Explore Learning with AI Assistance

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 25, 2025 Last Updated: November 25, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to ButWhy Learning ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting the privacy and safety of children who use our educational app. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use the ButWhy Learning mobile application.

Important: ButWhy Learning is designed for children and complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without verifiable parental consent.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Child Profile Information• Child's first name or nickname (for personalization) • Age range (to provide age-appropriate content) • Learning preferences and interests • Content filter settings set by parents

2.2 Learning Activity Data• Questions asked by the child • Educational conversations and interactions • Learning progress and achievements • Time spent in different learning categories • Geographic locations explored in the Geography Explorer feature

2.3 Audio Data• Voice recordings when using speech-to-text features • Audio is processed temporarily and not permanently stored • Voice data is used only to convert speech to text for educational interactions

2.4 Technical Information• Device type and operating system version • App usage analytics (crash reports, performance data) • Error logs for improving app functionality

3. How We Use Information

We use the collected information solely for educational purposes: • Providing personalized, age-appropriate educational content • Tracking learning progress and achievements • Enabling voice-based interactions with our AI learning companion • Allowing parents to monitor their child's learning journey • Improving our educational algorithms and content • Ensuring content safety through our filtering systems

4. AI and Educational Content

ButWhy Learning uses artificial intelligence (AI) to power educational conversations: • AI responses are filtered to ensure age-appropriate, educational content • Conversations are designed to encourage learning and curiosity • Content is aligned with educational standards and developmental milestones • Parents can review all conversations through the parent dashboard • We do not use child data to train general AI models

5. Data Storage and Security

• All data is stored securely using industry-standard encryption • Data is stored on secure servers with appropriate access controls • Voice recordings are processed temporarily and deleted after conversion to text • We regularly review and update our security practices • Access to child data is limited to authorized personnel only

6. Parental Rights and Controls

Parents and guardians have full control over their child's data and app experience: • View all conversations and learning activities through the parent dashboard • Set content filters and age-appropriate restrictions • Request deletion of all child data at any time • Export learning progress and conversation history • Modify or delete the child's profile information • Control audio recording permissions

7. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or share personal information about children. We may disclose information only in the following limited circumstances: • With parental consent for specific educational purposes • To protect the safety and security of our users • To comply with legal obligations or court orders • With service providers who help operate our app (under strict confidentiality agreements)

8. Third-Party Services

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR PARENTS: ButWhy Learning uses third-party artificial intelligence services to provide educational content. This section explains exactly what data is shared with these services.

8.1 OpenAI Services (ChatGPT and Whisper)We use OpenAI's services for educational content generation and speech processing: • ChatGPT: Educational questions are sent to OpenAI's ChatGPT service to generate age-appropriate educational responses. Questions are sent anonymously without the child's name or age. • Whisper (Speech-to-Text): Voice recordings are temporarily sent to OpenAI's Whisper service to convert speech to text. Audio files are processed and not stored by OpenAI. • Text-to-Speech: Educational responses are sent to OpenAI's text-to-speech service to create audio responses. This includes response text but NOT the child's name or personal information.

8.2 Data Anonymization for Third PartiesTo protect your child's privacy, we have implemented the following safeguards: • Child names are NOT sent to any third-party AI services • Personal identifiers are NOT sent to third-party AI services • Questions and educational content are sent anonymously • Personalization (like using the child's name) happens after receiving the AI response on your device • Audio recordings are processed temporarily and immediately deleted

8.3 Anonymous User ID SystemTo provide personalized learning experiences while protecting privacy: • We generate anonymous user IDs that contain no personal information • These IDs allow us to track learning progress without storing child names • Anonymous IDs cannot be linked back to any personal information • All backend services use only these anonymous identifiers

8.4 Third-Party Data Processing Agreements• OpenAI has contractual commitments not to use data for training their models when accessed through their API • All third-party services are required to maintain appropriate safeguards for children's data • We do not use any third-party analytics or advertising services that receive child data • No personally identifiable information is shared with third parties for advertising purposes

8.5 Alternative OptionsParents who prefer not to use third-party AI services can: • Use text input instead of voice input to avoid speech processing • Access the app's built-in educational content that doesn't require AI processing • Review all conversations through the parent dashboard

9. Data Retention

• Learning progress data is retained to track educational development • Voice recordings are deleted immediately after speech-to-text conversion • Parents can request deletion of all child data at any time • Data is automatically deleted if the app is not used for 2 years • Upon account deletion, all associated data is permanently removed within 30 days

10. International Data Transfers

If you use ButWhy Learning outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify parents of any material changes by email or through the app interface. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: iggy@butwhylearning.com Phone: (530) 598-1229 Address: Venice, CA 90291 Response Time: We will respond to privacy inquiries within 48 hours

13. COPPA Compliance Statement

ButWhy Learning complies with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). We: • Do not collect personal information from children without parental awareness • Provide parents with tools to review and control their child's information • Do not require children to provide more information than necessary for educational activities • Take reasonable steps to ensure the confidentiality and security of children's information

This Privacy Policy was last updated on November 25, 2025. By using ButWhy Learning, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.