GuoTalk

Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 25, 2026

GuoTalk ("we", "our", or "us") operates the GuoTalk mobile application (the "App"). This page explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding that information.

About AI-Generated Characters

The conversation partners you meet in the App's "Talk" feature — including but not limited to Auntie Wang, Xiao Chuan, Xiao Mei, Uncle Zhang, and the Restaurant Takeover personas — are fictional AI characters. They are not real people. Their portrait images were generated by Higgsfield AI. Their text replies are generated by Anthropic's Claude AI. Their voices are synthesized by Microsoft Azure Speech Services. The names, biographies, regional backgrounds, and personalities are creative compositions written by GuoTalk for the purpose of immersive Mandarin language practice.

If any AI-generated character image in the App resembles a real person and you are that person (or their legal representative), please report the character using the in-app "Report this character" flow (accessible from the scenario picker on every character's profile) or by emailing us at the address listed in the "Contact Us" section. We aim to review reports within 5 business days and will replace any character image that is shown to materially resemble an identifiable real person.

This disclosure is provided to comply with Kazakhstan's Law on Artificial Intelligence (effective January 2026), which requires platforms distributing AI-generated synthetic content to label such content visibly and provide a user reporting mechanism, and with Apple App Store and Google Play policies on generative AI features.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

Account information: If you create an account, we collect your email address and a hashed password. You may also use the app as a guest without creating an account.
Voice recordings: When you use the pronunciation and speaking features, your voice is sent to Microsoft Azure for real-time pronunciation assessment. We do not store your voice recordings. They are processed and discarded immediately.
Usage data: We collect information about how you use the app, such as which features you tap, how long you study, and which lessons you complete. This helps us improve the app.
Device identifiers: We collect an anonymous device identifier assigned by Firebase to track usage across sessions. This identifier is not linked to your name or email address unless you create an account.
Purchase information: If you subscribe to GuoTalk Pro, your payment is processed by the Apple App Store or Google Play. We do not see or store your payment card details. We receive a notification confirming your subscription status.

2. How We Use Your Information

To provide and improve the app's language learning features
To assess your pronunciation and give you feedback using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
To generate AI-powered conversation responses using Anthropic Claude
To track your learning progress and study streaks
To manage your subscription status
To analyze usage patterns and fix bugs via Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics

3. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services, each of which has its own privacy policy:

Anthropic (Claude AI) — powers the AI conversation and tutoring features. Voice transcripts and lesson messages are sent to Anthropic's API. Anthropic Privacy Policy
Microsoft Azure Speech Services — powers pronunciation assessment and text-to-speech audio. Your voice data is processed by Azure and is not stored by Microsoft beyond the duration of the API call. Microsoft Privacy Policy
Higgsfield AI — generated the still-image portraits of every AI character that appears in the App's Talk feature. No user data is sent to Higgsfield during normal app use; the images are created in advance and shipped with the App. Higgsfield Privacy Policy
Google Firebase — powers authentication, usage analytics, crash reporting, and data storage. Firebase Privacy Policy
RevenueCat — manages in-app subscription status. RevenueCat Privacy Policy

4. Data Retention

We retain your account data for as long as your account is active. You may delete your account at any time from within the app (Me → Account → Delete Account) or by contacting us at the email address below. Guest session data is stored locally on your device and is deleted when you uninstall the app.

5. Children's Privacy

GuoTalk is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Request correction or deletion of your personal data
Opt out of analytics tracking
Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address below.

7. Data Security

We use industry-standard security practices including encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS) for all data in transit, and Firebase's built-in security rules for data at rest. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the date at the top of this page. Continued use of the app after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, how we handle your data, or wish to report a concern about an AI-generated character, please contact us at:

Email: guotalk2026@gmail.com

You can also use the in-app "Report this character" flow, which is available from the scenario picker on every character's profile in the Talk feature.