The principle: your data, your storage
Many apps store all users' data centrally on the provider's servers. Kydly takes a different approach: family data is stored in your own Apple iCloud. Technically, Kydly uses CloudKit for this, Apple's storage and syncing service for apps.
The Kydly organizer, meaning the parent who creates the family, provides the storage space. Invited family members get access to this shared space through Apple's sharing mechanism. Each person uses their own Apple Account.
What is stored where
| Data | Storage location |
|---|---|
| Family, members, roles, devices | Family iCloud (CloudKit) and locally on connected devices |
| Rules, requests, decisions | Family iCloud and locally |
| Location samples, zones, place events | Family iCloud and locally |
| Detailed usage times | Only in the protected report on the respective device; not in iCloud and not with the provider |
| Purchases and subscriptions | With Apple; Kydly checks the status via StoreKit |
| Website visits | With the hosting provider Vercel; audience measurement only with consent |
Who has access?
- The invited and authorized members of your Kydly family
- Apple as the provider of iCloud, Maps, Location Services, notifications and purchases, under Apple's own terms
- Not: the provider of Kydly via a family server of its own
- Not: advertising networks or data brokers
We do not promise any particular end-to-end encryption of all CloudKit content. Apple describes how it protects iCloud data in its privacy and security information. If you voluntarily send content by support email, it becomes part of your request.
How long data is stored
- Location samples: cleaned up after seven days
- Place events, stays, requests and activities: cleaned up after 30 days
- Expired commands: removed with an additional one-day buffer
Cleanup runs when the app is active, and syncing with iCloud happens with a delay. Deletion at an exact point in time is therefore not guaranteed.
Deleting data yourself
As the organizer
In the app settings, “Delete family & reset Kydly”. The app initiates the deletion of the family cloud data and resets local data.
As a participant
“Leave family & reset”. This does not automatically delete all data held by the organizer.
Important
A local reset or deleting the app does not remove any family iCloud data and does not cancel an Apple subscription.
What does this mean for you?
There is no central database in which location histories of thousands of families are collected by the provider. Your data is stored where your photos and backups are: in your Apple iCloud. All details are in the privacy policy.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Kydly provider see my child's location?
Kydly does not operate its own family server. Location data is stored via Apple CloudKit in the iCloud of the Kydly organizer and shared only with the invited family members.
Does Kydly sell data?
No. Kydly does not sell data, does not show ads and contains no analytics or advertising SDKs of its own.
Do I need iCloud storage for Kydly?
Working iCloud access is required for live operation. Family data is stored in the iCloud of the Kydly organizer.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.