Tech Assistant for Blind is dedicated to delivering accessible and innovative assistive technology solutions tailored for individuals with visual impairments. Our mission is to empower users with tools that enhance their ability to navigate the world with confidence and autonomy. This policy delineates our methodology in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) within our services and underscores our steadfast commitment to safeguarding user data privacy and security.
1. Introduction
This policy outlines Tech Assistant for Blind's practices regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of user data in connection with our AI-powered tools. We are committed to transparency and user empowerment, ensuring that our users understand how their data is handled and have control over their privacy.
2. AI-Powered Tools
Tech Assistant for Blind integrates AI to augment accessibility for visually impaired individuals. We are committed to researching and deploying AI-powered technologies responsibly, adhering to rigorous safety standards and implementing robust blocking mechanisms, to ensure a secure environment for our users and the AI systems.
3. Data Collection and Retention
We collect user-provided data, including photographs, audio files, videos, and text (questions), to enable the functionality of our AI-powered tools. Our data retention practices are guided by the following principles:
- Purpose Limitation: We collect and retain data only for the specific purposes outlined in this policy and for the duration necessary to fulfill those purposes.
- Data Minimization: We collect only the data that is essential for providing our services and avoid collecting unnecessary or excessive information.
- Accuracy: We strive to ensure that the data we collect is accurate, complete, and up-to-date.
- Security: We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
4. Data Retention Guidelines
4.1 Images:
- User-provided images are deleted from our storage immediately after processing, except in specific circumstances outlined below.
- All images undergo automated safety checks using a hate speech, dangerous content, CSAM imagery, spam, threat, and offensive content detection system.
- Images exceeding our negligible safety score threshold are retained for manual human review to identify any serious issues.
- If the image is deemed safe, it is deleted from our system instantly.
- If the image is deemed unsafe, it is retained for further processing and action.
- In case of an unsafe image, the user is notified via email about the issue and encouraged to refrain from such activities in the future.
- After three instances of uploading offensive images, the user account will be temporarily banned, with the duration of the ban determined by the severity of the issue.
4.2 Audios:
- Audio files are retained for two days to allow users to ask questions about the same audio without re-uploading it.
- All personally identifiable data, including recording time, artist name, album name, etc., is filtered out during audio upload.
- After two days, the audio file is deleted from our system and is no longer accessible.
- A short (preferably 5-second) audio sample is retained for responding to complaints regarding unauthorized or copyrighted issues.
- All audio samples are deleted from our system one year after collection if no complaints are received.
4.3 Videos:
- Video data collection adheres to our visual (images) and audio (audios) guidelines.
- All file metadata is filtered out during processing, and only raw, uncompressed bytes are collected.
- After processing, the video is split into two parts: audio and visual.
- The generated audio is retained according to our audio guidelines, and all frames (at 1fps) are retained according to our visual guidelines.
5. Data Use
We use user data solely for the following purposes:
- Providing and improving our services: We use user data to develop, operate, and improve our AI-powered tools, ensuring they meet the needs of our users.
- Responding to user inquiries and requests: We use user data to respond to user inquiries, resolve technical issues, and provide support.
- Enhancing user experience: We use user data to personalize the user experience, such as providing relevant recommendations and improving accessibility features.
- Compliance with legal obligations: We may use user data to comply with legal obligations, such as responding to court orders or law enforcement requests.
6. Data Sharing
We do not share user data with third parties for commercial activities, sales, marketing, or trade purposes. We only share user data with third parties in the following limited circumstances:
- Service providers: We may share user data with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in providing our services, such as data storage providers, analytics providers, and customer support providers. These service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using user data for any other purpose.
- Legal obligations: We may disclose user data to comply with legal obligations, such as responding to court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes.
- Protection of rights: We may disclose user data to protect the rights, property, or safety of Tech Assistant for Blind, our users, or others.
7. User Rights
Users have the following rights regarding their data:
- Access: Users have the right to access their personal data that we hold.
- Rectification: Users have the right to request the correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal data.
- Erasure: Users have the right to request the deletion of their personal data, subject to certain exceptions.
- Restriction: Users have the right to request the restriction of processing their personal data in certain circumstances.
- Data portability: Users have the right to receive their personal data in a portable format.
- Object: Users have the right to object to the processing of their personal data based on legitimate interests, direct marketing, or profiling.
8. User Responsibilities
To ensure the effective functioning of our AI-powered tools and the protection of user data, users have the following responsibilities:
- Providing Accurate Information: Users are responsible for providing accurate and complete information when using our services. This helps us deliver the best possible experience and ensures the effectiveness of our AI-powered tools.
- Respecting Terms and Conditions: Users must adhere to our terms and conditions,, which prohibit the uploading of harmful, offensive, or illegal content. This helps maintain a safe and respectful environment for all users.
- Protecting Account Credentials: Users are responsible for safeguarding their account credentials and notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access or suspicious activity. This helps protect user data and prevents unauthorized use of our services.
- Reporting Issues: Users should promptly report any issues, concerns, or potential violations of this policy. This helps us address problems quickly and maintain the integrity of our services.
9. Feedback and Improvements
We value user feedback and continuously strive to improve our services. Users can provide feedback through various channels, including our website, Email, and social media. This feedback helps us understand user needs, identify areas for improvement, and enhance the overall user experience.
10. Research and Development
Tech Assistant for Blind is committed to advancing assistive technology through research and development. We may use aggregated and anonymized user data for research purposes, helping us develop new features, improve existing tools, and contribute to the broader field of assistive technology. This research is conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and applicable data protection laws.
11. International Data Transfers
Tech Assistant for Blind operates globally and may transfer user data to countries outside of the user's home country. When we transfer user data internationally, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect user data in accordance with this policy and applicable data protection laws. These safeguards may include standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules, or other lawful mechanisms.
12. Data Security
We take data security seriously and implement a variety of security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption: We use encryption to protect user data both in transit and at rest.
- Access Controls: We restrict access to user data to authorized personnel only, based on their job responsibilities.
- Regular Audits: We conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
- Incident Response: We have a dedicated incident response team to handle data breaches and other security incidents promptly and effectively.
13. Policy Updates
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify users through our services or by other means, such as email. We encourage users to review this policy periodically to stay informed about our data protection practices.
14. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or our data protection practices, please contact us at:
