Data Collection
Symboloud is a communication app and web service that supports user-created content. We aim to minimise the collection of personal data, but some information may be collected, stored, or shared depending on how you use the app or website.
Data you enter
Symboloud allows you to create custom communication grids. These may include:
- Names, addresses, dates of birth, and other personal identifiers
- Photographs or images
- Health-related vocabulary or sensitive information
This content is stored on your device and is not accessed by Symboloud unless you actively choose to:
- Export your content to a service such as Dropbox, or
- Share it with the Symboloud community via our website
This is entirely optional and under your control.
Data we receive automatically
When you use the app or website, we may collect technical information, including:
- IP address and device type
- Operating system and browser version
- Time and duration of your visit
- Pages viewed and referring websites
This helps us improve performance, security, and usability.
We also use Google Analytics and crash reporting services (via Google Play) to understand how Symboloud is used and to address technical issues.
Data Use
Symboloud does not use personal data for profiling, advertising, or marketing. Our use of data is limited to supporting the core functionality of the app and website, and ensuring a safe, useful experience for all users.
Content shared with the community
If you choose to submit your communication grids or content to Symboloud for community sharing, we will review and moderate it before publication. Once approved, this content becomes publicly available for other Symboloud users to view and download.
Analytics and technical improvements
We use website and app analytics to help us understand how Symboloud is used, identify issues, and improve performance. This includes anonymised data such as page visits, device types, and crash reports.
User support
If you contact us for support, we may use your email address and any information you provide to respond to your query or resolve technical issues.
Legal basis for processing
We rely on two lawful bases under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR):
Legitimate interests – for analytics, service improvement, and technical support
Consent – when you choose to share your content with the Symboloud community
Data Sharing
We do not sell or trade user data. Any data sharing we undertake is limited, purposeful, and in support of the service we provide.
Third-party services
We use trusted third-party providers to operate parts of the Symboloud service:
- Google Analytics – to understand how our app and website are used
- Web hosting – our website is hosted by a provider based in Florida, USA
- Cloud storage – users may choose to export their grids to external services such as Dropbox or Google Drive
These providers may process data in countries outside the UK and European Economic Area (EEA). Where this occurs, we rely on standard contractual clauses or similar safeguards to protect your information.
Internal moderation
All content submitted to Symboloud for community sharing is reviewed by moderators who are part of the Symboloud team. No external parties are involved in this process.
User control
We do not share your content unless you choose to do so. When you opt to submit a grid for public sharing, you will be clearly informed and asked to confirm your choice. Shared content is reviewed before publication to ensure it is appropriate for the community.
User Rights
Symboloud does not require users to create accounts, and we do not store identifiable personal data. As a result, we are unable to link shared content to individual users or respond to requests for copies of personal data.
Data control and deletion
If you no longer wish to use Symboloud, you may delete the app from your device. All grids and user-created content are stored locally and under your control. Content submitted for public sharing is anonymised and cannot be removed once published.
Corrections and support
If you need to update contact information, such as a support email address you’ve previously provided, please contact us at:
Use by children
Symboloud is rated PEGI 3 and may be used by children, including in educational and therapeutic settings. Editing functions can be locked with a PIN, which we recommend be managed by a parent, carer, or clinician.
Please note that community-shared grids are not age-rated. While we moderate submissions, we cannot guarantee that all content is suitable for children. Responsibility for supervising downloaded content lies with the user.
Security and Storage
We take security seriously and aim to protect all content shared via Symboloud.
App storage
All user-created content is stored locally on your device within the app. If you choose to back up or export your grids, they are saved as files with a .symboloud extension. These files can be stored on your own device or shared to services like Dropbox or Google Drive, under your control.
Website storage
Any content you choose to submit for community sharing is stored securely on our web servers. Our website uses SSL encryption and is hosted in a secure environment with access limited to authorised members of the Symboloud team.
Shared content remains on the site indefinitely unless we remove it as part of moderation or maintenance. Users cannot remove content themselves once it is published.
Data breach
Because Symboloud does not store personal user data or account information, we do not currently operate a formal data breach notification process. However, we continue to review our practices to ensure they remain appropriate and secure.
Children’s Data
Symboloud is suitable for use by children and is rated PEGI 3 on Google Play. The app is designed to support communication and may be used in home, school, or clinical settings under the guidance of parents, carers, or professionals.
Local use
Symboloud does not collect or store personal data from children. All communication grids are stored locally on the device, and any information entered—such as names, photographs, or sensitive vocabulary—remains entirely under the control of the user and those managing the device.
Sharing and supervision
If a user submits content for community sharing, it becomes publicly available once approved. While we moderate shared content, we cannot guarantee that it will be age-appropriate. We recommend that parents, carers, or clinicians supervise any use of shared content, especially for children.
Parental controls
Editing features within Symboloud can be restricted using a PIN code. We encourage adults responsible for supporting a child to activate this feature to prevent accidental changes to grids or content.
Cookies and Tracking
Website cookies
The Symboloud website uses cookies to enhance functionality and monitor performance. By using the site, you consent to our use of cookies in line with this policy.
We use:
- Session cookies – these are temporary and help with navigation and functionality during your visit.
- Persistent cookies – these remain on your device for a set period to remember preferences or settings.
You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect how well parts of the site function.
Analytics
We use Google Analytics to understand how users interact with the website. This involves collecting anonymous information such as:
- Pages visited
- Time spent on each page
- Device type and location (region-level only)
This helps us improve the website and its content. Google may store this data on servers outside the UK or EEA. You can learn more about how Google handles this information in their privacy policy.
No tracking in the app
The Symboloud app itself does not use tracking cookies or behavioural advertising tools. Analytics for the app (e.g. crash reports) are handled by Google Play, in line with their platform standards.