Who we are
Jyut (粵語) is a web app at jyut.study for learning Cantonese: lessons, flashcards, tone practice, a learned-words list, optional accounts, spoken audio, and an optional AI tutor. For privacy requests contact support@jyut.study.
Information we collect
Account information (if you sign in)
When you create or use an account, we process authentication data through Firebase Authentication, including:
- Email address and password (if you use email sign-in)
- Basic Google account profile details you share when signing in with Google (such as name, email, and profile photo, if Google provides them)
- A unique user ID assigned by Firebase
- Optional display name you enter when creating an email account
Learning progress
- Guests (signed out). Lesson progress, flashcard scheduling, tone practice stats, activity dates, and learned words are stored in your browser’s local storage on that device. We do not receive that guest progress unless and until you sign in and it is migrated to your account.
- Signed-in users. The same kinds of learning data are stored in Cloud Firestore under your user ID so they can sync across devices. Theme preference still lives in your browser.
AI tutor messages
If you use Ask AI while signed in, we process the phrase or word context you open the tutor with, your recent chat messages in that session, and related technical limits (for example daily usage counters). Requests are sent to Google generative AI services (Gemini via Vertex AI or the Gemini API, depending on how the service is configured) to produce replies. Tutor usage may be recorded so we can enforce fair use limits.
Speech / text-to-speech
When you play phrase audio through our servers, the text sent for synthesis is processed to generate speech (including via Microsoft Edge-compatible TTS services). Your browser may also use the Web Speech API locally when available. We use this only to pronounce learning content you request.
Technical and security data
To operate and protect the service we may process standard request metadata such as IP address, user agent, and request timing—especially for API rate limits, abuse prevention, and authentication checks. We do not run advertising trackers as part of the core learning product.
How we use information
- Provide lessons, review tools, and synced progress
- Authenticate you and keep your account secure
- Generate tutor answers and spoken audio you request
- Enforce usage limits and prevent abuse
- Improve reliability and fix problems
- Comply with law where required
Legal bases (where applicable)
If you are in a region that requires a legal basis for processing (such as the EEA/UK), we rely on: performing our contract with you (providing the service you request); legitimate interests (security, abuse prevention, and service improvement balanced against your rights); and consent where required for optional features or cookies beyond what is strictly necessary.
Service providers
We use infrastructure and providers that process data on our behalf or as independent controllers under their own policies, including:
- Google Firebase (Authentication, Firestore) and Google Cloud / Gemini for AI features
- Hosting providers where the app is deployed (for example Netlify)
- Text-to-speech providers used to generate Cantonese audio
Those providers process data under their privacy terms. We do not sell or share your personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. We do not use it to build advertising profiles.
Cookies and local storage
Authentication may use browser storage or similar mechanisms managed by Firebase Auth so you can stay signed in. We also use local storage for guest learning data and light preferences such as theme (light/dark). These are needed for the app to work as designed, not for third-party advertising.
Retention
Guest data stays in your browser until you clear it or remove site data. Account and cloud learning data are kept while your account is active and for a reasonable period afterward if needed for backups, security, or legal reasons. Ephemeral API logs and rate-limit counters may be short-lived or rotated automatically.
Your choices and rights
Depending on where you live, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or export personal data, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to withdraw consent where processing is consent-based. You can exercise many of these in the product:
- Use the app as a guest without creating an account (progress stays on that device)
- Your account data — download a JSON export of progress and learned words; clear local guest data; delete your account and associated cloud learning data when signed in
- Sign out at any time from the navigation bar
- Avoid Ask AI and server audio if you do not want that content processed by those providers
- Email support@jyut.study for privacy requests (access, deletion help, questions). We will respond within a reasonable period as required by applicable law
If you are in the EEA/UK, you may also lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the CCPA/CPRA (including disclosure categories and deletion). We do not sell personal information.
Children
Jyut is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). Do not create an account if you are under that age. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us so we can take appropriate action.
International transfers
Our providers may process data in the United States and other countries. Where required, transfers are subject to the safeguards those providers describe in their privacy documentation.
Security
We use industry-standard measures such as encrypted transport (HTTPS), authenticated API access for the tutor, and access controls on cloud data. No online service can guarantee perfect security.
Changes
We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use after changes means you accept the revised policy, except where applicable law requires additional notice or consent.
Contact
Privacy and data requests: support@jyut.study.
In-app controls: Your account data. See also our Terms of Service.