Privacy Policy

Data Deletion Request

Google Play requires that we provide a way for you to request the deletion of your data. Even though we do not store personal information like names or emails, you can request the deletion of the anonymous analytics data associated with your device.

1. Who We Are

Balkan AI is developed and operated by MODEX Apps, an independent software studio based in Albania. We build mobile apps designed to be genuinely useful and respectful of user privacy.

If you have any questions about this policy, contact us at modexapps@gmail.com.

2. Information We Collect

We keep data collection to the absolute minimum necessary to operate the app.

2.1 Anonymous Device Identifier

When you first open Balkan AI, the app generates a random anonymous device ID locally on your device. This ID is:

• Generated entirely on your device — we do not assign it.
• Transmitted to our analytics pipeline in a salted hash form — not the raw ID.
• Used solely to distinguish unique devices for retention and usage analytics (e.g., how many users open the app daily).
• Never linked to your real identity, name, email, or any other personal information.

2.2 Product Usage Events

We collect anonymised product events to understand how features are used and improve the app. These events contain:

• Event name (e.g., "itinerary_generated", "vision_analysis_used")
• Timestamp
• Non-personally identifiable properties (e.g., which tab was active, which country guide was viewed)

No event contains your name, location, or any information that could identify you as an individual.

2.3 Media Data (Ephemeral)

When you use our AI features, we process media data to provide the service:

• Photos: When you use the "Analyze Image" feature, the image is transmitted to our API for cultural and historical analysis.
• Audio: When you use "Voice Chat" or "Translate", your voice recording is transmitted to our API for transcription.

Important: This media data is processed in real-time and is not stored on our servers after the analysis is complete. We do not keep copies of your photos or voice recordings.

2.4 Optional In-App Purchases

Balkan AI is free. The app contains an optional tip jar (in-app purchase). All payment processing is handled entirely by Apple and Google. We do not receive, process, or store your payment card details or billing information.

3. Information We Do NOT Collect

To be explicit, Balkan AI does not collect:

• Your name, email address, phone number, or any account credentials
• Your GPS location or approximate location
• Your contacts or address book
• Background location or movement tracking
• Health or biometric data
• Advertising identifiers (IDFA, GAID)
• IP addresses linked to individual identities

4. How We Use Data

The limited anonymous data we collect is used exclusively for:

• Product analytics: Understanding which features are used so we can improve the app.
• Retention analysis: Measuring daily and weekly usage to prioritise improvements.
• Bug and crash detection: Identifying and fixing technical issues.
• Content quality: Evaluating which content types (memes, history cards, AI interactions) are most valuable to users.

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or selling to third parties.

5. Third-Party Services

Balkan AI may use a limited set of third-party services. Each is used in a privacy-preserving manner:

• Apple App Store / Google Play Store: Handle app distribution and payment. Subject to their own privacy policies.
• Analytics provider: Receives only anonymised, hashed event data. No personal data shared.
• AI inference services: When you use AI features (Balkan-ify, Roast the Map, etc.), your input text is sent to an AI service to generate a response. This text is not stored beyond the request lifecycle and is not linked to your identity.

We do not integrate advertising SDKs, social media tracking pixels, or any third-party data brokers.

6. Data Retention

Anonymous event data is retained for up to 12 months for analytics purposes, after which it is automatically deleted or aggregated into non-identifiable statistics.

Because we do not collect personal data, there is no personal data retention to manage.

7. Your Rights

Even though we collect minimal data, you have the following rights:

• Right to know: You can ask us what data (if any) is associated with your device.
• Right to deletion: You can request that any anonymous analytics data associated with your device ID be deleted.
• Right to opt out: If in-app analytics opt-out controls are available, you may disable analytics data collection within app settings.

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

8. Children's Privacy

Balkan AI is rated for general audiences and not specifically directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, contact us immediately and we will take steps to delete that information.

9. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical measures to protect the limited data we handle:

• Data transmitted between the app and our servers uses TLS encryption.
• Device identifiers are hashed before transmission.
• Our infrastructure is hosted on reputable cloud providers with industry-standard security practices.

No system is 100% secure. If you discover a security issue, please report it to modexapps@gmail.com.

10. International Data Transfers

MODEX Apps is based in Albania. If you access Balkan AI from outside Albania, your anonymised usage data may be transferred to and processed in servers located in the European Union or United States. These transfers are conducted under appropriate safeguards.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. If changes are material, we will notify users through the app.

Continued use of Balkan AI after changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact

If you have questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us: