Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 6, 2025

EK Institute ("we," "us," or "our") operates the Misophonia Podcast App (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you use our App. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

1. Information Collection and Use

No Account Required

The App does not require you to create an account, register, or provide any personally identifiable information to use its features. You can download and use the App completely anonymously.

Data Stored Locally on Your Device

All personal data you create within the App is stored locally on your device and does not leave your device unless you explicitly choose to export or share it. This includes:

  • Experience logs and tracking data
  • Saved sound therapy scenes
  • Accommodation letters you generate
  • Podcast playback history and preferences
  • Audio equalizer settings
  • App settings and preferences

We do not have access to this data, and it is not transmitted to our servers or any third parties unless you explicitly take action to export or share it.

Anonymous Usage Analytics

We collect limited, anonymous usage analytics to help us understand how the App is being used and to improve its functionality. This analytics data is completely anonymous and cannot be used to identify you personally. The information we collect includes:

  • App features accessed and frequency of use
  • Device type and operating system version
  • App version number
  • General geographic region (country or state level only)
  • Crash reports and error logs
  • Session duration and engagement metrics

This anonymous data helps us identify technical issues, understand which features are most valuable to users, and make informed decisions about future development. We do not collect any personally identifiable information through these analytics.

Podcast Content

Episode metadata and descriptions are fetched from our content delivery system (Supabase) to display information about podcast episodes. This connection is necessary for the podcast functionality to work but does not involve the transmission of any personal data. We do not track which specific episodes you listen to or your listening behavior.

Banner System

The App may display informational banners about new features, community updates, or special events. When the App checks for current banners, it sends a request that includes only anonymous technical information necessary for the system to function (such as app version). Your dismissal of banners is stored locally on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.

2. Information You Choose to Share

Support Messages

If you contact us through the App's support feature, you may choose to provide information such as your email address, description of an issue, or other details you include in your message. We use this information solely to respond to your inquiry and provide support. We do not use this information for marketing purposes or share it with third parties.

Exported Data

The App allows you to export your experience logs, accommodation letters, and other content you create. When you choose to export data, you control where it goes (email, files app, etc.). We do not receive copies of exported data unless you explicitly send it to us through a support message.

Giveaway Entries

If you choose to participate in promotional giveaways through the App, we may collect limited information necessary to verify your entry and contact winners. This information is collected only when you explicitly opt in to participate in a specific giveaway and is used solely for that purpose. Participation is entirely voluntary.

3. Third-Party Services

External Links and Resources

The App contains links to third-party websites and services, including crisis hotlines, legal resources, and research materials. When you access these external links, you leave the App and are subject to the privacy policies of those third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites and services.

Podcast Content Delivery

Podcast audio files are hosted and delivered by third-party podcast hosting services. When you stream or download podcast episodes, your device connects directly to these services. We do not control and are not responsible for the privacy practices of these podcast hosting platforms.

Analytics Services

We use third-party analytics services to collect and analyze the anonymous usage data described above. These services may use cookies, device identifiers, and similar technologies, but they do not collect personally identifiable information. We work only with analytics providers that respect user privacy and allow for anonymous data collection.

4. Data Security

We take the security of your information seriously. Since most of your data remains on your device, you maintain primary control over its security. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect any data that is transmitted to our servers (such as support messages or analytics data), including:

  • Encryption of data in transit using industry-standard protocols
  • Secure server infrastructure with regular security updates
  • Limited access to any data we collect, restricted to authorized personnel only
  • Regular security assessments and monitoring

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

5. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for use by children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

6. Your Privacy Rights

Data Control

Since your data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control over it. You can:

  • Delete any or all of your data through the App's interface
  • Export your data at any time
  • Uninstall the App, which will remove all locally stored data from your device

Opting Out of Analytics

If you wish to opt out of anonymous usage analytics, you can do so through your device's settings by limiting ad tracking or disabling analytics for the App. The specific method varies by device and operating system. Note that opting out of analytics does not affect your ability to use any features of the App.

California Privacy Rights

If you are a California resident, you have certain rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). However, because we do not collect personally identifiable information through normal use of the App, most CCPA provisions do not apply. If you have sent us a support message or otherwise provided personal information voluntarily, you may request information about the categories of personal information we have collected and how we use it by contacting us.

European Privacy Rights

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Because we do not collect personally identifiable information through normal use of the App, we do not act as a data controller for your personal data. Any personal data you choose to share with us (such as through support messages) is processed lawfully, and you have the right to request access, correction, or deletion of such data by contacting us.

7. Data Retention

Data stored on your device remains there until you choose to delete it or uninstall the App. Any support messages or other information you voluntarily provide to us will be retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected (such as responding to your support inquiry) and then securely deleted. Anonymous analytics data may be retained indefinitely as it cannot be linked back to any individual user.

8. International Data Transfers

The App is operated in the United States. If you are accessing the App from outside the United States, please be aware that any information transmitted to our servers (such as support messages or anonymous analytics) may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of information to the United States.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the App after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through the support features in the App or via the contact information provided on our website at ekinstitute.org.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices. The Misophonia Podcast App is designed with privacy in mind, keeping your personal data on your device and collecting only anonymous, non-identifiable information to improve the App experience.