Privacy Policy

Last Updated: August 26, 2024

ZNOWSOFT, LLC ("we," "us," or "our") operates the ZenStork desktop email client application ("App"). This Privacy Policy outlines our policies regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of information when you use our App.

1. Information We Collect

We are committed to user privacy and minimizing data collection. The information we collect depends on how you use the App.

a. Local-Only Use (Without a ZenCloud Account):

If you use the App without creating a ZenCloud account, all of your data, including email account credentials, email content, and application settings, is stored exclusively on your local device. We do not collect, transmit, or have access to any of this information.

b. ZenCloud Sync Service Use (Optional):

If you choose to create an optional ZenCloud account to use our Sync Service, we collect the following information:

  • Account Information: Your email address and a hashed version of your password.
  • Synced Data: To provide the Sync Service, we store an encrypted copy of your application settings and email account configurations on our servers. This includes:
    • IMAP/SMTP server details.
    • Encrypted authentication credentials (passwords or OAuth tokens).
    • UI preferences (e.g., theme, pane widths).
    • Signature and trusted sender configurations.

IMPORTANT: We NEVER store, process, transmit, or have access to the content of your emails (headers, body, or attachments). All email content is handled directly between the App on your device and your email provider's servers.

c. Application Updates and Analytics:

  • Update Checks: The App may contact our servers to check for available updates. This request may include your current App version and operating system type to provide the correct update package. This data is not linked to your personal identity.
  • Analytics: We may collect anonymous, aggregated usage data to help us improve the App's performance and features. This data is non-personal and cannot be used to identify you. You can opt-out of this data collection in the App's settings.

2. Google API Services User Data Policy Disclosure

ZenStork's use and transfer of information received from Google APIs will adhere to the Google API Services User Data Policy, including the Limited Use requirements. This section provides transparency on how ZenStork accesses, uses, stores, and shares Google user data when you connect your Google Account (e.g., Gmail) to the App.

a. Data Accessed

To provide its email client functionality, ZenStork requests access to the following types of Google user data:

  • Basic Profile Information: We access your name and email address (via userinfo.email and userinfo.profile scopes) to display your account information within the App.
  • Email Data: We access your email messages, including headers, body, and attachments (via the gmail.modify scope), to allow you to read, write, send, search, and manage your emails.

b. Data Usage

The Google user data accessed by ZenStork is used exclusively to provide and improve the core user-facing features of the email client. This includes:

  • Fetching, displaying, and caching your emails for online and offline access.
  • Allowing you to compose, send, reply to, forward, and delete emails.
  • Searching through your email content locally on your device.
  • Organizing emails with labels, folders, or other management features.

We do not use your Google user data, especially the content of your emails, for any other purpose, such as advertising, marketing, or data analysis. We do not train machine learning models on your email data. Access is limited to providing the direct functionality of the email client as described.

c. Data Sharing

We do not share any of your Google user data with any third parties. All email data is processed directly between the ZenStork App on your device and Google's servers. Our optional ZenCloud Sync service is used only for application settings and does not access, store, or transmit your email content.

d. Data Storage & Protection

ZenStork is a local-first application. Your Google user data is stored securely on your local device as follows:

  • Authentication Tokens: OAuth2 tokens, which grant the App access to your Google Account, are stored encrypted in your operating system's secure credential storage (e.g., macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Manager).
  • Email Content: Your emails and attachments are cached on your local device's file system to provide fast access and offline functionality. This local cache is protected by your operating system's standard file permissions.

All communication between the ZenStork App and Google's servers is encrypted in transit using Transport Layer Security (TLS). We do not store any of your Google email data on our own servers.

e. Data Retention & Deletion

You have full control over your Google user data within ZenStork.

  • Data Retention: Data is retained on your local device as long as you keep your Google account connected to the App.
  • Data Deletion: You can delete your Google user data from the App at any time by removing your Google account from the ZenStork settings. This action will permanently delete all associated locally cached emails, attachments, and authentication tokens from your device.
  • Revoking Access: You can also revoke ZenStork's access to your Google Account at any time from your Google Account permissions page. This will prevent the App from accessing any further data.

For any questions or requests regarding your data, you can contact us at privacy@zenstork.app.

3. How We Use Your Information

  • To Provide and Maintain the App: To allow the App to function on your device.
  • To Provide the Sync Service: To back up and synchronize your settings across your devices if you opt-in.
  • To Improve Our App: To understand how our users interact with the App and to identify areas for improvement.
  • To Provide Updates: To notify you of and deliver application updates.
  • To Communicate With You: We may use your email address (if you create a ZenCloud account) to send you important information about your account or the service, such as security notices or updates to our policies.

4. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information. Your ZenCloud account password is a one-way hash, meaning we cannot read it. All data transmitted to and stored on our Sync Service servers is encrypted both in transit (using TLS) and at rest.

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

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may disclose your information only in the following situations:

  • With Service Providers: We may employ third-party companies (e.g., hosting providers) to facilitate our service. These third parties have access to your information only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
  • To Comply with Laws: We will disclose your information where required to do so by law or subpoena or if we believe that such action is necessary to comply with the law and the reasonable requests of law enforcement or to protect the security or integrity of our service.

6. Your Data Rights

You have the right to access, update, or delete the information we have on you. If you have a ZenCloud account, you can manage your settings and delete your account from within the App. Deleting your ZenCloud account will permanently remove your synced settings from our servers.

7. Children's Privacy

Our service does not address anyone under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you are aware that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@zenstork.app.