Alethia | FAQ

FAQ

The name "Alethia" is derived from the Greek word "Aletheia," which means "truth" or "disclosure." This concept embodies the core mission of the app: to uncover the truth behind the products we buy and the companies that produce them. By bringing hidden information to light, Alethia aims to provide users with the transparency needed to make more informed and ethical purchasing decisions.

In choosing this name, we wanted to emphasize the importance of honesty and openness in the marketplace. Alethia is not just a tool for scanning products; it's a means of revealing the deeper stories behind the items on the shelves, empowering you to choose in alignment with your values. The name reflects our commitment to providing clarity in a world where corporate practices are often obscured or complex.
Alethia is an mobile application designed to help consumers make more informed and ethical purchasing decisions. By simply scanning a product's barcode, Alethia provides you with in-depth information about the company behind the product, including its parent company, legal history, and overall ethical standing. The app aims to reveal the truth behind economic choices, offering a clearer picture of the products you purchase and the health, environmental, social, and economic impact of your purchases.

In addition to providing background information on companies, Alethia also suggests alternative products from companies with better ethical practices. This way, users can choose products that align more closely with their health, economic, and social values. Alethia acts as a digital guide to help and encourage more responsible consumer behavior, helping you navigate the often complex world of product marketing practices to make more informed decisions.
Alethia operates by leveraging a combination of advanced data aggregation and intuitive user interface design to deliver a seamless experience. When you scan a product’s barcode, the app quickly cross-references it with an extensive database of what is typically a maze of affiliated companies, subsidiaries, and their respective legal histories. This database, meticulously curated and regularly updated, provides a layered understanding of corporate structures and their associated practices.

The app then processes this information to present a clear, concise profile of the controlling company, highlighting any pertinent ethical concerns or legal violations. Alethia's algorithms analyze the company's track record in areas such as product safety, labor practices, environmental impact, and financial transparency, offering you an informed perspective beyond the product's packaging.

In cases where the company’s practices fall short of ethical standards, Alethia goes a step further by suggesting alternative products from more reputable sources. This feature empowers you to make choices that align with your values, fostering a more informed and conscientious consumer environment. The end result is a tool that not only informs but also advocates for a marketplace where integrity, transparency and ethics are paramount to a successful business .
Alethia stands apart through its uncompromising focus on ethical transparency and its commitment to depth over breadth. Unlike many scanning apps that primarily offer nutritional information or price comparisons, Alethia delves into the intricate web of corporate ownership and legal history behind each product. It isn't content with simply showing you what’s in a product; it reveals the broader context of the company that made it, including any history of ethical violations or questionable practices.

What truly differentiates Alethia is its robust database, which goes beyond surface-level data to uncover the often obscured connections between brands and their parent or controlling companies. This means that even if a product appears to be from a smaller, local brand, Alethia can identify if it's actually owned by a larger conglomerate with a problematic track record. By doing so, it cuts through the layers of rebranding and marketing strategies that companies often use to distance themselves from their unfavorable, illegal, or misleading practices.

Alethia doesn’t stop at pointing out the negatives. It actively suggests more ethical alternatives becoming a practical and reliable tool for an making an informed choice rather than simply highlighting issues. This proactive approach informs users and encourages a shift in consumer behavior towards safer and more responsible purchasing. Alethia empowers you to purchase products and financially support companies alighted with your needs and values.
Alethia provides a comprehensive snapshot of a company, going beyond the surface-level data you'd typically encounter. When you scan a product, the app unveils details about the parent company, its subsidiaries, and its corporate lineage. This means you can see who truly owns the brand and how it fits into a larger corporate network.

In addition to ownership structures, Alethia digs into the company’s legal history, highlighting any significant lawsuits, regulatory fines, or ethical violations they’ve faced. This includes instances of labor disputes, environmental infractions, and other actions that might contradict the ethical image they project. By bringing this information to the forefront, Alethia empowers you to look past marketing narratives and see the company's actual practices.

Additional information:

Year of Founding

Headquarters Location

Estimated total employee count

Estimated total revenue

Stock symbol
Alethia pulls its data exclusively from state and federal sources, providing a robust and authoritative foundation for its assessments. We have integrated information from over 40 state sources and nearly 500 state or local databases, ensuring a broad and detailed scope of coverage. This includes records from federal and state regulatory agencies, government filings, and compliance reports, offering a factual and unbiased look into a company’s operations and history of practices.

Additionally, Alethia leverages data from established watchdog organizations, which monitor corporate behavior and track ethical practices. By incorporating these insights, the app can present a more comprehensive view of a company’s ethical profile. We also utilize the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to access records that may not be readily available to the public, further enhancing the depth of our data.

This rigorous approach ensures that every piece of information Alethia presents is grounded in official and verifiable sources, allowing users to make decisions based on facts rather than narratives.
Yes, you can trust the information provided by Alethia. Our data is sourced and updated exclusively from reputable and verifiable state and federal databases, as well as established watchdog organizations. We pull directly from over 40 state sources and nearly 500 state or local records, including state and federal regulatory filings, reported legal proceedings, compliance reports, and other official documentation. This means the information you see is grounded in factual and authoritative sources.

Alethia also makes use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain data that may not be readily accessible to the public, ensuring a deeper level of transparency. By focusing on these primary sources, we eliminate the reliance on second-hand reports or subjective interpretations. The data is presented as it is, without embellishment or bias, allowing you to trust its accuracy and make decisions based on solid evidence.

Our commitment to transparency extends to how we handle and present this data. We provide the raw facts, giving you the context and background needed to make informed choices. With Alethia, you're not getting opinions or editorialized content—just the direct information that empowers you to decide what matters most in your purchasing decisions.

Information

Alethia operates within the bounds of the law by utilizing publicly available data sources and adhering to legal and ethical standards in information gathering. We collect data from a wide range of state and federal records, regulatory filings, and watchdog organizations, all of which is scattered in the public record. This includes utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain records that are legally available but may not be easily accessible to the average consumer.

By focusing on data that is already in the public domain or obtained through legal channels, Alethia ensures that it respects privacy laws and regulations. We do not use unauthorized methods to acquire information, nor do we access legally protected private or confidential company data. Our approach is centered on transparency and legality, ensuring that the information we provide is both accurate and lawfully sourced.

Additionally, Alethia's use of this information is intended to educate and empower consumers, not to defame or unfairly target companies. By presenting factual data without editorializing or passing judgment, we adhere to ethical standards while providing a valuable service to our users.
Yes.

It's possible that some companies may not be pleased with the information revelated and made understandable in Alethia, especially if it highlights negative aspects of their practices. However, Alethia is committed to providing factual, publicly sourced data without bias or subjective commentary. Our primary goal is to empower consumers with transparency and allow them to make informed decisions based on accurate information.

By relying solely on verified sources such as state and federal records, regulatory filings, and watchdog reports, we ensure that the information presented is objective and legally obtained. Alethia does not editorialize or make judgments; it simply compiles and presents data in formats that are accurately and comparatively empower consumer decisions. This approach reduces the likelihood of misinterpretation or misinformation.

For companies with positive practices, Alethia can serve as an opportunity to gain recognition and build trust with consumers who prioritize health, environmental and other ethical considerations. For those with less favorable reviews, it provides an incentive to improve their practices and address consumer concerns. Our intent is not to target or defame companies but to foster an environment where ethical business practices are recognized and rewarded.

Alethia uses company logos and names to enhance user experience and make it easier to identify products and brands. We use these elements under the principles of fair use, primarily for the purpose of identification, commentary, and education. The use of logos and names is solely to help users quickly recognize the companies and products they are researching, enabling more informed purchasing decisions.

We do not modify or alter logos or products and names, nor do we use them in a way that suggests endorsement or affiliation with the companies. Our goal is to present accurate and recognizable information while respecting the intellectual property rights of each company. By adhering to fair use guidelines and focusing on transparency, Alethia ensures that the use of company logos and names is both legally compliant and respectful of brand identities.
Alethia currently focuses on US data to ensure the highest level of accuracy and reliability. The US has a well-established infrastructure for corporate transparency, including state and federal regulatory bodies, comprehensive reporting standards, and laws like the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This allows us to gather detailed and verifiable information, presenting a thorough picture of corporate practices.

However, we recognize the importance of expanding our coverage to include international data, and this is very much on our roadmap. Incorporating global data involves navigating a complex landscape of varying legal systems, reporting standards, and data accessibility. Each country has its own regulations and structures for corporate reporting, making it challenging to gather consistent and comparable information across borders.

Additionally, there are significant translation and localization challenges to address. Legal terminology and corporate language can vary greatly from one country to another, requiring careful interpretation to ensure that the information remains accurate and meaningful to users.
Alethia doesn't make that determination for you. Instead, we provide a comprehensive set of information about a company, it's products and practices, empowering you to decide what aligns with your values. Our role is to bring transparency to corporate product branding, marketing, and control, offering data from a wide range of state, federal, and watchdog sources. Alethia's data set includes records on labor practices, environmental actions, and regulatory compliance, giving you the tools to assess a company based on the criteria that matter most to you.

We believe that ethical considerations are deeply personal and can vary from one individual to another. By presenting clear, factual data without imposing our own standards or judgments, Alethia allows you to weigh the evidence and make informed decisions. Whether you prioritize environmental sustainability, labor rights, or branding/marketing integrity, the app serves as a resource to help you navigate these complex issues.
If you find yourself disagreeing with Alethia's assessment, it's important to remember that Alethia provides factual data rather than subjective judgments. The app compiles information from state, federal, and watchdog sources, presenting it for your evaluation. We aim to offer transparency and let you make your own informed decisions based on the data available.

However, if you believe there is an inaccuracy or missing information, we encourage you to reach out. Your insights can help us improve the app and ensure that our data remains as comprehensive and up-to-date as possible. We are always open to feedback and we continuously work on refining our data sources and presentation methods.

Alethia is designed to be a tool for personal decision-making, so if the data doesn't align with your perception or values, use it as a starting point for further investigation. Our goal is to empower you with the information to make brand and product choices that resonate with your ethical standards.

Technical and Miscellaneous

Alethia is regularly updated to ensure that the information you receive is current and accurate. We continuously monitor and incorporate data from our extensive network of state, federal, and watchdog sources. Updates can occur as frequently as new information becomes available, often on a weekly basis or even more frequently for significant legal or regulatory changes.

In addition to routine updates, Alethia also undergoes periodic comprehensive data refreshes. This involves a thorough review and incorporation of newly released records, changes in company structures, and any legal developments that impact a company’s integrity or ethical standing. This systematic approach ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date information when making purchasing decisions.
iOS Devices: Alethia is available for iPhone and iPad users, running on iOS 12.0 or later. The app is optimized for both smaller screens and tablet displays, providing a seamless experience on all Apple mobile devices.

Android Devices: Alethia can be used on Android smartphones and tablets, supporting Android 8.0 (Oreo) and later versions. The app is tailored to run smoothly on various Android devices, offering the same functionality and features as on iOS.
Alethia offers both a free, ad-supported version and a premium subscription plan. The free version provides access to essential features like scanning barcodes and viewing basic company information, with ads helping to support the app’s ongoing development.

For users seeking an enhanced experience, the premium subscription removes all ads and adds features such as the ability to search for products without scanning a barcode and receiving local product recommendations tailored to your area. These additional tools make the premium version more convenient for those who want a smoother and more personalized experience.
Absolutely! Alethia is always evolving, and user input plays a key role in expanding our database. Whenever you scan a barcode that isn't already in our system, it helps us identify new products to consider adding. This process allows us to continuously discover and evaluate new items, ensuring that our coverage remains as comprehensive as possible.

In addition to scanning, you can also suggest specific companies or products for review through the app's feedback feature or by contacting our support team directly. We take all user submissions seriously and review them to see how they can enhance the app's offerings. While we prioritize new additions based on data availability and overall impact, your contributions are invaluable in helping us improve Alethia's reach and effectiveness.

Data and Privacy

Alethia is committed to respecting your privacy. When you use the app, we do not collect or store personal data beyond what is necessary for the app’s functionality. Our primary focus is on providing information about companies and products, not on tracking or profiling our users.

Alethia collects certain personal data to enhance your experience and measure the app's impact effectively. When you use the app, we gather standard account information such as your name and email address. We also track the barcodes you scan, and on your next interaction, we prompt you to let us know if you made better purchasing decisions based on our recommendations. This feedback is crucial as we convert it into a dollar amount to measure the positive impact of Alethia on your purchasing habits.

For premium users, we collect location data to offer local product recommendations and securely store payment information for managing subscriptions. This data allows us to tailor the experience to your preferences and provide more relevant insights.
Alethia collects a variety of data to enhance the user experience and measure the impact of ethical purchasing decisions. Here's a breakdown of the types of data we collect:

Account Information: When you create an account, we gather basic information such as your name and email address. This is essential for managing your user profile and providing a personalized experience within the app.

Scanning History: We track the barcodes you scan to provide insights into the companies and products you interact with. This helps us offer more relevant recommendations and assess how the app is being used.

Impact Feedback: After you've scanned products, we prompt you on your next interaction to let us know if you chose more ethical products based on our recommendations. We convert this feedback into a dollar amount to measure Alethia's impact on your purchasing behavior.

Location Data: For premium users, we collect location data to make local product recommendations, tailoring the app experience to your geographical area. This allows us to suggest more relevant products and alternatives available in your vicinity.

Payment Information: For managing subscriptions, we securely collect and store payment information for premium users. This ensures a seamless experience for accessing premium features within the app.

Usage and UX Data: We also collect standard usage data to understand how users interact with the app. This includes user behavior, app performance, and interaction patterns, which help us improve the overall user experience and refine Alethia's features.
Alethia checks your primary location occasionally, but we do not actively track your movements. This periodic check allows us to provide local product recommendations that are relevant to your area, ensuring the alternatives we suggest are accessible to you.

For our premium users, this location data helps us tailor the app's recommendations to be more useful and contextually appropriate. However, this is not a continuous tracking process; we only update your primary location from time to time to keep our recommendations current.
Alethia takes your data privacy seriously and employs robust measures to ensure that your information is protected. We collect only the data necessary to enhance your experience and measure the app's impact, such as scanning history, occasional location checks for premium users, and standard account information. Here’s how we safeguard your data:

Data Minimization: We collect only what is essential for providing our services, avoiding unnecessary data accumulation. This means that any data we gather is directly tied to improving your experience and the functionality of the app.

Secure Storage: All personal and usage data is stored securely using industry-standard encryption methods. We ensure that sensitive information, like payment details for premium users, is handled with the highest level of security to prevent unauthorized access.

No Sharing with Third Parties: Your data is never sold or shared with third parties. Alethia is designed to function independently of advertising networks or external data aggregators, ensuring that your information remains private and within our secure system.

User Control: We give you control over your data. You can request the deletion of your data at any time, and we will promptly remove it from our systems. This ensures that you have the final say in how your information is used and stored.

Transparency: We are committed to being transparent about our data practices. If there are any changes to how we handle your data, we will inform you and seek your consent if new data collection practices are introduced.
Yes, you can delete your data if you decide to stop using Alethia. We believe in giving users full control over their personal information. If you choose to delete your account, all data associated with it—including your scanning history, account details, and any location or feedback data—is permanently removed from our system.

To delete your data, you can use the app's privacy settings to initiate the process or contact our support team directly. We will ensure that your request is handled promptly and securely, so you can have peace of mind that your information is no longer stored on our servers.