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Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 4, 2025

Your privacy matters to us. This policy explains what information First Step collects, how we use it, and the choices you have. We've kept it straightforward because you shouldn't need a law degree to understand how your data is handled.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

  • Account information (email address, authentication credentials)
  • Tasks, notes, and brain dump content you create
  • Life context information you optionally share (used for AI personalization)
  • App preferences and settings

Information collected automatically:

  • Basic usage data (features used, session duration)
  • Device information (device type, operating system version)
  • Crash reports and performance data to help us fix bugs

What we don't collect:

  • We don't track your location
  • We don't access your contacts, photos, or other personal files
  • We don't collect data from other apps on your device

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide the app's features: creating tasks, generating AI-powered breakdowns, running the focus timer, syncing between your devices
  • Personalize your experience: using your optional life context to make AI suggestions more relevant to you
  • Improve the app: understanding which features are used helps us make First Step better
  • Send you notifications: only the gentle nudges you've opted into, and only on your terms
  • Provide support: if you contact us, we use your information to help you

3. AI Processing

First Step uses AI services to power features like task breakdown, brain dump extraction, daily scheduling, and task suggestions. When you use these features, the relevant content (task titles, notes, and your optional life context) is sent to our AI provider for processing.

  • AI processing happens in real time to generate your results
  • Your content is not used to train AI models
  • We send only the minimum information needed for each request
  • AI-generated results are stored in your account for your use

4. Data Storage & Security

Your data is stored securely using industry-standard cloud infrastructure. We use encryption in transit and at rest to protect your information. While no system is perfectly secure, we take reasonable measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction.

5. Data Sharing

We don't sell your personal information. We share data only in these limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: We work with trusted providers (cloud hosting, AI processing, analytics) who process data on our behalf and are contractually bound to protect it
  • Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, legal process, or governmental request
  • Safety: We may share information to protect the rights, safety, or property of our users or the public
  • Business transfers: If First Step is acquired or merged, your data may be transferred as part of that transaction. We'll notify you of any such change

6. Your Choices & Rights

You have control over your data:

  • Access & export: You can view all your data within the app
  • Edit & delete: You can edit or delete your tasks, notes, and account data at any time
  • Account deletion: You can request complete deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us
  • Notifications: You control which notifications you receive and can turn them off at any time
  • Life context: The personal context you share for AI personalization is entirely optional and can be removed at any time

If you're in a jurisdiction with additional data protection rights (such as the EU or California), you may also have rights to data portability, restriction of processing, and the right to object to certain uses. Contact us to exercise these rights.

7. Data Retention

We keep your data for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we'll remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we're required by law to retain it longer. Anonymized, aggregated data that can't identify you may be retained for analytics purposes.

8. Children's Privacy

First Step is not designed for children under 13. We don't knowingly collect information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we'll take steps to remove it.

9. Cross-Device Sync

First Step syncs data between your iPhone and Apple Watch to provide a seamless experience. This sync happens securely through our cloud infrastructure and Apple's Watch Connectivity framework. Your data stays within your account and your devices.

10. Third-Party Links

The app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We're not responsible for the privacy practices of those external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. When we make meaningful changes, we'll notify you through the app or by other appropriate means. The date at the top of this page shows when the policy was last updated.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about your privacy or this policy, we're happy to help. Reach us at hello@tryfirststep.app.