Last Updated: July 20, 2025
This Privacy Policy explains how Speedy Hldgs Limited ("Speedy Hldgs Limited," "we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects your information when you use TalkSeed (the "Service"), including our website, mobile applications, and related learning tools.
This Privacy Policy is incorporated into and forms part of the TalkSeed Terms of Service. By using the Service, you agree to the data practices described here. If you do not agree, please discontinue use.
1. Scope
This Policy applies to all TalkSeed products and experiences, including:
- TalkSeed mobile apps (iOS / Android);
- TalkSeed web application and marketing website;
- AI conversational practice, AI-assisted reading, pronunciation scoring, and image-based vocabulary learning modules;
- Customer support channels (email, in-app chat) and operational analytics.
It does not apply to third-party sites you access via outbound links.
2. Relationship to the Terms of Service
Capitalized terms not defined here have the meanings given in the TalkSeed Terms of Service. The Terms govern use of the Service; this Policy explains our data practices in connection with that use.
3. Information We Collect
We collect information in three main ways: (1) you provide it; (2) we collect it automatically; (3) we receive it from service providers.
3.1 Account & Profile Information
- Display name / username
- Email (required for account recovery & notices)
- Optional: phone, guardian contact, avatar image
- Optional learner profile: age band, grade level, English proficiency, learning goals
3.2 Learning Activity & Content You Provide
Depending on the features you use, we process:
- Voice recordings you submit for pronunciation scoring or AI conversation
- Text messages, chat transcripts, and in-app prompts
- Image selections or image-based responses in "刷图学单词" (Image Word Swipe)
- Reading progress (current location in eBook, words tapped, time spent)
- User-generated summaries, notes, quiz answers, streaks, and rewards activity
3.3 Technical & Usage Data (Automatically Collected)
- Device type, OS version, app version, browser type
- Language, time zone, country (derived from IP where legally permitted)
- Crash logs, diagnostic logs, performance metrics
- Interactions: feature usage events (e.g., started AI chat, opened book, reviewed word card)
3.4 Subscription & Payment Metadata
We do not store full payment instrument numbers on TalkSeed servers. We receive from payment processors: transaction ID, subscription tier, status (active / expired / refunded), country, and limited billing metadata required for tax compliance.
3.5 Child / Student Account Data (If Enabled by Guardian)
Where available, a guardian may create managed child profiles. We collect only what is necessary to provide the learning experience (e.g., nickname, age band, learning history) and link it to the guardian account.
4. Special Notes on Key Features
4.1 Public Domain eBooks
All eBooks offered in TalkSeed are sourced from the public domain. Reading them is free for all users; there is no functional difference between free and paid accounts for eBook access. We track only reading progress and learning interactions (e.g., words tapped for definition) to support resume-sync, analytics, and recommendations.
4.2 AI Conversations (Speaking Practice)
When you speak or type to TalkSeed's AI, your input (audio + transcript + context) is transmitted to our AI processing partners (e.g., OpenAI) to generate a response, perform pronunciation scoring, grammar feedback, and adapt difficulty. Audio may be converted to text using automatic speech recognition before processing.
4.3 Image-Based Vocabulary Learning ("刷图学单词")
Illustrations are generated using OpenAI's DALL·E (or successor models) based on educational prompts. We do not charge users simply to view images. If you believe any illustration violates your intellectual property rights or is otherwise inappropriate, email support@talkseed.ai with details and the image identifier; we review and, where appropriate, remove the content.
4.4 AI-Assisted Reading ("AI 伴读")
When you highlight text, request an explanation, or practice reading aloud, the relevant excerpt plus your request is sent to our AI processing pipeline to return vocabulary support, translation, or comprehension feedback.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Provide & operate the Service (account access, feature enablement, syncing progress, multi-device use).
- Deliver AI features (conversation, pronunciation scoring, comprehension support). Data must be transmitted to AI providers to function.
- Personalize learning (recommend next words, adjust difficulty, suggest speaking topics, show progress streaks).
- Maintain safety & integrity (abuse detection, fraud prevention, spam, system security).
- Support payments & subscriptions (validate entitlement, detect payment failure, comply with tax rules).
- Improve & develop the Service (analytics, A/B tests, model tuning with aggregated / de-identified data).
- Legal compliance (record-keeping, responding to lawful requests, protecting rights).
6. AI & Third-Party Processing Partners
To power TalkSeed experiences, we integrate with technology partners, including but not limited to OpenAI, cloud infrastructure providers, speech-to-text services, and payment processors.
6.1 Categories of Data Shared
Depending on feature usage, we may share:
- Text prompts & chat transcripts
- Audio clips for ASR & pronunciation scoring
- Short text excerpts from public domain books when context is required
- Minimal user identifiers (hashed or tokenized) to associate responses with a session
We do not share your full account profile with OpenAI unless required for technical routing; where possible, we use anonymized session tokens.
6.2 Data Use Controls with AI Providers
We configure available API settings to reduce provider data retention and disallow model training on your identifiable data where the provider offers such controls. Because third-party policies differ and may change, please review their privacy documentation; your use of TalkSeed constitutes consent to necessary processing.
6.3 International Data Transfer
AI processing partners may process data in jurisdictions other than your own (e.g., United States, EU). See Section 13 for details on international transfers.
7. Legal Bases for Processing (EEA, UK, and Similar Regions)
Where applicable privacy law requires a legal basis, we rely on:
- Contract performance – to deliver the Service features you request.
- Consent – for microphone/camera access, child profile creation, and certain data uses.
- Legitimate interests – analytics, product improvement, fraud prevention (balanced against user rights).
- Legal obligation – tax, accounting, law enforcement requests.
8. Sharing & Disclosure
We share information only as needed:
| Recipient Type | Purpose | Data Shared | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI providers (e.g., OpenAI) | Generate responses, scoring | User inputs, session tokens, learning context | Minimization applied |
| Speech & voice tech vendors | Speech-to-text, text-to-speech | Audio samples, language settings | Permission required |
| Payment processors | Subscription billing | Transaction metadata, entitlement | No full card data stored |
| Cloud hosting & analytics | Operate & improve Service | Technical logs, usage stats | Pseudonymized where possible |
| Legal authorities | Compliance | Data as required by law | Only with valid legal process |
Note: We do not sell your personal information.
9. Data Retention
- Account data: retained while account active; deleted or anonymized within 90 days after verified deletion request (except where law requires retention).
- Learning records: retained to power progress history; may be anonymized for aggregate analytics.
- Voice/audio: short-term retention for scoring; may be de-identified for model improvement if you opt in (default: opt out unless you enable data-sharing toggle).
- Logs & diagnostics: typically 30–180 days, subject to security & compliance needs.
10. Data Security
We use industry-standard safeguards:
- Encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest (cloud provider encryption).
- Access control, audit logging, least-privilege role policies.
- Segregation of production & test data.
- Routine vulnerability scanning and patch management.
No system is 100% secure; please use strong passwords and protect your devices.
11. Your Choices & Rights
Your available controls depend on your region's privacy laws, but we aim to provide core controls to all users.
11.1 In-App Controls
- Update profile & learning preferences
- Review usage history & progress
- Download or export learning data (CSV/JSON when available)
- Delete voice recordings (where individually stored)
- Disable microphone or camera permissions
11.2 Data Access / Correction / Deletion Requests
Email support@talkseed.ai from your registered address. We may need to verify your identity. Guardians may act on behalf of child users.
11.3 Marketing Communications
You may opt out of non-essential marketing emails via unsubscribe link. Service emails (billing, security) are required.
12. Children & Minors
TalkSeed supports youth language learning. Because laws differ:
- Global default: Users must be at least 13 to create an independent account. Younger learners must use a guardian-managed profile.
- China mainland compliance: Users under 14 require verified guardian consent before use.
If we learn that a child created an account without required consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete or convert the account to a managed profile. Guardians can review, export, or delete a child's data by contacting support@talkseed.ai.
13. International Data Transfers
We operate internationally. Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries where we or our service providers maintain facilities, including (but not limited to) Hong Kong SAR, the United States, the European Union, and Singapore. We implement appropriate safeguards (such as Standard Contractual Clauses, data minimization, and encryption) consistent with applicable law.
14. California / U.S. State Privacy Disclosures
Where applicable state laws (e.g., CCPA/CPRA) apply, you have the right to know categories of personal information collected, request deletion, opt out of certain sharing, and not be discriminated against for exercising rights. We do not sell personal information as defined under California law. See Sections 3, 5, and 8 for data categories and sharing.
15. Data Subject Rights (EEA / UK / Similar)
Residents of the EEA, UK, and certain other jurisdictions have the right to:
- Access a copy of personal data we hold about you;
- Request correction of inaccurate data;
- Request deletion (subject to lawful retention);
- Restrict or object to certain processing;
- Data portability (structured, commonly used format);
- Withdraw consent at any time without affecting prior lawful processing;
- Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
To exercise, contact support@talkseed.ai.
16. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be announced in-app, by email, or both. Where required by law, we will obtain your consent before changes take effect. The "Last Updated" date at the top reflects the effective date of the current version.
17. Contact Us
Questions, data requests, or IP concerns (including image takedown requests):
Speedy Hldgs Limited
Email: support@talkseed.ai
(Additional regional contact addresses may be added in-app.)
18. Glossary (Optional Reference)
- AI Conversation Data – Voice + text you send when chatting with TalkSeed.
- Learning Analytics – Aggregated measures like words mastered, speaking streaks.
- Public Domain eBook – Works whose copyrights have expired or are otherwise available for unrestricted use.
- De-identified Data – Data that cannot reasonably identify an individual when used in aggregate.
Version History
v1.0 (July 20, 2025) – Initial English Privacy draft.