Privacy Policy

1. Scope

This policy describes how HN Relay, an app operated by Roscommon Group LLC ("HN Relay", "we", or "us"), handles information. It applies to the HN Relay iOS and iPadOS app and the HN Relay pages on this website. Read it together with our Terms of Use.

2. The short version

The app has no account, advertising, analytics SDK, or developer-operated user database.

Saved stories and preferences stay on your device. The app connects directly to Hacker News, article websites, and Apple services to provide the features you request. Those third parties may receive ordinary network information as described below.

3. Information stored on your device

HN Relay stores saved story identifiers and a small number of preferences, such as whether onboarding tips have been shown, in Apple's local UserDefaults storage. We do not receive or remotely synchronize that information. Remove saved stories in the app or delete the app to remove its local data.

4. Network requests and third-party content

The app requests public story and comment data from the official Hacker News Firebase API. To produce link previews and short excerpts, it may also request public metadata directly from the website hosting a story. When you open a story, the site loads in Apple's in-app Safari browser. These services and websites can receive information normally sent with an internet request, such as your IP address, device and browser characteristics, requested URL, and request time. Their own privacy policies govern their handling of that information. We do not add an advertising identifier or HN Relay user profile to those requests.

5. Optional tips

Tips are voluntary one-time in-app purchases processed by Apple through StoreKit. Apple handles payment credentials and may provide us with transaction status and aggregated sales and financial reports. We do not receive or store your full card number. Apple's privacy policy governs its processing.

6. This website

The HN Relay legal and support pages are hosted by Vercel and use Google Analytics. Those providers may process IP address, browser and device information, referral data, page interactions, cookies, or similar identifiers to operate, secure, and measure the website. The app itself does not embed these website analytics tools.

7. Use, disclosure, and retention

We do not sell personal information or use app activity for targeted advertising. App data held locally remains until you remove it or delete the app. We use website analytics only to understand site reliability and aggregate use. Network and website providers may retain logs under their own policies. We may disclose information if legally required or reasonably necessary to protect users, our rights, or the security of the service.

8. Security and children

We minimize the information we handle and use HTTPS for network requests. No transmission or system is perfectly secure. HN Relay is a general-audience news reader and is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children through the app.

9. Your choices and rights

You can remove saved stories or delete the app at any time. Depending on where you live, you may have rights concerning personal information, including access, correction, deletion, or objection. Because the app has no user account or developer database, we may not hold app information that can be linked back to you. For website privacy requests, email Roscommon Group contact form.

10. Changes and contact

We may update this policy as the app changes. The effective date above identifies the current version. Questions or requests may be sent using the contact information below.

Roscommon Group LLC
P.O. Box 389
Issaquah, WA 98027
United States
Phone: (971) 264-3654
Contact: Roscommon Group contact form