Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 25, 2026

rbtfl ("we", "us") is a multilingual world-news reader available on the web at rbtfl.xyz and as iOS and Android apps. This policy explains what data we handle, why, and the choices you have. The apps are a thin shell around the same website, so this policy covers all three.

The short version

• We don't sell your data, run ad networks, or build advertising profiles.
• We use privacy-friendly, aggregate analytics — no advertising cookies, no cross-site tracking.
• Your reading preferences (saved stories, what you've seen) stay on your device unless you sign in.
• You only share an account if you choose to sign in; notifications are opt-in.

Information we collect

Usage analytics. We use Vercel Web Analytics to understand which pages are read and how the site performs. It collects aggregate, de-identified data such as page views, referring site, approximate region (derived from IP, which is not stored in a way that identifies you), and device/browser type. It does not use advertising cookies and does not track you across other websites.

On-device storage. The reader stores small amounts of data in your browser/app on your device — for example which stories you've saved, the last edition you've seen, and whether you've dismissed the intro. This stays on your device and is not sent to us unless you sign in to sync it.

Account information (only if you sign in). If you choose to sign in with Google or Apple, authentication is handled by Google Firebase Authentication and we receive a basic profile — typically your name, email address, profile image, and a user identifier — used to give you an account (e.g. to sync saved stories across devices). With Sign in with Apple you may choose to hide your email. We do not receive your Google/Apple password.

Notifications (only if you enable them). If you turn on push notifications, your device provides a notification token (via Apple Push Notification service or Firebase Cloud Messaging) so we can deliver alerts such as "new stories." You can turn this off anytime in your device settings.

We do not knowingly collect payment information, contacts, photos, precise location, or other sensitive data.

How we use data

• To operate, secure, and improve the reader and understand what's useful.
• To provide your account and (if enabled) sync your saved items.
• To send notifications you've opted in to.

Third-party services

We rely on a few providers, each with their own privacy practices:

• Vercel — hosting and web analytics (policy).
• Google Firebase — authentication and push messaging (policy).
• Apple — Sign in with Apple and push notifications (policy).

When you tap a source link, you leave rbtfl for that outlet's website, whose own privacy policy then applies. We don't control those sites.

Sharing

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share data only with the service providers above to run the product, or where required by law.

Your choices and rights

• Turn notifications on/off in your device settings.
• Clear on-device data by clearing the app/site storage or signing out.
• Request access to or deletion of your account data by emailing us.
• Depending on where you live (e.g. the EEA/UK under GDPR, or California under CCPA/CPRA), you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or limit use of your data — contact us to exercise them.

Data retention

Account data is kept while your account is active and deleted on request. Analytics data is aggregate and retained only as needed to understand trends.

Children

rbtfl is intended for general audiences and is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your country). We don't knowingly collect data from children.

Security

The site and apps are served over HTTPS, and we use reputable providers for authentication and hosting. No method of transmission or storage is perfectly secure, but we take reasonable measures to protect your data.

Changes

We may update this policy; we'll revise the "last updated" date above and, for significant changes, provide a more prominent notice.

Contact

Questions or requests: privacy@rbtfl.xyz.