SceneSync is being released as a direct Android Package Kit (APK) download instead of through Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Why Direct Distribution?

App store content policies are strict. Both Google Play and Apple’s App Store prohibit sexually explicit or pornographic content. While educational apps focused on safety and consent may be approved with careful moderation, policies are restrictive and enforcement can be unpredictable.

By distributing directly:

• Faster updates. No waiting for app store review cycles. Updates are available immediately when we release them.
• No store review risk. The app can include frank, community-appropriate language about kink practices without risking removal for terminology.
• Development freedom. We can iterate based on user feedback without navigating store policy interpretations.

What This Means for Privacy

App store marketplace tracking is avoided. When you install from our website instead of Google Play, Google doesn’t track:

• Your Play Store app browsing behavior
• Which apps you view or download from the store
• Play Store ratings or reviews you submit
• Installation patterns tied to your Play Store account

However, Android device-level protections still apply. Google Play Protect scans all apps on your device, including those installed from sources outside the Play Store. This is a security feature that helps protect against malware.

No advertising or cross-app tracking. SceneSync doesn’t include third-party advertising frameworks or cross-app tracking SDKs.

Understanding the Backend: Firebase & Google Cloud

SceneSync uses Firebase (Google Cloud Platform) for all backend infrastructure. This includes:

• User authentication and account management
• Secure cloud storage for scene plans and reflections
• Database operations and real-time syncing
• AI feedback processing (via Llama API, proxied through Firebase Functions)

What This Means for Your Data

For most Firebase services, Google acts as a data processor under GDPR and CCPA regulations. This means:

• Google processes your data to provide the app’s services (authentication, database, storage, functions)
• Google Cloud does not sell your personal information
• Data is encrypted in transit (TLS) and at rest by Google Cloud infrastructure
• Access to your data is restricted by Firestore Security Rules and Firebase App Check to ensure only you can read your own scene plans and reflections

Important clarification: Some Firebase services (like Analytics and certain operational logging) have data controller aspects where Google may use aggregated, anonymized data to improve Firebase services.

Privacy advantage of direct APK distribution: 

You avoid the Google Play marketplace layer (store browsing, installation tracking, reviews), but all app functionality runs through Firebase (Google Cloud infrastructure). Your privacy is protected by Firebase’s data processing agreements and security measures, not by avoiding Google.