Contact & corrections — report a wrong answer or mark scheme.
Privacy & Data
Plain-language summary: BALA has no account system. Learning progress, notes, chat history, and drawings are stored in your browser. AI prompts are sent to this app’s server and then to Google’s Gemini service only when you choose an AI feature. Do not enter private or sensitive information.
Data stored on your device
BALA uses browser storage for revision progress, quiz attempts, XP, study dates, topic notes, bounded AI chat history, challenge/reward state, scratchpad drawings, and the exam dates you add yourself in the IGCSE engine (including papers it does not teach). The installable app also caches application files so previously loaded study tools can open offline. This information remains available to other users of the same browser profile.
You stay in control of that data. The BGCSE app exports and imports a progress backup from Progress & Badges and exports the scratchpad as a PNG. The IGCSE 0580 engine exports and imports its own progress backup from Mark Autopsy → Your data. Either app's Reset local data button deletes every BALA key in this browser profile — both curricula, notes, chat history created by the AI coach, and the saved scratchpad — and restores a blank record. Browser controls can also clear site data and offline caches. Uninstalling the app does not always clear browser storage; use the reset control or browser settings when using a shared device.
Reports and printouts
The IGCSE engine can build a printable progress report for a parent, guardian or tutor (Mark Autopsy → Your data). It is produced in your browser from the record already saved on this device, is not uploaded anywhere, and asks for no name, school or candidate number. Printing uses the browser’s own print dialog; the app keeps no copy of what you print.
AI requests and third parties
When you send a tutor message or request an AI-generated question, its text and relevant study context are transmitted over the network to BALA’s server and then to Google Gemini for generation. Google processes that content under the terms and privacy rules that apply to the configured Gemini API service. BALA does not use AI chat while offline. Daily Challenge can use Gemini to create a general question, but uses a reviewed offline fallback if that request fails.
The app does not intentionally ask for a name, email address, school, or account. Avoid putting those details—or health, financial, password, location, or other sensitive information—into notes, drawings, answers, or AI messages.
Server operations
The application server receives normal connection information needed to serve requests, such as an IP address, user agent, requested path, and timing metadata. It uses short-lived in-memory rate limits and an in-memory daily-question cache. The application code does not provide an account database or intentionally persist learner prompts on the server. A deployment host or network provider may keep operational logs under its own policies.
The Gemini API key remains on the server and is not stored in browser progress exports.
Children and supervised use
BALA is an independent revision tool and does not verify age or obtain parental consent. A parent, guardian, school, or deploying organisation should review whether use is appropriate for a learner and configure any required consent or access controls. Learners should use the AI features with adult or teacher guidance where appropriate.
Security and limits
Reasonable application safeguards are used, but no browser storage, network service, or AI provider is risk-free. Anyone with access to the same unlocked device and browser profile may be able to view locally stored learning data.
Changes and questions
This notice should be reviewed by the organisation operating a public deployment and supplemented with its identity, contact route, hosting details, retention rules, and legally required notices. It is product documentation, not legal advice.