Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Paper2Pod ("we," "our," or "us"), operated by DGP R&D, provides a service that converts research papers into audio podcasts and related content using artificial intelligence (the "Service"), available through our website, web app, and iOS app. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use and share it, and the choices you have.

By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of information:

• Account information. When you create an account we collect your email address and, optionally, a display name. Authentication is handled by Google Firebase Authentication.
• Content you provide. The research papers (PDFs) you upload, the topics you enter for research updates, and the generation options you select. We also generate and store the resulting audio, scripts, extracted figures, and metadata.
• Connected services. If you connect your Zotero account, we store the access credentials needed to search your library and download the items you choose, on your behalf.
• Purchase information. If you subscribe to Pro, we receive and store a record of your subscription status from Apple (in-app purchase) or our payment processor. We do not collect or store your full payment card details.
• Usage and device information. We collect limited analytics about how the Service is used (for example, when a podcast is generated or played) and basic technical information needed to operate and secure the Service.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide the Service — process your uploaded papers, generate audio and related content, and make it available to you across your devices.
• Authenticate you, maintain your account and library, and manage your subscription and entitlements.
• Operate, secure, maintain, and improve the Service and troubleshoot problems.
• Communicate with you about your account or support requests.

4. How Your Information Is Shared

We do not sell your personal information. We share information only with service providers that help us operate the Service, and only as needed to perform their function:

• Google Firebase & Google Cloud — authentication, database, and private file storage.
• AI providers (via OpenRouter) — to generate scripts, summaries, and audio from the text of your uploaded papers and chosen topics.
• Mixpanel — privacy-conscious product analytics.
• Apple and our payment processor — to process and validate subscription purchases.
• Zotero and academic search providers — only when you use the Zotero integration or research-update features, to retrieve the items and publication data you request.

We may also disclose information if required by law or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Paper2Pod, our users, or others.

5. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your account information and content for as long as your account is active. You can delete your account at any time — directly from the app (Profile → Delete Account) or the web app — which permanently removes your account and associated data, including your uploaded papers, generated audio, and library records. You may also contact us to request deletion.

Note that deleting your account does not automatically cancel an active subscription; manage or cancel subscriptions through your Apple Account settings or, for web subscriptions, your billing settings.

6. Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your information. Uploaded papers and generated audio are stored in private storage and served only through short-lived, signed links. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the right to access, correct, export, or delete your personal information, and to object to or restrict certain processing. You can update your profile, manage your subscription, and delete your account from within the Service, or contact us to exercise these rights.

8. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 13 (or the equivalent minimum age in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect personal information from them. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. International Users

We operate from, and process data in, locations including the European Union and the United States. By using the Service, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.