Privacy Policy

Effective Date: June 28, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how Synsto Publishing ("Synsto", "we", "our", "us") collects, uses, stores, and protects your personal information when you use our website, Android application, iOS application, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you create an account.
• Profile Information: Display name, profile picture, and preferences you choose to add.
• Purchase and Billing Information: Shipping address and order details. Payment card data is processed directly by Razorpay and is never stored on Synsto servers.
• Author Submissions: Manuscripts, book files, author biography, and identity documents submitted through our publishing services.
• Support Communications: Messages, emails, and information you send when contacting our support team.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: Device model, operating system version (Android/iOS), unique device identifiers, and app version.
• Usage Data: Features used, pages viewed, reading and listening activity, and app session data.
• Log Data: IP address, access timestamps, and error logs.
• Crash and Diagnostics Data: Crash reports and performance data collected via Firebase Crashlytics to help us fix bugs.
• Push Notification Token: A unique token generated by Firebase to deliver push notifications to your device.

1.3 Reading and Listening Data

• Reading progress and bookmarks for ebooks.
• Audiobook playback position, speed, and bookmarks.
• This data is used solely to sync your progress across devices and sessions.

1.4 Authentication Data

• If you sign in with Google, we receive your name and email address from Google as permitted by your Google account settings.
• Biometric data (fingerprint or Face ID) used for app unlock is processed entirely on your device by your device's operating system. This data is never transmitted to or stored on Synsto servers.

2. How We Use Your Information

• To create and manage your account.
• To process purchases, subscriptions, and transactions.
• To deliver ebooks, audiobooks, and physical books you have purchased.
• To sync your library and reading progress across devices.
• To send service-related notifications, order updates, and account alerts.
• To improve app performance, fix bugs, and develop new features.
• To detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents.
• To verify author identity and review manuscript submissions.
• To comply with applicable legal obligations.

3. No Advertising

Synsto does not display third-party advertisements in our apps or website. We do not use your personal data for advertising, behavioural tracking, or to build advertising profiles. We do not share your data with any advertising networks.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We share data only in the following limited circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

• Razorpay — payment processing. See Razorpay Privacy Policy.
• Google Firebase — push notifications and crash reporting only. We do not use Firebase for advertising analytics.
• Cloud Hosting Providers — secure storage and infrastructure for our Services.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information to law enforcement, courts, or government authorities when required by applicable law, court order, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Synsto, our users, or the public.

4.3 Copyright and Legal Claims

If a verified copyright infringement or legal claim is made against a published author, Synsto may be required to disclose the author's identity and submitted documentation to the claimant or to legal authorities. Authors consent to this disclosure by submitting content to our platform.

5. App Permissions

Our Android and iOS applications request the following permissions:

• Internet Access: Required for all app functionality including account access and content delivery.
• Notifications: To send order updates, account alerts, and relevant platform notifications. You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings.
• Biometrics (Fingerprint / Face ID): Optional. Used only for local app unlock. Biometric data stays on your device and is never sent to our servers.
• Foreground Service: Required to keep audiobook playback running when you minimise the app or lock your screen.
• Camera and Photo Library (iOS only): Requested only if you choose to upload a profile picture or attach files to a submission. Not required for core app functionality.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal data, including:

• Encrypted data transmission using HTTPS/TLS.
• Secure authentication and session management.
• Two-factor authentication available for your account.
• Encrypted local storage for sensitive credentials on your device.
• Screenshot and screen recording protection within ebook and audiobook reader screens.

No system is completely secure. In the unlikely event of a data breach affecting your rights, we will notify you as required by applicable law.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to:

• Provide and maintain our Services.
• Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements.
• Prevent fraud and abuse.

Transaction and financial records may be retained for longer periods as required by Indian tax and financial laws. When your account is deleted, personal data is removed or anonymised except where retention is legally required.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Request deletion of your account and personal data.
• Opt out of non-essential communications at any time.
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at info@synsto.com. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at info@synsto.com and we will delete it promptly.

10. International Data Transfers

Synsto is based in India. Your information may be stored and processed in India or in other countries where our service providers operate. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to these locations. We ensure that any such transfers are carried out with appropriate safeguards in place.

11. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to maintain session state, remember your preferences, and improve functionality. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking. You can disable cookies in your browser settings, though this may affect some website functionality.

12. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. The updated policy will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Where changes are significant, we will notify you through the app or by email. Continued use of our Services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, data access requests, or to report a concern:

General enquiries: info@synsto.com
Editorial and submissions: editorial@synsto.com
Website: www.synsto.com