Privacy Policy

Last updated: 3rd April 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how The Vine (“we”, “the app”) handles your information.

1. Information We Collect

The Vine collects the following information:

• Your first and last name, entered voluntarily when you first open the app. This is stored locally on your device only and is never transmitted to any server.
• Your approximate location, requested only to provide the weather feature. Your location is sent to The Vine server solely to retrieve a local weather forecast. It is not stored, logged, or used for any other purpose. Location is only requested if you grant permission, and only used if you are in the United Kingdom.
• Anonymous usage interaction data, including which stories and articles you open, which section of the app you were browsing (e.g. Top Stories, Football), and a temporary anonymous session identifier. This data is transmitted to the The Vine server when you use the app.

2. Session Identifiers

When you open the app, a random anonymous session ID is generated. This ID exists only for the duration of that session and is not stored on your device. It cannot be used to identify you and is not linked to your name or any other personal information. It is used solely to avoid counting the same interaction multiple times within a single session.

3. How We Use This Information

• Your name is used solely to personalise the greeting displayed within the app (e.g. “Hello, [Name]”).
• Your location is used solely to fetch a weather forecast for your area. It is not stored or shared.
• Anonymous interaction data is used to understand which stories are popular across users of the app, in order to improve and personalise the service over time (for example, to power a “Popular Stories” feature).

We do not use this data for advertising, profiling, or any purpose other than improving The Vine service.

4. Information We Do Not Collect

The Vine does not collect:

• Device identifiers (e.g. IMEI, advertising ID)
• Any information that could personally identify you

There are no accounts and no sign-in.

5. Third-Party Services

The Vine uses the following third-party services:

• Apple WeatherKit — used to retrieve weather forecasts. Your approximate coordinates are sent to Apple’s WeatherKit API to fetch local weather data. Apple’s Privacy Policy applies to this processing.
• OpenAI — used to generate news summaries. Article text from public RSS feeds is processed via OpenAI’s API. This processing occurs on the server, not on your device. OpenAI’s Privacy Policy applies to this processing.
• Firebase (Google) — used for app integrity verification (Firebase App Check), anonymous crash reporting (Firebase Crashlytics), and anonymous usage analytics (Firebase Analytics). Crashlytics may collect device state and anonymised crash data if the app encounters an error. Firebase Analytics collects anonymous app usage events such as which stories are opened and searched. No personally identifiable information is collected. Google’s Privacy Policy applies to this processing.

When you open an article within the app, you are directed to the original publisher’s website. Those websites operate under their own privacy policies and may set cookies or collect data independently of The Vine.

6. Data Storage and Retention

Your name is stored on your device in local app storage and is not backed up or shared. You can delete it at any time by clearing the app’s data in your device settings.

Anonymous interaction data is stored on The Vine server and is automatically deleted after 90 days.

Your location is never stored — it is used in real time to fetch weather data and then discarded.

7. Children’s Privacy

The Vine is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

8. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. When updates occur, the revised policy will be made available within the app and at thevineapp.ai/privacy. Continued use of the app after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

Email: hello@thevineapp.ai