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Privacy Policy — Spark Search

Last updated: January 4, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Spark Search, a safe search application for children created by DataForge Apps. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you and your child use our application.

Spark Search is designed to comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and prioritizes the safety and privacy of children using our service.

2. Information We Do NOT Collect

Spark Search is built on a privacy-first foundation. We explicitly do not collect, store, or transmit:

• Names, email addresses, or any personal identification
• User accounts or login credentials
• Location data or GPS information
• Device identifiers or advertising IDs
• Photos, videos, or any media from your device
• Contact lists or phone numbers
• Browsing history outside of local storage
• Any information that could identify your child

3. Local Data Storage

Spark Search stores the following data locally on your device only:

Search History

• Search terms your child has entered
• Timestamps of searches
• Content type searched (pictures, coloring pages, videos, or songs)
• Stored for up to 90 days and automatically deleted thereafter
• Parents can view, export, or delete this history at any time through Parent Settings

Parent Settings

• Parent PIN (stored encrypted on device)
• Blocked word list
• Theme preferences
• Content filter sensitivity settings

Important Notes About Local Storage

• All data remains on your device and is never transmitted to our servers
• Uninstalling the app will permanently delete all stored data
• We cannot access, view, or retrieve any data stored on your device
• Data is not backed up to cloud services

4. Future Features: Optional Cloud Sync

We are developing an optional premium feature called "Family Sync" that will allow parents to sync search history across devices, monitor searches remotely, and receive weekly activity summaries.

This feature will be completely opt-in, require explicit parent consent, and be fully deletable at any time. We will update this Privacy Policy before launching Family Sync.

5. How We Keep Content Safe

Content Sources

• We search only curated, family-friendly image databases (currently Pixabay)
• All API calls use strict SafeSearch parameters
• Content providers are vetted for child safety

Content Filtering

• Keyword filtering: Automatically blocks searches containing inappropriate terms
• Image analysis: Content is screened before display
• Manual blocking: Parents can add custom blocked words
• Ongoing monitoring: We continuously update our safety filters

6. Third-Party Services

Image Search: Pixabay API

• Used to search for images and coloring pages with SafeSearch enabled on all requests
• Does not receive any personal information about users — only search terms entered
• Privacy Policy: pixabay.com/service/privacy/

Coming Soon

• YouTube Data API: For safe video searches with strict SafeSearch
• Google Cloud Vision API: For enhanced image content analysis

When these services are added, this policy will be updated with full details.

7. No Advertising or Tracking

Spark Search does not display advertisements, use analytics or tracking tools, share data with advertisers, build user profiles, or use cookies of any kind.

8. Parent Rights and Controls

Access Parent Settings

• Set a PIN to protect parent-only features
• View, export, or delete complete search history
• Delete individual searches or entire history at any time

Content Controls

• Add or remove words from the block list
• Adjust content filter sensitivity
• Enable or disable specific content types

9. Data Security

• Parent PINs are stored using encryption
• Local data is protected by device-level security
• All API communications use secure HTTPS connections
• No data is transmitted without explicit user action

10. Age Restrictions

Spark Search is designed for children ages 3–12. We recommend parents set up the app and Parent Settings before allowing use, and that young children (ages 3–6) use the app with supervision.

11. Compliance

Spark Search is designed to comply with:

• COPPA — Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
• GDPR — General Data Protection Regulation (EU users)
• Google Play Family Policies
• Apple App Store Guidelines (when iOS version launches)

12. Beta Testing

Spark Search is currently in beta testing. The app may contain bugs or incomplete features. We may collect anonymous crash reports to improve stability (opt-in only). Beta testers may be asked for feedback via email — no child data is ever shared. All privacy protections remain fully in effect during beta.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy as we add new features. Significant changes will be announced in the app, and parents will be notified before any data collection practices change.

14. Your Consent

By downloading and using Spark Search, you (the parent/guardian) consent to this Privacy Policy on behalf of your child. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the app.

Thank you for trusting Spark Search with your child's digital exploration! ✨