Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 15, 2026 | Last Updated: March 17, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how ReadTone ("ReadTone," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares your information when you use our website, browser extension, and related services (collectively, the "Service").

1. Who We Are

ReadTone is an AI-powered Text-to-Speech (TTS) web application that converts written text into natural-sounding audio. We provide subscription-based access to 50+ premium voices across 8 languages, multiple audio formats, and commercial usage rights for content creation, accessibility, education, and productivity.

For any privacy-related questions: [email protected]

2. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• The ReadTone website and web app at readtone.com
• The ReadTone browser extension for Chrome and Edge
• Support communications

3. What Data We Collect

a. Account & Profile Data

• Email address
• Name (if provided)
• Authentication identifiers (e.g., Google OAuth)
• Password (stored in hashed form — never readable by us)

b. Subscription & Billing Data

All payments are processed by Paddle.com, our Merchant of Record. Paddle handles all billing details including invoices, taxes, chargebacks, and transaction records. We receive only limited subscription metadata such as your plan type, status, and renewal date. Your full payment details are never stored by ReadTone.

c. Usage & Technical Data

• IP address
• Device and browser information
• Timestamps and basic usage events (sign-in, errors)
• Security and abuse-prevention signals

d. Text-to-Speech Input

We process the text you submit solely to generate audio output. We do not store your text history or generated audio files. All text is processed transiently during your session only.

e. Data Collected by the Browser Extension

When you use the ReadTone browser extension, we may collect the following additional data:

• Selected text or page content from the active tab, only when you explicitly initiate a text-to-speech action (e.g., clicking the extension icon, using the context menu, or pressing a keyboard shortcut)
• Extension preferences and settings stored locally on your device via the Chrome Storage API

The extension does not collect browsing history, monitor background activity, or access any tab content without your direct action. Text accessed from the active tab is transmitted securely (via HTTPS) to our servers solely for the purpose of generating audio output, and is not stored after the session ends.

f. Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how the Service is used in aggregate and to improve the product. Analytics may use cookies or similar technologies depending on your device, settings, and region.

4. How We Use Your Data

• To provide, operate, and maintain the Service
• To manage your account and subscription access
• To process billing and payments through Paddle
• To provide customer support
• To monitor for security threats, fraud, and abuse
• To analyze usage and improve the Service
• To comply with applicable legal obligations

5. How We Share Your Data

We only share personal data as strictly necessary:

• Paddle — our Merchant of Record, handles all payments, subscriptions, taxes, and chargebacks
• Google Analytics — receives usage signals to provide aggregated reports
• Hosting & Infrastructure Providers — process data on our behalf under contract
• Legal & Safety — we may disclose data if required by applicable law or to protect our users and rights

We do not sell your personal data to any third party.

6. EU-Based Data Processing

By default, API requests are processed by servers located around the world. If you require your data to be processed exclusively within the European Union, you can use our dedicated EU endpoint:

• Standard endpoint: api.readtone.com
• EU-only endpoint: eu-api.readtone.com

Using the EU endpoint ensures all data processing occurs within EU borders. Please note that EU-based processing incurs a 20% surcharge on your subscription plan.

Where GDPR applies, international transfers via our standard endpoint rely on recognized safeguards such as EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

7. Service Features & Limitations

a. Text Highlighting

ReadTone offers word-level text highlighting that synchronizes on-screen text with audio playback. This feature is available on all plans including the Free Plan. Current limitation:

• Text highlighting is supported for English only (en-US and en-GB)
• For all other supported languages (Spanish, French, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Italian, Portuguese), text highlighting is not yet available
• We are working to extend this to all languages — no exact timeline is available at this time

b. Speed Reading

Adjustable playback speed is available on paid plans only (Basic and Plus). This feature is not included in the Free Plan.

c. Browser Extension

The ReadTone browser extension for Chrome and Edge allows you to read selected text on any web page. By default, the extension reads selected text only and will only access full-page content when you explicitly enable that option. Extension data practices match this Privacy Policy and comply with Chrome Web Store requirements.

8. Cookies & Analytics

We use cookies for essential functionality (login, session management) and analytics (Google Analytics). Where required by applicable law, we will request your consent before placing non-essential cookies. See our Cookie Policy for full details.

9. Data Retention

• Account data: retained while your account is active
• Security and server logs: retained for 7 days, then deleted or anonymized
• Billing and transaction records: retained by Paddle as required for payment, tax, and compliance
• Extension settings: stored locally on your device and deleted when you uninstall the extension

If you request account deletion, your ReadTone account data is deleted immediately. Some records may be retained by Paddle where required for billing or dispute resolution.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict processing of, or request portability of your personal data. To exercise any of these rights, email [email protected] from your registered account email address.

11. Children

The Service is not intended for children under 13 (or the applicable minimum age in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

12. Security

We apply reasonable safeguards including access controls and encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) to protect your personal data. All data transmitted between the browser extension and our servers is encrypted using modern cryptography. No system is completely secure, but we take data protection seriously and review our practices regularly.

13. Browser Extension Permissions

The ReadTone browser extension requests only the minimum permissions necessary to provide its text-to-speech functionality:

• activeTab — Allows the extension to read selected text or page content from the tab you are currently viewing, only when you explicitly initiate a text-to-speech action. This permission does not grant the extension persistent or background access to any website.
• tts — Allows the extension to use the browser's built-in text-to-speech engine for audio playback.
• storage — Allows the extension to save your preferences and settings (such as voice selection, playback speed, and language) locally on your device.
• identity — Allows the extension to authenticate your ReadTone account via Google OAuth so you can access your subscription and preferences.

We do not request permissions beyond what is required for the features described above. The extension does not collect or access web browsing activity, browsing history, or data from tabs you have not actively interacted with.

14. Chrome Web Store Compliance & Limited Use Disclosure

The use of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Chrome Web Store User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

ReadTone's use and transfer to any other app of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements.

Specifically, ReadTone:

• Uses data obtained through Chrome extension permissions and Google APIs solely to provide and improve the text-to-speech functionality described in this policy and on the Chrome Web Store listing
• Does not transfer user data to third parties except as necessary to provide the Service, as required by law, or as part of a merger or acquisition with explicit prior user consent
• Does not use or transfer user data for serving advertisements, including retargeting, personalized, or interest-based advertising
• Does not allow humans to read user data unless the user has provided affirmative consent, it is necessary for security purposes, it is aggregated and anonymized for internal operations, or it is required by law
• Does not sell user data to data brokers, information resellers, or any third party
• Does not use user data for creditworthiness or lending purposes

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version and revise the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Service after an update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

16. Contact

Email: [email protected]