Reader is built so opening and reading your local books does not depend on an online service. Some features use an account and optional cloud services. This policy explains the difference.
Information you provide
When you create an account, Reader processes your email address and authentication information through its authentication provider. If you choose Google sign-in, Google and the authentication provider process the sign-in exchange. Reader does not receive your Google password.
You may import books and documents, create highlights and notes, save reading positions, and start conversations. These are your reading materials and reading data.
Local reading
Reader keeps a managed local copy of imported files and local reading state on your device. Opening a local book, reading it, searching it, highlighting it, and restoring your position can continue when Reader's backend is unavailable.
Optional cloud features
When you are signed in, Reader may create a private cloud copy of an imported original and sync selected reading state so your library can be restored and used across supported Reader installations. Private files are stored in access-controlled storage.
Reader's AI features send the text needed for the action you request. A question about a highlight sends the selected passage and bounded nearby context. Book-aware chat may prepare searchable text from an eligible book and retrieve relevant passages. Reader does not send unrelated books simply because they are in your library.
Service data
Reader and its hosting providers process limited technical data needed to operate and secure the service, such as request identifiers, timestamps, IP-derived region, device and app information, response status, model name, and token counts. Production logs are designed not to record book text, highlights, notes, or questions.
How information is used
- To authenticate your account and keep it secure.
- To provide private sync, catalog, and AI features you choose to use.
- To diagnose failures, prevent abuse, and improve reliability.
- To comply with legal obligations and enforce the Terms.
Service providers
Reader relies on service providers for authentication, database and file storage, hosting, and AI model access. They process information only to provide those services under their own contractual and legal obligations. Reader does not sell your personal information.
Retention and deletion
Local data remains on your device until you delete it. Removing the app may leave its local data on your device. Cloud account data is retained while your account is active and as needed for security, backups, legal compliance, and dispute resolution. You can request account deletion from Reader. Account deletion removes the account and its associated private Reader storage, subject to short-lived backups and legal requirements.
Website analytics and video
This website uses Vercel Web Analytics to understand page visits and aggregate browser, device, and referral information. The launch film is hosted on this website, without an embedded third-party player. Sound is on by default. Playback starts when the film comes into view if your browser permits it; otherwise, press play. If you prefer reduced motion, playback starts only when you press play. You can use the player controls to pause or mute sound.
Your choices
You can read local files without relying on network access after Reader has an available session. You can choose whether to use AI actions, remove local books, and request deletion of your account. macOS permissions can be changed in System Settings.
Children
Reader is not directed to children under 13, and the service is not intended to knowingly collect personal information from them.
Changes
If this policy changes materially, the effective date above will be updated and notice will be provided where appropriate.
Contact
Questions and privacy requests can be started from the support page.