of the Buddha ("we", "our", "the site") collects, how it’s used, and the choices you have. This policy applies to the website and any associated services exposed under this domain.

Effective date: October 15, 2025

What we collect

• Basic usage data for analytics and performance. We use privacy-friendly website analytics and performance tooling provided by our hosting platform to understand aggregate usage (e.g., pages visited, general device/browser info). This is used to improve the site and does not include the contents of your reading or highlighting.
• Preferences you set in your browser are stored locally on your device using localStorage (e.g., theme, Pāli mode, layout, font size, and Pāli lookup preference). These do not leave your device unless you explicitly share your URL or screenshots.
• If you choose to sign in, we create a session cookie to keep you logged in and we store account-related data in our database (e.g., your user ID and the content you choose to save such as highlights, saved items, or read-later lists). We do not require an account to read content.

Cookies and local storage

• Session cookie: When authentication is enabled and you sign in, an HTTP-only session cookie (named __session) is set to authenticate requests to our API. It is only used for security and identifying your account to save or retrieve your data (e.g., highlights or saved items).
• Local storage: We store UI preferences like theme (theme), Pāli mode (paliMode), Pāli word lookup preference (paliLookup), layout (layout), and font size (fontSize) in your browser. You can clear these at any time from your browser settings.

Authentication and account data

Sign-in is optional. If you sign in, we use Firebase Authentication to verify your identity and a server-managed session cookie to authorize requests. We may store your email address and a unique user ID provided by the authentication service. If you use features like “Save,” “Read later,” or “Highlights,” the data you create is stored in our database and associated with your account.

Analytics and performance

We use privacy-conscious analytics and performance tooling (e.g., Vercel Analytics and Speed Insights) to understand site usage and performance. These services typically focus on aggregated and de-identified metrics to help improve the site.

Offline use and caching

This site supports offline use with a Service Worker (PWA). Your browser may cache pages and assets for faster loads and offline reading. Cached data lives on your device and can be cleared via your browser’s site data settings.

How we use your data

• Provide and improve the site and reading experience.
• Enable optional features tied to your account (e.g., highlights, saved items).
• Maintain the security and reliability of our services.

Data sharing

• We do not sell your personal information.
• We use trusted processors to operate the site (e.g., Firebase for authentication and data storage, and our hosting provider’s analytics). These processors handle data on our behalf under their own terms and privacy practices.
• We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of our users and the public.

Data retention

Account-related data (if you sign in) is retained while your account remains active. You can request deletion of your account data at any time. Cached files on your device persist until your browser clears them based on its own policies or your manual action.

Your choices

• Use the site without signing in. Most content is available without an account.
• Manage cookies and site data in your browser settings.
• Clear local storage and cached data in your browser at any time.
• Request access to or deletion of your account data if you have signed in.

Contact

For questions about this policy or to request access or deletion of your account data, email hello@wordsofthebuddha.org.

Updates to this policy

We may update this policy to reflect changes to the site or legal requirements. We’ll update the “Effective date” above when we do.