TurtleHurdle is designed for families. We do not collect personal data from children, we do not sell data to third parties, and our core video generation tool requires no account.
1. Information We Collect
We collect only the minimum information necessary to provide our service:
- Text you submit: When you use the video generation tool, the text you paste is sent to our servers to generate your reading video. We do not store this text after your video has been created.
- Account information (registered users): If you create a free account, we collect your email address and a password hash. We do not collect your name, phone number, or payment information.
- Usage data: We collect standard server logs including your IP address, browser type, and pages visited. This is used for security and performance monitoring only.
- YouTube connection (optional): If you choose to connect your YouTube channel, we request a temporary access token to upload videos on your behalf. We do not store this token after your session ends.
2. Information We Do Not Collect
- We do not collect personal information from children under 13.
- We do not collect payment or financial information.
- We do not collect your name unless you provide it voluntarily.
- We do not track you across other websites.
- We do not store the text content of your reading passages after video generation is complete.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Generate your reading fluency video using Amazon Polly voice synthesis
- Provide you with a download link for your video
- Upload your video to YouTube when you explicitly request this
- Send you account-related emails (password reset, etc.) if you have an account
- Monitor and improve the performance and security of our service
4. Third-Party Services
TurtleHurdle uses the following third-party services to operate:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): Our video generation infrastructure runs on AWS. Text you submit is processed by AWS Lambda and Amazon Polly (voice synthesis). Videos are temporarily stored in AWS S3. AWS is GDPR compliant. See AWS Privacy Policy.
- Google / YouTube: If you connect your YouTube channel, your video is uploaded via the YouTube Data API. This connection is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy and YouTube’s Terms of Service.
- Google AdSense: We display advertisements provided by Google AdSense. Google may use cookies to serve ads based on your visits to this and other websites. You can opt out at Google Ad Settings.
- Cloudflare: We use Cloudflare for DNS and content delivery. See Cloudflare Privacy Policy.
5. Data Retention
- Generated videos: Videos stored on our servers are automatically deleted after 7 days.
- Job status files: Temporary processing files are deleted after 2 days.
- Account data: Retained until you delete your account.
- Server logs: Retained for 30 days for security purposes.
6. Children’s Privacy (COPPA)
TurtleHurdle is a tool designed for use by parents and teachers on behalf of children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. The tool is operated by adults — parents, caregivers, and educators — not by the children themselves.
If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us at [email protected] and we will delete it promptly.
7. Cookies
We use minimal cookies necessary to operate the service, including session cookies for logged-in users. Google AdSense may set additional cookies for advertising purposes. You can control cookie settings through your browser.
8. Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to processing of your data
- Data portability
To exercise any of these rights, email us at [email protected].
9. Security
We use industry-standard security measures including HTTPS encryption, AWS security controls, and secure credential storage. No method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, but we take reasonable precautions to protect your information.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify registered users of material changes by email. Continued use of TurtleHurdle after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: