Flow Read is local-first. The app does not require an account and does not send reading data to a Flow Read server.
Flow Read stores books, reading progress, vocabulary state, learning items, RSS subscriptions, settings, dictionary cache, AI cache, and backup metadata on the local device using Hive and platform application-support directories.
Imported books and backups remain on the device unless the user explicitly chooses a folder, opens a file, exports a backup, or sends text to a configured external service.
AI features are opt-in and require the user to configure an API provider and API key. When the user runs an AI action, the app may send selected text, nearby context, chapter text, vocabulary, practice prompts, or word context to the configured provider endpoint.
Flow Read does not operate that provider. The provider's privacy policy and terms apply to those requests.
The app includes local dictionary fallback data. If online dictionary sources are enabled, Flow Read may request dictionary entries from external services or websites such as dictionaryapi.dev, Collins, or Longman. These requests can reveal the looked-up word and network metadata to those services.
Online dictionary sources can be disabled where the settings UI exposes that control. A stable release must keep a local fallback path available.
When RSS or browser-style reading features are used, Flow Read requests the URLs provided by the user. Feed providers and websites can observe normal network metadata for those requests.
Backups are opt-in. Backup files are written to a folder chosen by the user. By default, API keys and provider secrets are excluded from backups. If the user enables secret export, backup files can contain those secrets and should be stored carefully.
Restoring a backup imports Flow Read data into the local app store. Device- local backup folder paths, security-scoped bookmarks, and last-backup metadata are intentionally not overwritten by imported backups.
Flow Read writes local diagnostic logs for app events and failures. Logs are structured JSONL files stored under the app support directory and are retained for a limited period by the app logger. Log entries are designed to redact secrets, selected text, book titles, local paths, URL query strings, and error messages.
Do not share logs publicly without reviewing them first.
Users can remove local app data by deleting Flow Read's application-support data through the operating system. Backup files live wherever the user chose to write them and must be deleted separately.
For privacy issues, use the GitHub repository issue tracker unless the report contains sensitive information. Do not include API keys, private books, backup files, or log files in public issues.