Privacy policy
Book Swap, last updated October 2026
Book Swap is a free, volunteer-run app that helps neighbours swap books. This page explains what information the app collects, why, and how you can delete it.
What we collect
- A random user ID. Created automatically when you open the app, so it knows which listings are yours. It isn't linked to your phone number, email or real name.
- Your nickname. Shown to other users instead of your real name.
- Your listings: book title, author, genre, condition, ISBN, cover picture, area or building, and pickup spot.
- Swap activity: which books you requested, offered, lent or received, and return dates.
- Chat messages between the two people in a swap.
- Reports you send about listings, including the reason and any note.
We don't collect your real name, phone number, email address, contacts or precise location. The app shows no ads and has no analytics or tracking.
Camera
The camera is used only when you tap "Scan barcode", to read the ISBN barcode on a book. The video is processed on your phone and is never recorded, stored or uploaded.
Who can see your information
- Your nickname, listings, area and pickup spot are visible to everyone using the app.
- Chat messages are visible only to the two people in that swap.
- Reports are visible only to the app's admins.
Where it's stored and who processes it
- Google Firebase stores the app's data and creates the random user ID.
- Open Library (Internet Archive) and Google Books receive the ISBN number when you scan or type one, to look up the book's details. They don't receive any information about you.
- Google Fonts and jsDelivr deliver the app's fonts and barcode scanner, as with any website.
We never sell or share your information with anyone else.
Deleting your data
In the app, tap your nickname at the top of the screen, then tap Delete my data. This removes all your listings, cancels your pending swap requests, removes your nickname from past swaps, and deletes your user ID. Chat messages you sent may stay visible to the other person in that chat.
If you can't open the app any more, contact us at the address below and we'll delete your data within 30 days.
Children
Book Swap is meant for people aged 13 and over. Users under 18 should use it with a parent's or guardian's permission.
Changes
If we change this policy, we'll update the date at the top of this page.
Contact
Email: YOUR-EMAIL@example.com