I read this statement as a criticism for what this app cannot do in full. If so, does it also mean that you expect TTS to be a core functionality of any e-reader app? I don’t.
Also, what you’re saying here can’t work for this app because one of the core features as I see it is sync between devices. And internet connection is needed here.
I’m not sure you’re evaluating it as holistically as you could be here or at least looking at it/expecting it as well.
The app makes no claims/advertisements towards privacy, so on the basis of its evident priorities, I will not be voting for it. I would want the developer(s) to put privacy-related terms in their promotional material, e.g. their web copy, for me to investigate the product further.
I have an issue with an app saying it’s “local first” in its privacy policy, but doesn’t allow local first options that other E-Readers already allow.
My devices all support local TTS and plenty of e-readers, even proprietary non-privacy focused e-readers, support local TTS as an option as well.
Right now, I’m not convinced this is more private than even popular non-open e-readers like ReadEra, which work just fine even after toggling network access on GrapheneOS and setting up storage scopes. That app is even supports switching out the dictionary, translation, and web search to other local apps or URLs instead of the default Google services.
Cloud sync is still an optional feature. I don’t think cloud sync is private at all unless it’s E2EE. This same logic went into RSS reader recommendations. Local import/export is typically more private.
Their privacy policy honestly reads a little confusing to me:
We collect only the data necessary to deliver and improve your experience with our app and services. The types of information we may collect include:
- Usage Data: Details about how you interact with Readest, such as pages visited, time spent reading, search queries, and feature usage. This data is anonymized whenever possible.
What would a case be where data anonymization is not possible?
The policy also states:
Readest is a local-first app, meaning your data remains on your device by default. We do not store, share, or sell your data to third parties.
To my understanding this would mean by default, user data collection is off and opt-in. But then then it says:
- Opt-Out: You can opt out of usage analytics and telemetry through the app’s settings.
Which again states you can opt out. Though this is under Your Privacy Rights, so I guess this just states your right to opt-out even though that is the default?
Could someone with experience in interpreting privacy policies, share their opinion?