VigilPath

ARK-Journal

Frequently Asked Questions

Straightforward answers about privacy, data control, billing, and how ARK-Journal works.

What is Vigil Path?

Vigil Path is a privacy-first software company focused on building structured, trust-aware platforms. ARK-Journal is our first public product — a secure journaling platform designed around clear data boundaries and deliberate architecture.

Who can access my journal entries?

Only you.

ARK-Journal entries are encrypted client-side using a key derived from your recovery key before being stored on the server. The server holds ciphertext only. Vigil Path cannot read, analyse, or monitor your journal content.

Encryption keys are derived client-side and never transmitted to the server. If you lose your recovery key, your data cannot be decrypted — not by you, and not by Vigil Path. There is no password reset and no admin override.

Do you sell user data?

No.

Vigil Path does not sell personal data.
Vigil Path does not use advertising models.
Vigil Path does not monetise user behaviour.

The platform operates on a straightforward subscription model.

Are users in control of their data?

Yes.

Users retain control over their data, including:

  • Access to their own content
  • The ability to export their data
  • The ability to delete their account and associated data

When an account is deleted, associated data is removed from active systems immediately. There is no retention window.

Why does ARK-Journal require an account?

An account is required to ensure your entries are securely stored and recoverable. ARK-Journal automatically encrypts and backs up your data to protect against device loss.

Authentication is handled through Google or Microsoft via OAuth 2.0. Vigil Path does not store passwords. Your encryption keys are derived from a recovery key that only you hold.

What data does Vigil Path collect?

We collect only the data necessary to:

  • Authenticate users
  • Manage subscriptions
  • Maintain platform integrity

We do not track behaviour across the web.
We do not build advertising profiles.
We do not run behavioural analytics against journal content.

How is billing handled?

Billing is handled through Stripe. Subscription state is persisted explicitly, and access entitlements are derived deterministically from subscription state. Invoice events do not directly control access.

This ensures subscription access is consistent and auditable.

Can I cancel at any time?

Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled through the Stripe customer portal. Access continues until the end of the current billing period.

How do I delete my account?

You can delete your account at any time from within the app:

  1. Open VigilPath Ark and sign in.
  2. Tap the settings icon in the top bar.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete account.
  4. Confirm the deletion when prompted.

If you cannot access your account, contact [email protected] to request deletion.

What data is deleted when I delete my account?

Account deletion is immediate and permanent. When you delete your account:

  • Your encrypted journal entries and all associated data are deleted from the server
  • Your encryption key material is destroyed
  • Your authentication credentials are removed
  • Your subscription is terminated
  • Organisation memberships are removed

There is no soft-disable, no retention window, and no way to reverse this action. Deletion removes data from active systems immediately.

Can Vigil Path recover my journal if I lose my recovery key?

No.

ARK-Journal content is encrypted using a key derived from your recovery key. Vigil Path does not have access to this key and cannot decrypt your entries.

If you lose your recovery key and cannot authenticate, your encrypted content cannot be recovered. There is no password reset, no admin override, and no backdoor. We strongly recommend storing your recovery key securely.

Is Vigil Path compliant with data protection principles?

Vigil Path is built around data minimisation, explicit boundaries between domains, and clear user control over data.

The architecture is designed to support trust-conscious and regulated environments.

Is Vigil Path open source?

Vigil Path's engineering philosophy emphasises transparency and disciplined system design. The platform is currently proprietary, though parts of the architecture may be shared publicly in future.

How can I get in touch?

You can reach Vigil Path via the contact page. Early feedback from thoughtful users is welcome.

Ready to start?

ARK-Journal is available now. Free with an account — your entries are encrypted and securely stored.