Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026. Sound Bubbles (“we”, “the service”) is operated by Jaco Smit. This policy explains what we collect, why, and your choices.

What we collect

• Google sign-in: If you sign in, we receive your Google account id, email, display name, and profile picture from Google’s OAuth service.
• Newsletter (optional): If you tick the newsletter box when signing in with Google, we store your email on our mailing list for Sound Bubbles updates. You can unsubscribe from any email we send.
• Gardens you save: Garden names, descriptions, bubble layouts, media links, and uploaded audio files you choose to store on our servers when signed in.
• Social activity: Favourites, votes, comments, play counts, achievements, and profile fields you edit.
• Browser storage: Settings, local gardens, and audio blobs may be stored in your browser (localStorage / IndexedDB) so the player works offline or before sign-in.
• Technical logs: Standard web server logs (IP, user agent, requested URLs) for security and debugging.

How we use data

• Run the player, sync your gardens across devices when signed in, and show community gardens you publish.
• Display your name and avatar on gardens, comments, and your public profile.
• Protect the service from abuse and keep uploads within size limits.

Third-party services

• Google Sign-In — authentication (Google Privacy Policy).
• YouTube / SoundCloud / Vimeo embeds — when you add links, those providers may set their own cookies or collect usage data under their policies.
• Analytics (optional) — if enabled, we use privacy-friendly page-view analytics without advertising profiles. See our Cookie Policy.

Retention & deletion

Saved gardens and uploads remain until you delete them or your account is removed. Local-only data stays on your device until you clear site data. To request account or data deletion, sign in and remove your gardens, or email the operator via the address listed on the About page in the player.

Children

Sound Bubbles is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children.

Changes

We may update this policy. Material changes will be reflected on this page with a new “Last updated” date.

Medical disclaimer

Sound Bubbles is an ambient audio experience, not medical treatment. Articles discuss research; they are not personal health advice.