Privacy and Terms
Last updated October 11, 2026
The short version
- Atom is free. No accounts, no ads, no tracking.
- Your books, reading stats, name and settings stay on your device.
- Nobody else can see what you read. That includes your teacher.
What Atom saves
Everything is saved in this browser on this device. Atom has no server that stores your stuff. If you clear your browser data or delete the app, it's gone. Use Settings > Backup to save a copy. Backup files go where you choose. Atom never uploads them.
When Atom goes online
Atom works offline. It only uses the internet to:
- Load the app and updates from readwithatom.org (hosted on GitHub Pages).
- Find free classics from Project Gutenberg, through books.readwithatom.org (run on Cloudflare). Only your search words are sent.
- Find a book cover from Open Library, when you search for one. The title you type is sent.
- Open a web article from a link you paste. Wikipedia links load directly. Other links go through r.jina.ai, which sees that link. You can turn this off in Settings.
Like every website, these services may keep basic logs, such as an IP address and the time of a request. Atom never adds your name or reading info to these requests.
Hear uses your device's built-in voice. On some devices, the voice service from the device maker may process the word.
Students
Atom doesn't collect personal information from anyone, including children under 13. The name is optional and never leaves the device. Reading stats aren't sent to teachers or the school.
Books you add
Only add books and files you're allowed to use. Files you add stay on your device. Class Library books and Gutenberg classics are public domain or free to share.
Terms
- Atom is free to use and is given "as is," with no guarantees.
- We aren't responsible for lost books or stats. Make backups.
- Features, rewards and passwords can change at any time.
- Pick a speed that feels comfortable, and take breaks.
Questions
Ask Mr. Lovrien at STEM Launch. If this page changes, the date at the top will change too.
