1. Introduction
Vael is designed with privacy as a core principle. It is a local-first journaling app intended to work without creating a Vael account, and it is built to keep sensitive personal writing under your control.
2. No Data Collection
Vael does not include third-party analytics, advertising, tracking, or a Vael-operated data collection system for your journal content. Vael does not create a user profile for advertising purposes and does not sell personal data.
3. Your Data
Journal entries are stored locally on your device by default. Vael does not send your journal content to external Vael servers. You keep control of what you write, what you delete, and what you choose to export or sync through Apple services.
4. Data Backup & Export
Vael can export entries as Markdown files bundled in a ZIP archive. Backup files are created locally, and you choose where those files are stored. If you save backups to iCloud Drive or another storage provider, that storage is handled under the policies and terms of the provider you choose.
5. iCloud Sync (Optional)
Vael offers optional iCloud sync through Apple CloudKit. This feature is controlled by you and can be enabled or disabled in the app. When enabled, data handled through iCloud is processed by Apple under Apple’s own terms and privacy policies, not by Vael-operated servers.
6. Location (Optional)
If you grant location access, Vael uses it only for moon-related calculations such as moonrise and moonset. Vael’s current design is to use that information locally for app features. Vael does not use location for advertising, tracking, or profile building.
7. On-Device AI (Apple Intelligence)
Vael’s Apple Intelligence features are optional and currently limited to supported, on-device summary tools. Vael does not send Apple Intelligence content to its own servers. These features rely on Apple platform capabilities, and Apple may handle related processing under its own policies and terms.
8. Data Security
Vael is built with reasonable care, but no app can guarantee absolute security or permanent availability. You are responsible for maintaining your own backups and for protecting access to your devices and storage accounts.
9. Changes to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be updated as Vael changes. When that happens, the version number and last-updated date on this page will be revised. Continued use of the app after an update means you accept the revised policy.
10. Contact
Questions about this policy can be sent to: privacy@vaeljournal.com