The Hollow Crown

UYI, short for Use Your Imagination, is a space built for people who love stories, whether you’re writing them or reading them.

The idea is simple. Storytelling shouldn’t feel complicated, restricted, or out of reach. UYI gives you the tools and the space to just start, explore, and build something of your own.

On the writing side, UYI is a workspace for people using their own imagination. It will not write your story for you.

You get a place to draft, keep characters, places, lore, and items, check grammar, and hear your own words in the editor. You’re in control of every sentence.

On the reading side, UYI is designed to help you find exactly what you’re in the mood for. Instead of endlessly scrolling, you can filter stories by genre, themes, tone, length, and more. Whether you know exactly what you want or you’re just exploring, the goal is to make discovering the right story quick, easy, and actually enjoyable.

We’re currently in beta, which means things are still evolving. We’re building and improving the platform as we go, and feedback from the community plays a big role in shaping what UYI becomes.

UYI is a place where stories are created with ease, without restrictions.

UYI Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: September 2026

These Terms and Conditions govern access to and use of the UYI Writing Tool, a creative writing platform operated by First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd (“UYI”, “we”, “us”, or “our”). By accessing or using UYI, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not access or use the platform.

1. Eligibility

1.1 UYI is strictly limited to users 18 years of age or older.

1.2 By creating an account or using the platform, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old.

1.3 UYI does not permit use by minors under any circumstances.

2. Account Registration

2.1 Use of the platform requires account creation.

2.2 Accounts may be created via email and password registration or Google Sign-In, and UYI may offer additional sign-in methods from time to time.

2.3 You agree to provide accurate account information and to keep it accurate and up to date.

2.4 You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account.

2.5 UYI may suspend or restrict access to any account where misuse, fraud, impersonation, or security concerns arise.

3. Nature of the Platform

3.1 UYI is a creative writing platform that provides tools for drafting, editing, exploring, and, where enabled, sharing fictional written content. UYI is built for writers using their own imagination.

3.2 Writing tools currently include a rule-based grammar check (LanguageTool), Dictionary (definitions, thesaurus, and related-word lookup), on-device and optional cloud text-to-speech for writers in the editor, story planning tools such as a mind map, and encyclopedias for characters, places, lore, and items. Generative writing features (including an AI assistant, brainstorm, name index, word finder, and rewrite) are not offered to users at this time. If those features return, they will be described in-product and in these Terms.

3.3 UYI is a platform provider only and is not a publisher, editor, literary agent, manager, or representative of users or creators.

3.4 UYI does not guarantee publication, visibility, readership, monetization, adaptation, or commercial success of any content.

4. User-Generated Content

4.1 UYI hosts user-generated content.

4.2 UYI does not pre-screen, endorse, verify, or approve all content made available through the platform.

4.3 Content available on UYI may include disturbing, controversial, mature, dark, offensive, or emotionally intense fictional material.

4.4 Users access and engage with content at their own discretion and risk.

4.5 UYI is not liable for any loss, harm, upset, offence, or emotional distress arising from user-generated content, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

4.6 The views expressed in user content are those of the relevant user, not UYI.

5. Creative Freedom and Platform Limits

5.1 UYI supports broad creative freedom in fictional storytelling.

5.2 UYI does not remove or restrict content solely because it is dark, intense, controversial, morally complex, or uncomfortable.

5.3 However, UYI may investigate, restrict, remove, demote, or disable access to content or accounts where we reasonably believe there is:

• a. a violation of applicable law,
• b. a platform safety or security risk,
• c. harassment, exploitation, impersonation, fraud, or abuse,
• d. misuse of the platform outside its intended creative purpose, or
• e. risk of legal exposure or harm to UYI, its users, or third parties.

6. Ownership of Content

6.1 Users retain full copyright ownership of original content they create on UYI.

6.2 UYI does not claim ownership of user-created stories, characters, worlds, concepts, or other original written material.

6.3 UYI’s tools do not transfer authorship or ownership to UYI. You remain the author of what you write.

6.4 Users are solely responsible for the content they create, upload, publish, or share through the platform.

7. License Granted to UYI

7.1 By creating, uploading, storing, or publishing content on UYI, you grant UYI a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

• a. host, store, reproduce, and display your content within the platform,
• b. make your content available to you and, where applicable, to other users according to your selected settings,
• c. use excerpts of content for in-platform discovery, recommendation, and promotion,
• d. use content internally for testing, analytics, moderation, troubleshooting, and platform improvement.

7.2 This license:

• a. does not transfer ownership,
• b. does not prevent you from publishing or using your content elsewhere,
• c. is limited to operation, improvement, and promotion of the UYI platform and related services.

7.3 Public-facing use of content by UYI ends within a reasonable time after content is unpublished or an account is deleted, subject to technical, legal, archival, backup, or operational requirements.

8. Account Deletion and Content Retention

8.1 Users may request deletion of their account.

8.2 Upon account deletion:

• a. public access to associated content may be removed,
• b. UYI may retain limited records where necessary for legal compliance, security, fraud prevention, backups, or operational continuity,
• c. anonymized and non-identifiable content or usage data may be retained for internal testing, analytics, and platform improvement.

8.3 UYI is under no obligation to restore deleted accounts or deleted content.

9. Grammar, Speech, and Optional Generative Tools

9.1 Grammar Check uses LanguageTool, a rule-based checker. The selected passage is sent to LanguageTool to run the check. Dictionary looks up the typed word or phrase with dictionary and thesaurus providers (currently local WordNet, Datamuse, and Wiktionary, and other dictionaries if enabled). The chapter draft is not sent. UYI does not send your drafts to Grok or other generative AI providers for writing, rewriting, brainstorming, or similar features while those features are disabled.

9.2 Writers may use text-to-speech in the editor to hear their own draft. Reader-facing text-to-speech is not offered. Cloud speech, where available, is billed in Ink and is for the writer’s editor use only.

9.3 If UYI later offers generative writing tools, output is assistive only. Users remain fully responsible for reviewing, editing, and deciding whether to use any generated output.

9.4 UYI will not sell user content to third parties or use it to train third-party generative AI systems without a separate agreement or lawful basis.

9.5 Where UYI offers an opt-out from internal improvement use, that opt-out will apply in accordance with platform settings and technical limitations.

10. User Warranties

10.1 By using UYI, you warrant that:

• a. you have the legal right to submit, store, and publish your content,
• b. your content is original or lawfully used,
• c. your use of the platform does not infringe the rights of any third party,
• d. you will not use the platform for unlawful, fraudulent, abusive, or harmful conduct.

10.2 UYI does not verify authorship and is not responsible for resolving private ownership or plagiarism disputes between users, although UYI may take action where necessary.

11. Community Features

11.1 UYI may offer community features such as comments, reviews, feedback, recommendations, discovery tools, and creator profiles.

11.2 Any feedback or comments provided by users are advisory only.

11.3 Writers retain full creative control over their content unless they separately agree otherwise.

11.4 UYI may remove, limit, or disable community interactions where needed for platform integrity, safety, or legal reasons.

12. Service Availability

12.1 UYI is a live writing platform. Features may be added, changed, or withdrawn as the product develops.

12.2 You acknowledge and accept that:

• a. features may change, malfunction, or be removed,
• b. availability and performance are not guaranteed,
• c. bugs, errors, interruptions, and content loss may occur,
• d. UYI may suspend, limit, or terminate access where reasonably necessary under these Terms.

12.3 To the maximum extent permitted by law, UYI is not liable for losses arising from outages, bugs, or feature changes.

13. Ink, Purchases, Subscriptions, and Creator Monetization

13.1 Core access to UYI may remain available without payment. Certain features require Ink, a paid subscription, or both.

13.2 Ink is a platform balance used within UYI. Unless expressly stated otherwise:

• a. purchased Ink and subscription Ink may be spent on eligible features (including writer text-to-speech, tips, and premium chapter unlocks),
• b. bonus or promotional Ink may be limited to specific uses,
• c. purchased, subscription, and bonus Ink cannot be withdrawn as cash,
• d. Ink has no cash value outside the platform except where Earned Ink is eligible for creator cashout under these Terms and the Creator Terms.

13.3 UYI may offer once-off Ink packs and recurring supporter subscriptions (including Basic Supporter and Premium Supporter). Subscriptions grant a periodic subscription Ink allotment and may lift certain free-tier limits. Current pack and subscription prices and Ink amounts are shown in the Ink Store at checkout. Plan names, allotments, prices, currencies, billing regions, and feature costs may change. Changes to future pack sizes, subscription allotments, or feature costs do not automatically add or remove Ink already in a wallet.

13.4 Payments are processed by third-party payment providers (currently PayPal and Paystack, depending on region and product). UYI does not store full payment card numbers. By purchasing, you also agree to the applicable provider’s terms.

13.5 Subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled. You may cancel from the Ink Store (or the provider’s billing portal where linked). After cancellation:

• a. recurring billing stops,
• b. remaining subscription Ink generally remains available until the end of the current paid period,
• c. at period end, unused subscription Ink may be reset and subscription benefits end.

13.6 Purchases and subscription fees are generally non-refundable once fulfilled, except where required by law or where a refund is processed through the payment provider. If a refund is processed, UYI may claw back the related Ink and, for subscription refunds, disable further billing.

13.7 Prices, taxes (where applicable), exchange rates used for display, regional availability, and feature caps may vary by billing region and may be updated at any time. Displayed amounts are estimates until checkout confirms the charge.

13.8 UYI may refuse, reverse, or limit transactions suspected of fraud, abuse, chargebacks, or policy breach.

13.9 UYI offers creator monetization features, including premium chapter unlocks, reader tips, and cashout of eligible Earned Ink where available.

13.10 Unless a different rate is stated in-product for a specific program, eligible tips and premium chapter unlocks credit creators with Earned Ink equal to the Ink spent (1:1).

13.11 Only Earned Ink may be cashed out. Purchased, subscription, and bonus Ink cannot be withdrawn. Unless a different rate is stated in-product, when cashing out Earned Ink creators receive 70% of the cash value and UYI retains 30%. Minimum cashout amounts, the Earned Ink to USD conversion rate, supported payout countries and currencies, settlement timing, and identity or bank-linking requirements are shown in-product (including the Payouts tab) and may change.

13.12 Cashouts are processed via third-party payout rails (currently PayPal Payouts and, where enabled, Paystack Transfers). Availability depends on your billing region and linked payout corridor. UYI is not responsible for delays or failures caused by banks, payment providers, incorrect account details, or regulatory holds.

13.13 Nothing in these Terms guarantees earnings, readership, or payout approval. Licensing, exclusivity beyond ordinary platform rules, or special commercial deals require a separate written agreement.

14. IP Escalation and Adaptation

14.1 No user is guaranteed promotion, adaptation, monetization, or commercial selection.

14.2 If UYI wishes to pursue adaptation, publishing, audio, film, or other commercial exploitation of a user’s content beyond ordinary platform operation and promotion, this will require a separate written agreement.

14.3 If UYI wishes to negotiate such rights, UYI may have a first right of refusal to negotiate, subject to any separate creator or monetization terms that define the response window and process.

15. Suspension and Termination

15.1 UYI may suspend, restrict, or terminate access to the platform or any account at its discretion where reasonably necessary for:

• a. safety, security, or fraud prevention,
• b. legal compliance,
• c. protection of UYI, users, or third parties,
• d. breach of these Terms,
• e. operational or business reasons.

15.2 Where reasonably possible, notice may be provided, but UYI may take immediate action where urgent action is required.

15.3 Upon suspension or termination:

• a. access to the platform may end immediately,
• b. public access to content may be removed,
• c. certain records and data may be retained as permitted by law and the Privacy Policy.

16. Disclaimers

16.1 UYI is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

16.2 UYI makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding:

• a. uninterrupted access,
• b. error-free operation,
• c. security free from all vulnerabilities,
• d. suitability for any specific purpose,
• e. accuracy, reliability, or completeness of user-generated content or grammar suggestions.

16.3 UYI does not guarantee that content warnings, tags, or classifications will always be complete, accurate, or consistently applied.

17. Limitation of Liability

17.1 To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, UYI, First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd, and their directors, employees, contractors, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or economic loss arising from or related to:

• a. use of or inability to use the platform,
• b. user-generated content,
• c. emotional distress, offence, or discomfort caused by fictional material,
• d. data loss, corruption, or deletion,
• e. grammar suggestions, speech output, or reliance on such output,
• f. suspension, removal, or unavailability of features or content,
• g. purchases, subscriptions, Ink balances, tips, unlocks, chargebacks, or payout delays or failures, except where liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

17.2 Nothing in these Terms excludes liability where such exclusion is not permitted by law.

17.3 Any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded is limited to the minimum extent permitted by law.

18. Privacy

18.1 UYI processes personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws, including POPIA where applicable.

18.2 By using UYI, you acknowledge that personal information may be collected, used, stored, and protected as described in the Privacy Policy.

18.3 The Privacy Policy forms part of these Terms by reference.

19. Electronic Acceptance

19.1 These Terms are concluded electronically.

19.2 By clicking to accept, signing in, registering, or continuing to use the platform where acceptance is required or reasonably communicated, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

19.3 UYI may keep electronic records of acceptance, account creation, and platform use for evidentiary and operational purposes. Electronic contracting is recognized in South Africa, and online consumer terms should be clearly incorporated and made available to users.

20. Changes to the Terms

20.1 UYI may update these Terms from time to time.

20.2 Updated Terms will be posted on the platform with an updated effective or last-updated date.

20.3 Continued use of UYI after updated Terms become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms, unless applicable law requires a different form of consent.

21. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

21.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

21.2 Subject to any mandatory rights a consumer may have under applicable law, disputes arising from these Terms or the use of UYI shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

21.3 UYI may specify the Western Cape as the primary forum where lawful and appropriate.

22. Operator Details

Operator: First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd
Platform: UYI Writing Tool
Contact Email: [email protected]
Jurisdiction: South Africa

UYI Creator Terms

Last Updated: September 2026

These Creator Terms apply to users who choose to publish content on the UYI Writing Tool platform. These terms supplement the UYI Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Content Disclaimer. By publishing content on UYI, you agree to these Creator Terms.

1. Definition of Creator

A Creator is a user who:

• publishes stories or written content on UYI
• makes content visible to readers on the platform

Users who only read content or keep drafts private are not considered Creators.

2. Ownership of Content

Creators retain full copyright ownership of the original content they create. This includes:

• story text
• characters
• worlds and lore
• narrative structure
• original titles and concepts

UYI does not claim ownership of creator content. Creators remain the legal authors of their work.

3. License Granted to UYI

By publishing content on UYI, Creators grant UYI a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to:

• host and store the content
• display the content on the platform
• enable reading, commenting, and discovery features
• feature excerpts of the content in platform promotion or marketing

This license exists only to operate and grow the UYI platform. Ownership of the work remains with the Creator.

4. Generative Writing Tools

UYI does not currently offer generative writing tools (such as an AI assistant, brainstorm, or rewrite) to creators. Creators remain the legal authors of their stories. If those tools are re-enabled, works created with them may need to be published on UYI before commercial distribution elsewhere, unless UYI grants a written waiver or a paid creator plan that expressly removes this requirement. Supporter subscriptions that grant Ink do not by themselves remove that requirement. UYI does not claim ownership of creator content.

5. Publishing on Other Platforms

Creators are free to publish their work on other platforms, including:

• Wattpad
• Amazon
• personal websites
• other writing communities

This applies unless a first-publish requirement is triggered through the use of UYI generative writing tools (if those tools are offered) and no written waiver or expressly exempting creator plan applies.

6. Content Visibility

Creators control the visibility of their stories. Content may be set to:

• private
• visible to friends
• publicly available

Creators may change visibility settings at any time.

7. Creator Responsibility

Creators are fully responsible for the content they publish. Creators must ensure that their work:

• does not violate applicable laws
• does not infringe the rights of others
• is properly tagged with required content warnings where applicable

UYI does not verify authorship or originality of stories.

8. Pseudonyms

Creators are encouraged to publish using pseudonyms or pen names. This allows creators to separate their writing identity from their real-world identity. Creators remain responsible for all activity associated with their account.

9. Monetization

UYI offers creator monetization features, including:

• premium chapter unlocks paid with Ink
• reader tips paid with Ink
• cashout of eligible Earned Ink where payout corridors are available

Unless a different rate is stated in-product, eligible tips and premium chapter unlocks credit creators with Earned Ink equal to the Ink spent (1:1). When cashing out Earned Ink, creators receive 70% of the cash value and UYI retains 30%. Current conversion rates and cashout minimums are shown in-product (including the Payouts tab) and may change. Only Earned Ink may be withdrawn. Purchased, subscription, and bonus Ink cannot be cashed out. Participation remains optional. Use of the platform does not guarantee revenue or compensation. Additional programs (such as paid discovery or exclusivity deals) may be offered under separate terms.

10. Adaptation and Opportunities

UYI may identify stories suitable for additional opportunities such as:

• audiobook production
• publishing
• film or series adaptation
• other media formats

If UYI wishes to pursue commercial rights related to a story, a separate written agreement will be required. Creators are not obligated to accept such agreements.

11. Content Removal

Creators may unpublish or remove their content at any time. When content is unpublished:

• it will no longer be publicly visible on the platform

UYI may retain limited records of removed content for:

• operational purposes
• legal compliance
• analytics or platform improvement

12. Platform Enforcement

UYI does not moderate fictional themes. However, UYI may remove content that:

• violates applicable laws
• includes prohibited material
• creates platform safety risks

Accounts may be restricted where necessary to protect the platform.

13. Independent Creator Status

Creators operate independently. Nothing in these Terms creates:

• employment
• partnership
• agency
• publishing representation

Creators remain solely responsible for their work and decisions.

14. Updates to Creator Terms

UYI may update these Creator Terms from time to time. Updated terms will be published on the platform. Continued use of creator features constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

Last Updated: September 2026

UYI operates under a Creator-Owned Copyright Model. This model protects creator rights while allowing UYI to operate and promote the platform.

1. Core Principle

All original content created on UYI is owned by the creator. UYI does not claim authorship or ownership of user-created works. Creators remain the legal copyright holders of their stories unless a separate written agreement states otherwise.

2. Creator Ownership

Creators retain full ownership of:

• story text
• characters
• worlds and lore
• narrative structure
• titles and concepts

Ownership applies whether content is:

• drafted privately
• shared with friends
• published publicly on the platform

Use of UYI writing tools does not transfer ownership to the platform.

3. Platform License

When creators publish content on UYI, they grant UYI a limited platform license to:

• host the content
• store the content
• display the content on the platform
• enable reading, discovery, and community interaction
• promote the platform using excerpts of content

This license exists only to operate the platform. Ownership remains with the creator.

4. Writing Tools

Use of UYI writing tools does not transfer ownership to the platform. Grammar check and writer text-to-speech do not make UYI an author of your work. UYI does not currently offer generative writing tools to creators. If those tools are re-enabled, works created with them may need to be published on UYI before commercial distribution elsewhere, unless UYI grants a written waiver or a paid creator plan that expressly removes this requirement. Supporter subscriptions that grant Ink do not by themselves remove that requirement.

5. External Publishing

Creators may publish their stories on other platforms. Examples may include:

• Wattpad
• Amazon
• personal websites
• other writing communities

This applies unless a first-publish requirement is triggered by generative writing tools (if those tools are offered) and no written waiver or expressly exempting creator plan applies.

6. Commercial Rights

UYI does not automatically receive commercial rights to creator content. Any of the following requires a separate written agreement:

• revenue sharing
• paid distribution
• exclusive licensing
• film, publishing, or audiobook adaptations

Creators are not obligated to accept such agreements.

7. Independence of Creators

Creators publish their work independently. UYI is not:

• a publisher
• a literary agent
• a manager
• a representative

Creators maintain full control over their intellectual property.

8. Clarification of Rights

Nothing in the UYI platform:

• transfers ownership of creator content to UYI
• grants third-party rights to creator works
• creates implied exclusivity unless explicitly stated

Creators maintain full ownership of their intellectual property.

Last Updated: April 2026

UYI is a creative writing platform designed to support open fictional storytelling.

All stories published on UYI are created by individual users. UYI provides the platform and tools but does not author, endorse, or validate user content.

1. User-Generated Fiction

All stories on UYI are user-generated fiction.

• UYI does not pre-approve stories before publication
• Content reflects the views of the individual creator
• UYI is not responsible for the themes, ideas, or narratives expressed in stories

Creators are fully responsible for the content published under their account.

2. Nature of Content

Stories on UYI may include dark, controversial, or emotionally intense fictional themes, including but not limited to:

• violence
• abuse
• power dynamics
• morally complex characters
• disturbing fictional scenarios

Users acknowledge that fictional storytelling may explore difficult or uncomfortable subjects. Readers access content at their own discretion.

3. Reader Responsibility

By using UYI, you acknowledge that:

• you may encounter disturbing or offensive fictional material
• discomfort or disagreement with a story does not mean the platform endorses it
• engagement with stories is your personal choice

UYI is not liable for emotional distress, offence, or discomfort resulting from fictional content.

4. Creator Responsibility

Creators are solely responsible for:

• the stories they publish
• ensuring their work does not violate applicable laws
• applying accurate content warnings

Creators are encouraged to publish under pseudonyms if they wish to separate their writing identity from their real-world identity.

5. Content Warnings

UYI requires creators to apply appropriate content warnings and trigger tags where relevant. These warnings help readers make informed choices.

Examples may include tags for:

• sexual content
• violence
• dark themes
• psychological or disturbing material

Failure to tag content appropriately may result in platform action.

6. Illegal Content

UYI does not permit content that violates applicable law. This includes, but is not limited to:

• sexual content involving minors
• real-world threats or incitement of violence
• content that promotes or facilitates illegal acts

Such content may be removed and accounts may be restricted.

7. Fiction vs Reality

Stories on UYI are works of fiction. They do not represent:

• the views of the platform
• real-world endorsements
• factual claims

Readers should treat all stories as fictional creative works.

8. Public Figures

Stories referencing public figures or real individuals are discouraged. Creators are responsible for ensuring their content does not violate defamation or other applicable laws. UYI does not verify such references.

9. Platform Position

UYI exists to support creative exploration through fiction. The platform does not remove stories based solely on:

• controversial themes
• moral disagreement
• fictional intensity

Platform action is limited to cases involving:

• illegal content
• platform misuse
• safety risks

10. Acceptance of Platform Environment

By accessing or using UYI, you acknowledge that:

• the platform prioritizes creative freedom
• fictional content may challenge personal comfort
• responsibility for reading choices rests with the user

If you prefer fully moderated or sanitized storytelling environments, UYI may not be suitable for you.

Operator: First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd
Platform: UYI Writing Tool
Contact: [email protected]

Last Updated: September 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd collects, uses, stores, and protects personal information when you use the UYI Writing Tool. By using UYI, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Overview

UYI is a creative writing platform designed to support fictional storytelling. We follow a data-minimization approach, meaning we collect only information necessary to operate the platform.

• We do not sell user data
• We do not run advertising networks
• Users retain ownership of their creative content

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account (via email registration or Google Sign-In), UYI may collect:

• email address
• display name
• profile image
• password credentials (stored securely when using email registration)
• Google user ID (when using Google Sign-In)

This information is used for:

• authentication
• account management
• community attribution
• account recovery
• platform functionality
• billing and support where relevant

UYI does not access unrelated Google services.

User Content

UYI stores content created on the platform, including:

• story drafts
• published stories
• revisions and versions
• writing metadata such as genre or character names
• story-board and character-map data

Users control the visibility of their content and may choose to make stories:

• private
• visible to friends
• publicly accessible

Usage Data

UYI may collect limited usage information such as:

• writing preferences
• reading settings
• feature usage patterns
• Ink spend and balance events needed to operate wallets and entitlements

This helps improve the functionality and performance of the platform.

Billing and Payment Data

When you purchase Ink, subscribe, tip, unlock content, or cash out Earned Ink, UYI and its payment providers may process:

• billing region and currency preferences
• transaction amounts, product or plan identifiers, and payment references
• subscription status and renewal or cancellation events
• payout account details you supply for cashout (such as bank account or recipient identifiers)
• limited identity or verification information required by payment providers or law

Card payments, subscriptions, and creator cashouts are handled by PayPal and/or Paystack (and any successor processors UYI enables). UYI does not store full payment card numbers on its own servers.

3. Cookies and Local Storage

UYI uses cookies and similar technologies to:

• maintain login sessions
• store user preferences
• improve platform stability and security

UYI does not use advertising cookies. Users can control cookies through their browser settings.

4. Analytics and Platform Monitoring

UYI may use analytics or monitoring tools to:

• understand feature usage
• detect crashes or errors
• improve platform performance

Where possible, data used for analytics is:

• aggregated
• anonymized
• not linked to identifiable individuals

5. Grammar Check and Writer Speech

Grammar Check sends the selected passage to LanguageTool, a rule-based spelling and grammar service, so it can return suggested corrections. Dictionary sends only the typed lookup term to dictionary and thesaurus providers so it can return definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or related words. UYI does not send your drafts to Grok or other generative AI providers for writing, rewriting, brainstorming, or an in-editor assistant while those features are disabled.

UYI will not:

• sell user content
• license stories to third-party generative AI systems for their independent training products without a separate agreement or lawful basis

Writer text-to-speech

Writers may use text-to-speech in the editor to hear their own draft. Reader-facing text-to-speech is not offered. On-device Kokoro speech is processed in your browser when that option is selected; model files may be downloaded from UYI or a content-delivery host and stored locally by your browser. If you use cloud text-to-speech, audio and related text may be sent to UYI’s speech providers to generate speech. Microphone access is used only while voice input is active.

6. Data Sharing

UYI may share limited information with trusted service providers required to operate the platform, such as:

• authentication providers (including Google for Sign-In)
• payment and payout processors (currently PayPal and Paystack)
• LanguageTool, for rule-based grammar and spelling checks
• Datamuse and Wiktionary, for Dictionary related-word and definition lookups. WordNet definitions and thesaurus results are looked up locally and are not sent to a third party
• speech providers needed to run writer text-to-speech where you use that feature
• hosting, infrastructure, and email or transactional messaging providers
• analytics or monitoring services

Information may also be disclosed where required by law. UYI does not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

7. Data Hosting

UYI is hosted using secure infrastructure providers, currently including Xneelo. Data may be stored across infrastructure systems that support:

• reliability
• redundancy
• platform performance

Reasonable safeguards are used to protect stored information.

8. Data Retention

Account Data

Account information and content are retained while the account is active. After account deletion:

• public access to content may be removed
• certain records may be retained for legal or operational reasons
• anonymized data may be retained for analytics or testing

Financial Data

Billing, purchase, subscription, tip, unlock, and payout records may be retained as required for accounting, fraud prevention, dispute handling, and applicable law, including after an account is closed where necessary.

9. User Rights

In accordance with POPIA, users may request:

• access to their personal information
• correction of inaccurate data
• deletion of personal data

Requests may require identity verification. Some data may be retained where required by law.

10. Security

UYI uses reasonable security measures including:

• encryption
• restricted system access
• secure hosting infrastructure

No online platform can guarantee complete security, but reasonable safeguards are implemented.

11. Global Access

UYI may be accessed from multiple countries. Privacy rights may vary depending on user location. Where applicable, UYI complies with relevant data protection laws.

12. Updates to this Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Updated versions will be published on the platform with a revised date. Continued use of UYI means you accept the updated policy.

13. Contact

Operator: First Draft Audio (Pty) Ltd
Platform: UYI Writing Tool
Email: [email protected]

Users may contact this address for privacy-related requests.