Selah Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 5, 2025

Effective Date: January 5, 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Selah ("we," "our," "us," or the "App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and safeguard your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection, use, and disclosure when you use our mobile application.

By downloading, installing, or using Selah, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the App.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Chat Messages: When you use our AI chat feature, we process the questions and messages you submit to provide responses. These conversations may be stored locally on your device.
• Bookmarks and Notes: Any verses you bookmark and notes you add are stored locally on your device.
• Preferences: Your app settings, including preferred Bible translation, font size, and notification preferences.
• Reading History: Records of chapters and verses you have read, stored locally on your device.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: We may collect information about your device, including device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers for analytics purposes.
• Usage Data: Information about how you use the App, including features accessed, time spent in the App, and interaction patterns.
• Crash Data: If the App crashes, we may collect diagnostic information to help us improve stability.

1.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• We do NOT collect your name, email address, or contact information unless you voluntarily contact our support team.
• We do NOT collect your location data.
• We do NOT collect any biometric data.
• We do NOT sell your personal information to third parties.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide and Maintain the App

• Deliver AI-powered responses to your Bible-related questions
• Store your reading progress, bookmarks, and preferences locally
• Send daily verse notifications (if enabled by you)

2.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns to improve App features and user experience
• Identify and fix bugs, errors, and technical issues
• Develop new features based on user needs

2.3 To Communicate With You

• Send push notifications you have opted into (daily verses, reading reminders)
• Respond to your support inquiries

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 OpenAI

Our AI chat feature is powered by OpenAI's API. When you submit a question through the chat feature:

• Your message is transmitted to OpenAI's servers for processing
• OpenAI processes your request to generate a response
• OpenAI's use of this data is governed by OpenAI's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

Important: We recommend not sharing personally identifiable information, sensitive personal data, or confidential information in your chat messages, as this data is transmitted to third-party servers.

3.2 Apple Services

• App Store & StoreKit: If you make in-app purchases, transactions are processed by Apple. We do not have access to your payment information. Apple's privacy practices are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.
• Push Notifications: We use Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) to deliver notifications. This is governed by Apple's privacy practices.

3.3 Bible API

We use a third-party Bible API to retrieve Scripture text. This service receives requests for specific Bible verses but does not receive any personal information about you.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

The majority of your data is stored locally on your device, including: - Reading history - Bookmarks and notes - Chat session history - App preferences - Cached Bible chapters (for offline access)

This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless specifically stated otherwise.

4.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including: - Secure data transmission using HTTPS/TLS encryption - Local data storage using iOS secure storage mechanisms - No collection of unnecessary personal information

4.3 Data Retention

• Local Data: Stored on your device until you delete the App or clear your data through the App settings
• Cached Content: Bible chapters are cached locally for up to 30 days
• Chat History: Stored locally on your device; you can delete it at any time through the App

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control Your Data

You have the right to: - Access: View all your data stored within the App - Delete: Remove your bookmarks, reading history, and chat sessions at any time through Settings > Clear All Data - Opt-Out: Disable notifications at any time through the App settings or your device settings

5.2 Data Portability

Currently, the App does not offer data export functionality. Your data remains stored locally on your device.

5.3 Account Deletion

Since we do not require account creation, there is no account to delete. All your data is stored locally on your device and can be removed by: - Using the "Clear All Data" feature in Settings - Uninstalling the App

6. Children's Privacy

6.1 Age Requirements

Selah is intended for users of all ages. However, we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction) without parental consent.

6.2 Parental Guidance

We encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's use of the App, particularly the AI chat feature. The AI provides responses about religious and spiritual topics that parents may wish to discuss with their children.

6.3 COPPA Compliance

We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

7. AI-Generated Content Disclaimer

7.1 Nature of AI Responses

The AI chat feature in Selah uses artificial intelligence to generate responses to your questions. Please be aware that:

• AI responses are generated by machine learning algorithms and may contain errors, inaccuracies, or misinterpretations of Scripture.
• AI may occasionally cite Bible verses incorrectly or provide inaccurate verse references.
• AI responses represent computational outputs, not divine revelation or authoritative theological doctrine.
• The AI may present information that reflects certain theological perspectives and may not represent all Christian traditions.

7.2 User Responsibility

By using the AI chat feature, you acknowledge and agree that:

• You will verify all Bible verse references and quotations against actual Scripture
• You will not rely solely on AI-generated content for important spiritual, theological, or life decisions
• You understand that AI responses are not a substitute for study of Scripture, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling
• You accept full responsibility for how you interpret and apply information received from the AI

7.3 Limitation of Liability

WE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY LIABILITY FOR ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INACCURACIES IN AI-GENERATED CONTENT. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DECISIONS, ACTIONS, OR BELIEFS FORMED BASED ON AI RESPONSES. USE OF THE AI FEATURE IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

8. Religious Content Disclaimer

8.1 Non-Denominational Approach

Selah aims to provide non-denominational Biblical content. However:

• The App may present interpretations that align more closely with certain Christian traditions than others
• Users from different denominational backgrounds may encounter perspectives that differ from their own beliefs
• The inclusion of any content does not constitute endorsement of any particular theological position

8.2 Not a Replacement for Spiritual Leadership

This App is intended as a supplementary tool for Bible study and reflection. It is NOT intended to replace:

• Personal prayer and devotion
• Participation in a local church or faith community
• Guidance from pastors, priests, ministers, or other spiritual leaders
• Professional theological education or seminary training

8.3 Scripture Translations

Bible text is provided through third-party sources and various translations. We do not guarantee the accuracy of any translation. Users should consult authoritative sources for critical study.

9. Mental Health Disclaimer

9.1 Not a Substitute for Professional Help

Selah is a Bible study and devotional application. It is NOT:

• A mental health service or counseling platform
• A crisis intervention tool
• A substitute for licensed mental health professionals
• Medical or psychological treatment

9.2 Crisis Resources

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or emotional emergency, please:

• United States: Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
• United States: Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
• International: Visit findahelpline.com for resources in your country
• Emergency: Call your local emergency services (911 in the US)

9.3 Limitation of Liability

WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HARM, INJURY, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM RELIANCE ON THIS APP FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT. ALWAYS SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS.

10. In-App Purchases and Subscriptions

10.1 Premium Features

Selah offers optional premium subscriptions that provide additional features. All purchases are processed through Apple's App Store.

10.2 Payment Processing

• We do not collect, store, or have access to your payment information
• All transactions are handled by Apple according to their terms and privacy policy
• Subscription management and cancellation are handled through your Apple ID settings

10.3 Refunds

Refund requests must be submitted to Apple directly through their standard refund process.

11. International Users

11.1 Data Transfer

If you are accessing the App from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers operate.

11.2 GDPR (European Users)

If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• The right to access your personal data
• The right to rectification of inaccurate data
• The right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• The right to restrict processing
• The right to data portability
• The right to object to processing

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

11.3 CCPA (California Users)

If you are a California resident, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) provides you with specific rights regarding your personal information, including:

• The right to know what personal information is collected
• The right to know whether your personal information is sold or disclosed
• The right to say no to the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• The right to access your personal information
• The right to equal service and price, even if you exercise your privacy rights

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy within the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Changes are effective immediately upon posting.

Your continued use of the App after any modifications to the Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised terms.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: support@selahapp.com

Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 30 days.

14. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

15. Severability

If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that this Privacy Policy shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

16. Entire Agreement

This Privacy Policy, together with our Terms of Service, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Selah regarding your use of the App and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings.

Summary of Key Points

We do NOT: Sell your data, collect your location, require account creation, or store payment information.

By using Selah, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy.

© 2025 Selah. All rights reserved.