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Ikigai Web App

⚠️ IMPORTANT PRIVACY NOTICE

Before using this app, please understand how your data is stored and the privacy implications.

How This App Stores Your Data​

This app runs entirely in your web browser with no server or account system. All your responses, including personal reflections about your career, skills, passions, and financial goals, are stored in your browser's local storage (localStorage).

Privacy Concerns You Should Know About​

  1. Shared Device Risk: Anyone who uses your browser can see your data. If you use this app on a work computer, family computer, or any shared device, the next person who opens the app will see all your responses.

There is currently no user authentication or session isolation. The app cannot tell the difference between you and another person using the same browser.

  1. No Encryption: Your data is stored in plain text without encryption. Anyone with access to your device—including browser extensions, IT administrators, or malware—can read your localStorage directly.

  2. Browser Storage Limitations: Your data persists until you manually clear it. It does NOT automatically delete when you close the browser. If you use browser sync (Chrome sync, Firefox sync, etc.), your data may sync across your devices.

How to Protect Your Privacy​

✅ DO:

  • Use this app only on your personal, private device
  • Use your browser's incognito/private browsing mode (data clears when you close the window)
  • Clear all data when finished by clicking "Start New Journey" or using the browser's "Clear browsing data" feature
  • Complete the exercise in one sitting if possible to minimize exposure time

❌ DON'T:

  • Use this app on shared computers (library, work, school, internet cafes)
  • Use this app on a device where others have user accounts
  • Save sensitive information you wouldn't want others to potentially access
  • Assume your data is private just because you closed the browser tab

Technical Details​

The app stores two types of data in localStorage:

  • ikigai-current-state: Your current progress through the exercise
  • ikigai-sessions: Any sessions you've manually saved for later

To manually clear this data:

  1. Open browser Developer Tools (F12)
  2. Go to Application/Storage tab
  3. Find "Local Storage" → your domain
  4. Delete the ikigai-related keys

Or simply use your browser's "Clear browsing data" feature and select "Cookies and other site data."

Future Improvements​

I'm aware of these privacy limitations and plan to address them in future versions with:

  • Session-based storage to isolate different users
  • Clear visual warnings within the app
  • Optional data encryption
  • Better data clearing controls

Until these improvements are implemented, please use this app with full awareness of these privacy considerations.