Privacy Policy
Effective Date: February 16, 2026
Introduction
Bookov ("we", "our", or "us") is a book reading and personal library management platform available as an iOS application and a web application at web.bookov.app. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your data.
This Privacy Policy describes what data we collect, how we use it, how we store it, and your rights regarding your data. It applies to both the iOS app and the web application.
1. Data We Collect
1.1 Account Information
When you create an account or sign in, we collect the following information depending on the sign-in method you use:
| Sign-In Method | Data Collected |
|---|---|
| Google Sign-In | Email address, name, profile picture URL |
| Apple Sign-In | Email address (or Apple relay address), name (if provided) |
| Email/Password | Email address, password (stored as a secure hash) |
| Magic Link | Email address |
1.2 Library and Reading Data
When you use Bookov with an account, the following data is stored to enable cloud sync across your devices:
- Book metadata (titles, authors, cover images)
- Reading progress (current position, percentage)
- Quotes, highlights, and notes you create
- Shelves and book organization
- Reader settings and preferences
- Uploaded book files (EPUB, FB2, PDF)
1.3 Data We Do Not Collect
- We do not use advertising identifiers or tracking pixels
- We do not collect location data
- We do not use third-party analytics or behavioral tracking tools
- We do not build user profiles for advertising purposes
2. Google User Data
This section specifically describes how Bookov handles data received from Google APIs, in compliance with the Google API Services User Data Policy.
2.1 What Google Data We Access
When you sign in with Google, Bookov requests access to your basic profile information through Google OAuth 2.0:
- Email address — to create and identify your account
- Name — to personalize your experience (e.g., display your name in the app)
- Profile picture URL — to display your avatar in the app
We also use the Google Books API to search for and retrieve book metadata (title, author, cover image, description, ISBN). These queries are made on your behalf and are not linked to your Google account.
2.2 How We Use Google Data
Google user data is used solely for the following purposes:
- Authentication: To create your Bookov account and sign you in
- Account identification: To associate your library, reading progress, and settings with your account
- Personalization: To display your name and profile picture within the app
We do not use Google user data for advertising, marketing to third parties, or any purpose unrelated to providing the Bookov service.
2.3 How We Store Google Data
Your Google account information (email, name, profile picture URL) is stored in our PostgreSQL database hosted by Neon (a managed PostgreSQL provider). The data is:
- Encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL)
- Stored in a secured, access-controlled database
- Accessible only by the Bookov application for the purposes described above
2.4 How We Share Google Data
We do not sell, rent, or share your Google user data with any third parties. Your Google data is not shared with:
- Advertisers or advertising networks
- Data brokers
- Any third-party services beyond what is necessary to operate Bookov
The only third-party services that may process your data as part of operating Bookov are:
- Neon (database hosting) — stores your account data
- Railway (application hosting) — runs the Bookov server
These services process data only on our behalf and according to their respective privacy policies.
2.5 Google Data Retention and Deletion
Your Google account data is retained for as long as your Bookov account is active. You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us at kirillole@gmail.com. Upon deletion, all data associated with your Google account (profile information, library data, reading progress, uploaded files) will be permanently removed from our systems.
3. Data Storage
3.1 iOS App (Without Account)
If you use the iOS app without creating an account, all your data is stored locally on your device. We cannot access this data, and deleting the app removes it entirely.
3.2 Cloud Storage (With Account)
When you sign in and enable cloud sync, your data is stored on our servers:
- Database: PostgreSQL hosted by Neon (account data, book metadata, reading progress, quotes, shelves)
- File Storage: Google Cloud Storage (uploaded book files and cover images)
- Application Server: Hosted on Railway
All data in transit is encrypted using TLS/SSL. Data at rest is protected by the security measures provided by our hosting providers.
4. Data Usage
We use your data exclusively to provide and improve the Bookov service:
- Authentication and account management — signing you in and maintaining your session
- Cloud synchronization — keeping your library, reading progress, quotes, and settings in sync across your devices
- Book discovery — searching for books via the Google Books API on your behalf
- AI-powered features — generating book summaries using third-party AI services (OpenAI, Perplexity); only book metadata (title, author, genre) is sent to these services, never your personal information
5. Third-Party Services
Bookov uses the following third-party services:
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared |
|---|---|---|
| Google Books API | Book search and metadata | Search queries (anonymous, not linked to your identity) |
| Google Cloud Storage | File storage (book files, covers) | Uploaded files (associated with your account ID) |
| OpenAI / Perplexity | AI book summaries | Book metadata only (title, author, genre) |
| Resend | Transactional emails (magic links, password resets) | Email address |
| Apple App Store | In-app purchases (iOS) | Managed entirely by Apple |
We do not share your personal data with any of these services beyond what is described above.
6. User Rights
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: You can view all your data within the app (library, quotes, settings)
- Export: You can export your library data
- Deletion: You may request complete deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us at kirillole@gmail.com
- Correction: You can update your profile information within the app
- Use without account: The iOS app can be used without creating an account; in that case, no personal data is collected or transmitted
7. Children's Privacy
Bookov is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.
8. Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your data:
- All data in transit is encrypted via TLS/SSL
- Passwords are stored using secure cryptographic hashing
- Authentication sessions use HTTP-only, secure cookies
- API endpoints are protected by rate limiting
- Database access is restricted to the application server only
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of Bookov after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, want to exercise your data rights, or have concerns about your data, please contact us:
Email: kirillole@gmail.com
Website: https://bookov.app
Summary
- We collect only what is needed to provide the service (email, name, profile picture for authentication)
- Your library data is synced across devices when you sign in
- Google user data is used only for authentication and personalization
- We do not sell, share, or use your data for advertising
- You can request deletion of all your data at any time
- The iOS app works fully offline without an account