Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Arkive ("the app") is a personal biblical research tool developed by Garrett Franks. This policy describes what data the app does and does not collect.
Data We Collect
None. Arkive does not collect personal information, and nothing you do in the app is sent to the developer. The only outside services the app talks to are Apple's (described below) and, if you read the NASB, YouVersion's.
Your Data on Your Device
Your highlights, bookmarks, notes, drawings, study threads, reading position and settings are stored on your device. If you use the Explorer's Journal, the app also records which verses you have read and what you have discovered. Reading credit is worked out on your device from how long a verse stays on screen; the app keeps which verses count as read, a few seconds of unfinished reading time per verse, and the date a chapter was finished or a discovery made, not a history of your reading sessions.
iCloud Sync
If you are signed into iCloud, Arkive uses Apple's CloudKit and iCloud key-value storage to keep the data above, and most reading settings, in sync across your own devices. It is stored in your private iCloud account and is governed by Apple's Privacy Policy. The developer has no access to it.
Bible Text & Reference Data
The KJV and BSB, footnotes, interlinear data, commentaries, dictionaries, place data and other reference content are bundled within the app and read locally, with no network requests.
The NASB is delivered online by the YouVersion Platform. When you open an NASB chapter that isn't already saved on your device, the app requests that chapter from YouVersion. The request identifies the app and the chapter, not you, though like any internet request it reveals your IP address to YouVersion, whose own privacy policy applies. Fetched chapters are kept on your device for up to 30 days and are never synced to iCloud.
Maps
Maps in Chronicle, Journeys and chapter place maps are drawn with Apple's MapKit, which loads map imagery from Apple. Arkive never asks for or uses your location.
Apple System Features
Arkive works with features of your device that you control: Siri and Shortcuts, Spotlight (thread titles and descriptions are indexed on your device so you can search for them), Handoff (your current reading position is offered to your other devices signed into the same Apple Account), Live Activities for Read to Me, and, if you allow it, your Personal Voice for Read to Me. Read to Me speaks on your device; no audio or text is sent anywhere.
Exporting & Sharing
Export My Data and Send a Copy (for a study thread) create files only when you ask. They contain your notes and other content, and go only where you choose to send or save them. Opening a shared Arkive file adds its thread to your own data and sends nothing back.
Tips
Arkive is free. Optional tips are processed by Apple through the App Store. The developer receives no payment details or personal information, only the store's standard sales reporting.
Analytics & Advertising
Arkive contains no analytics, tracking SDKs, crash reporters, or advertising of any kind.
Children's Privacy
Arkive does not knowingly collect data from anyone, including children under 13.
Changes to This Policy
If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted at this URL with a revised date.
Contact
Questions about this policy can be directed to: lgfz71@gmail.com