Privacy Policy for Éist
Last updated: March 15, 2026
Overview
Éist ("we", "our", or "the app") is an audiobook reader application that converts ebooks (EPUB, PDF) to audiobooks using AI-powered text-to-speech technology. This privacy policy explains how we handle your information. Éist is governed by Irish law (GDPR compliant).
Data Collection
Data We Do NOT Collect
- No personal information: We do not collect names, emails, or account information
- No advertising data: We do not collect data for advertising purposes
- No location data: We do not access your location
- No book content: We never transmit your book files, titles, or reading content to our servers
Data Stored Locally on Your Device
The following data is stored only on your device and is never transmitted to external servers:
- Your books: Ebook files you import (EPUB, PDF) are stored in app storage
- Reading progress: Bookmarks, chapter positions, and playback state
- App settings: Voice preferences, playback speed, theme settings
- Downloaded voice models: AI voice models for offline text-to-speech
Anonymous Usage Analytics (PostHog)
To improve the app, we collect anonymous usage analytics via PostHog. This helps us understand which features are used and fix bugs.
What we collect:
- A random stable identifier generated locally on install (never linked to personal data)
- Device model, manufacturer, and Android SDK version
- Events: app opens, books imported/deleted, playback started/paused, chapters completed, voice/speed changes, subscription actions, voice downloads
- Screen views within the app
What we do NOT collect: Book titles, content, reading progress, or any personal identifiers. Data is retained for approximately 1 year.
Opt out: You can disable analytics anytime in Settings → Privacy. This also disables crash reports (see below).
Crash Reports (Sentry)
We use Sentry to automatically track app crashes and performance issues. This helps us fix bugs faster.
What Sentry collects on crash:
- Device type and Android OS version
- App version and error stack trace
- Recent in-app events (breadcrumbs) before the crash
- Performance samples: 10% of performance transactions are monitored
What we do NOT collect: Book content, personal data, or screenshots. Opt-out in Settings → Privacy disables all Sentry reporting.
Network Usage
Éist uses internet connectivity for:
- Voice model downloads: One-time download of AI voice models from our servers
- Free book discovery: Browsing public domain books (e.g., Project Gutenberg)
- Book metadata lookup: Fetching book covers and descriptions from Google Books API
All synthesis and playback happens entirely offline on your device after voice models are downloaded.
Permissions Explained
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Internet | Download voice models and fetch book metadata |
| Storage | Save your books and voice models |
| Wake Lock | Keep playback running with screen off |
| Foreground Service | Background audio playback |
| Notifications | Media playback controls and progress |
| Vibrate | Haptic feedback for controls |
Third-Party Services
Google Books API
We use Google Books API to fetch book metadata (titles, covers, descriptions) based on the books you import. Google's privacy policy applies to this service: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Project Gutenberg
We provide access to free public domain books from Project Gutenberg. Their terms apply: https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/terms_of_use.html
Data Security
- All your data remains on your device
- We do not have servers that store your personal information
- Book files and settings are stored in the app's private storage area
Children's Privacy
Éist does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. The app is designed for general audiences to read and listen to books.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.
Legal Basis (GDPR)
We process analytics and crash data under the legal basis of legitimate interest — improving app stability and user experience. You have the right to object to this processing at any time by disabling analytics in Settings → Privacy.
Your Data Rights (GDPR)
Under GDPR, residents of Ireland and the EU have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
- Erasure: Request deletion of your data (except where legally required to retain it)
- Portability: Request your data in a portable, machine-readable format
- Object: Opt out of analytics processing by disabling it in the app
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@eist.app. We will respond within 30 days.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at: privacy@eist.app
Éist is an offline-first audiobook reader. Your books, your device, your privacy.