Privacy Policy — StudySnap AI
Last Updated: March 5, 2026
Arka AI (“we,” “our,” or “us”) operates the StudySnap AI mobile application (“the App”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our App.
1. Overview
StudySnap AI is an AI-powered homework help tool for students. You can photograph homework problems, type questions, or record lectures to receive step-by-step solutions, tutoring hints, essay feedback, and lecture summaries. To deliver these services, the App sends certain data to our backend server and third-party AI services. This policy explains what data is collected, who receives it, and how it is used.
2. Data We Collect
2.1 Data You Provide Directly
- •Photos: Images you capture or upload of homework problems for AI analysis.
- •Text input: Questions, essays, and other text you enter for AI processing.
- •Audio recordings: Lecture audio you record for transcription and summarization.
- •Profile information: Your name, grade level, and preferred subjects that you set during onboarding or in settings.
- •Sign in with Apple: If you choose to sign in, we receive only the name and email you authorize Apple to share.
2.2 Data Collected Automatically
- •Anonymous analytics: We use TelemetryDeck for privacy-friendly analytics. No personal data, device identifiers, or IP addresses are collected. Analytics include only aggregate usage patterns (e.g., feature popularity).
- •We do not collect location data, contacts, browsing history, or advertising identifiers.
- •We do not use cookies or third-party tracking SDKs.
3. How Your Data Is Used
3.1 AI-Powered Homework Help
When you snap a photo, type a question, submit an essay, or record a lecture, the App sends that content to our backend server hosted on Vercel. Our backend forwards the data to third-party AI services for processing.
Specifically:
- •The AI processes your content solely to generate solutions, hints, essay feedback, or lecture summaries.
- •Photos are immediately discarded after processing — they are never stored on our servers.
- •Audio recordings are transcribed and then discarded. Only the text transcript is processed by AI.
- •Your data is not used to train AI models.
3.2 Local Storage
- Your grade, subjects, question history, solutions, streak data, and preferences are stored locally on your device using CoreData.
- •Nothing personal is uploaded to our servers for storage.
- •You can delete all your data at any time from Settings > Privacy > Delete All Data.
3.3 Subscriptions
Subscription purchases are processed entirely by Apple through StoreKit. We do not collect or have access to your payment information, Apple ID, or billing details.
4. Third-Party Services
The App uses the following third-party services:
| Service | Provider | Purpose | Data Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| StudySnap Backend | Arka AI (hosted on Vercel) | Routes AI requests and processes homework solutions | Photos, text, audio transcripts |
| OpenRouter | OpenRouter, Inc. | API routing proxy for AI model access | Question text, extracted text from photos |
| Anthropic Claude | Anthropic, PBC | AI-powered solution generation and essay analysis | Question text, essay content, lecture transcripts |
| TelemetryDeck | TelemetryDeck GmbH | Privacy-friendly anonymous analytics | Aggregate usage patterns only (no personal data) |
These services receive your data only when you actively request a solution or use an AI feature. Data is transmitted securely over HTTPS. AI providers do not retain your data after processing.
5. AI Data Disclosure
StudySnap AI uses artificial intelligence to generate homework solutions, tutoring hints, essay feedback, and lecture summaries. Here is exactly how your data interacts with AI:
- •Photos and text you submit are sent to AI servers for processing. Photos are immediately discarded after the solution is generated.
- •Audio from lectures is sent for transcription, then discarded. Only the resulting text is analyzed by AI.
- •Data is not persistently stored on our servers or by AI providers after processing.
- •AI providers do not use your data for training. We use API configurations with data retention disabled.
- •AI-generated solutions may contain errors. Always verify important answers independently.
- •You can delete all locally stored history at any time from Settings.
6. Data Retention
- •On our servers: Photos, text, and audio are processed in memory and are not stored after processing is complete.
- •On your device: Question history, solutions, streak data, and preferences are stored locally on your device. This data is cleared when you use “Delete All Data” in Settings or uninstall the App.
- •Third-party services: AI providers (Anthropic) do not retain your data after processing the request, as we use API configurations with data retention disabled.
7. Data Security
- •Encryption in transit: All data transmitted between the App, our backend, and third-party services is encrypted using HTTPS (TLS 1.2 or later).
- •Device encryption: Data stored on your device is protected by iOS device-level encryption.
- •Photo security: Photos submitted for analysis are transmitted securely and are immediately discarded on our servers after processing.
- •No persistent storage: Homework data is processed in memory on our servers and discarded after the AI response is returned.
8. Your Rights and Choices
AI Data Consent
The App shows a Data Disclosure screen on first launch that explains exactly what data is collected and how it is used. You must acknowledge this before using AI features. You can review this information at any time from Settings > Privacy > AI & Your Data.
Camera and microphone access
The App requests camera access only when you use the Snap feature. Microphone access is requested only when you use the Lecture Listener. You can revoke these permissions at any time in iOS Settings.
Delete your data
You can delete all your locally stored data (question history, solutions, streak data, preferences) at any time from Settings > Privacy > Delete All Data. If you signed in with Apple, you can also delete your account entirely.
9. Children's Privacy (COPPA)
StudySnap AI is designed with student safety in mind. We implement the following protections:
- •Students in grades 1–7 (typically under 13) are automatically flagged as child-directed users.
- •Personalized advertising is disabled for all child-directed users.
- •Parent Dashboard features allow parents to set controls, monitor usage, and manage child profiles.
- •We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13 beyond what is necessary to provide the homework help service.
- •If you believe a child has provided personal data without appropriate consent, please contact us and we will delete any associated data.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected by the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Arka AI
privacy@arka-ai.com