Tend
Privacy Policy
Tend is designed to be private by default: your journal stays on your device unless you choose otherwise.
Short version
Tend does not collect analytics, crash reports, advertising identifiers, or usage data for the developer. There is no Tend account, no feed, and no ads. Your entries live on your device. Optional iCloud sync (iOS) or Google Drive backup (Android) uses your cloud account — not a Tend server.
Who we are
Tend is an independent app developed by Joshua Seprodi. Tend does not operate its own backend for storing journal content.
Contact for privacy questions: jseprodi@gmail.com
Information Tend stores on your device
Depending on how you use the app, Tend may store on your device:
| Data | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Journal entries (text, rich text, mood, tags, favorites, milestones, dates) | Core journaling |
| Photos, drawings, and voice recordings you attach | Attachments you add |
| Voice-note transcripts (when transcription succeeds) | Search and reading |
| App preferences (e.g. lock settings, text size, sync preference) | App behavior |
| App Lock / entry lock settings | Protect access on this device |
This data is stored locally using Apple frameworks (including SwiftData / on-device storage). Tend does not upload it to the developer.
Optional iCloud sync
If you enable sync in Settings (and restart as prompted), Tend may sync entry text and related organization data through Apple CloudKit into your iCloud account.
- Sync is off by default and under your control.
- Photo, drawing, and voice files currently remain on the device until attachment sync is available; treat Markdown export as a backup for important media if you need one.
- iCloud data is governed by Apple’s Privacy Policy and your Apple ID settings. Tend cannot read other users’ iCloud data and does not run a separate Tend cloud account for your journal.
You can turn sync off in Settings. Disabling sync does not automatically delete data already in your iCloud account; manage iCloud storage in your device Settings / Apple ID if needed.
Optional Google Drive backup (Android)
If you connect Google Drive and run Back up now, Tend may upload a ZIP archive of your journal (including attachments) into a Tend Backups folder in your Google Drive.
- Backup is off by default. Journaling never requires a Google account.
- Restore replaces local data on that device with the chosen backup.
- Drive data is governed by Google’s Privacy Policy and your Google Account settings.
- App Lock on the device does not encrypt the contents of Drive backups.
Permissions Tend may request
Tend only requests access when you use a feature that needs it:
| Permission | Why |
|---|---|
| Face ID / biometrics | Unlock App Lock or locked entries on this device (via Apple LocalAuthentication). Biometric data is not stored by Tend and is not sent to the developer. |
| Microphone | Record voice notes you attach to entries. |
| Speech recognition | Transcribe voice notes for search and display. Recognition is provided by Apple’s speech frameworks and may be processed according to Apple’s policies and your device settings. |
| Photo library | Attach photos you choose to entries. |
You can deny or revoke permissions in iOS Settings. Some features will not work without them.
What Tend does not collect
Tend does not:
- Require an account or login with the developer
- Sell or share personal data with third parties for advertising
- Embed advertising or tracking SDKs
- Send analytics, advertising IDs, or “phone home” telemetry to the developer
- Access your journal for support unless you voluntarily send information (for example in a bug report email)
If you contact support about a bug, you may choose to include device or system details; that is voluntary and only used to troubleshoot.
Export and sharing you initiate
If you use Export as Markdown, Tend creates a file on your device that you can share through the iOS share sheet (Files, Mail, etc.). Destinations you pick are under your control and their own privacy policies.
Children
Tend is a general-audience journaling app and is not directed at children under 13. Do not use Tend to collect personal information from children in a way that would violate applicable law (including COPPA where it applies).
Data retention and deletion
- On device: Delete entries in the app, or delete the app to remove Tend’s local data (subject to iOS backup behavior).
- iCloud (if sync was enabled): Data in your iCloud account is retained according to Apple’s systems until you delete it there or through Apple’s account tools.
- Exports: Copies you saved or shared elsewhere are under your control.
Tend does not maintain a developer-side copy of your journal to delete on request, because it does not host one.
Security
Tend uses platform protections (sandboxing, optional App Lock with device biometrics or a PIN you set, and optional locked/hidden entries). No method of storage is perfectly secure. You are responsible for your device passcode, Apple ID security, and who can unlock your phone.
Third-party services
When optional sync or Apple speech recognition is used, processing occurs under Apple’s terms and privacy practices. Tend does not sell data to third parties.
International users
Tend is published through the App Store. If you use iCloud, Apple may store or process data in regions Apple operates. See Apple’s documentation for iCloud and privacy.
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes in a material way, the “Last updated” date will be revised. Continued use of Tend after an update means you accept the revised policy. Significant changes may also be noted in the App Store “What’s New” text when practical.
Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy or Tend’s privacy practices:
Joshua Seprodi
Email:
jseprodi@gmail.com
This policy describes Tend’s product behavior. It is not legal advice.