PhotoSort Privacy Policy
PhotoSort is designed to be local-first. We do not operate our own cloud album, and we do not upload your photos, videos, privacy vault files, trash files, or screenshot text notes to servers operated by us. Photo library permissions, ad SDK usage, and third-party services are described below.
Introduction
Welcome to PhotoSort (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, share, and protect information when you use the App, the official website, privacy policy pages, user agreement pages, and user support channels.
Please read this policy carefully before using the App. By using or continuing to use the App, you acknowledge that you understand the data practices described here. If you do not agree, you may stop using the App or the relevant features.
1. Scope
This policy applies to the PhotoSort iOS app and its official website, privacy policy, user agreement, and support pages. It does not apply to the privacy practices of Apple App Store, Google, advertising networks, payment providers, or other third-party websites, services, or platforms.
2. Information We Collect and Use
We process information under the principles of legality, necessity, and minimization. To provide photo cleanup, storage analysis, screenshot text notes, the privacy vault, trash, ads, in-app purchases, and support, the App may involve the following information:
- Photos, videos, screenshots, Live Photos, creation dates, media types, durations, media subtypes, and estimated storage size from your photo library. This is used for local scanning, categorization, previews, duplicate detection, low-quality photo detection, large video filtering, Live Photo to still conversion, and the storage dashboard.
- Photos or videos you choose to import into the privacy vault. The App stores these files in its local app directory and, after your confirmation, may remove the originals from the system photo library.
- Items you delete through PhotoSort. Deleted items first enter the App's 7-day trash so they can be restored or permanently removed.
- Screenshot text recognition results, memo titles, creation times, and update times. OCR uses system capabilities locally, and results are stored on your device by default.
- Privacy vault passcode status, onboarding status, OCR usage count, saved storage amount, preferences, and app state, used to restore the app experience and provide core features.
- Purchase and entitlement status. Pro upgrades, price display, purchases, and restore purchases are handled by Apple App Store / StoreKit. We do not receive your full card number, payment account, or Apple ID password.
- Ad-related information. The current project integrates Google AdMob for app open, banner, and interstitial ads. Google may process device, advertising identifier, network, app, impression, click, diagnostics, and anti-fraud information according to its own policies.
- Information you voluntarily provide by email, such as your email address, issue description, screenshots, recordings, system information, or attachments. We use this only to respond, troubleshoot, improve the product, and handle your request.
The App does not require an account operated by us, and we do not operate our own cloud album.
3. Permissions
The App may request or use the following system permissions and capabilities:
- Photo library read permission: used to scan photos and videos, find screenshots, Live Photos, duplicates, low-quality photos, and large videos, and produce storage statistics.
- Photo library add permission: used to save still images converted from Live Photos and restore items from the trash or privacy vault to the system photo library.
- Local storage: used to store privacy vault files, trash files, OCR memo notes, preferences, and app state.
- Network access: used to access the website, privacy policy, user agreement, ads, App Store pricing, and purchase restoration.
- In-app purchases: used for Pro purchase, restore purchase, and entitlement validation.
Disabling certain permissions may make related features unavailable. For example, without photo library access, the App cannot scan your album or perform photo cleanup.
4. Local Storage, Deletion, and Restore
The privacy vault, trash, screenshot notes, storage statistics, and preferences are primarily stored on your device. You can delete, restore, or export related content in the App, and you may also remove local content by uninstalling the App or clearing app data.
Please note: uninstalling the App, clearing the app container, changing devices, or reinstalling the system may delete the privacy vault, trash, and screenshot notes. Because we do not keep server copies, we cannot remotely restore this local data.
5. Cookies and Similar Technologies
The App's core features do not depend on cookies set by us. The website may involve necessary browser cache or basic hosting logs. We do not set our own advertising tracking cookies through the website.
6. Sharing, Transfer, or Disclosure
Except in the following cases, we do not sell, rent, or share personally identifiable information with third parties:
- With your explicit consent or based on your voluntary action.
- When Apple needs to process information for App Store purchases, restore purchases, price display, and transaction validation.
- When Google AdMob needs to process ad-related information to display, measure, and protect advertising services.
- When required by laws, regulations, judicial or administrative authorities, or when necessary to resolve disputes or protect the rights and interests of you, other users, us, or the public.
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, asset transfer, or similar transaction, where information may be transferred within the lawful and necessary scope and the new processor will be required to remain bound by this policy.
Anonymized information that cannot identify a specific person is not considered a sharing, transfer, or public disclosure of personal information.
7. Retention and Protection
Photo cleanup data is mainly stored on your local device. Information you voluntarily provide by email is kept only for as long as necessary for contact, support, troubleshooting, compliance, or dispute handling.
We take reasonable administrative and technical measures to protect relevant information against unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, damage, or loss. However, no system, device, or network environment can be guaranteed to be absolutely secure. Please be cautious when sending identity documents, financial information, or other sensitive content by email.
8. Your Rights
You can manage local cleanup results, privacy vault files, trash items, and screenshot notes within the App. You may also contact us using the information below to request access, correction, deletion, withdrawal of consent, explanations, complaints, or suggestions related to personal information. For information processed by Apple App Store or Google, please use their official channels.
9. Children
The App is designed for general photo management and personal productivity use and is not directed specifically to children. If you are a minor, please use the App with consent and guidance from your parent or guardian. Guardians may contact us with questions about children's information.
10. Updates
We may update this policy due to product changes, laws and regulations, App Store requirements, ad SDK requirements, or operational needs. Updated versions will be posted on this page. If material changes occur, we will provide appropriate notice where practicable. Continued use after an update means you understand the updated policy.
11. Contact Us
For privacy questions, complaints, suggestions, or requests, contact: clawai327@outlook.com. We generally respond within fifteen business days.
Appendix 1: Third-Party Services and SDKs
- Apple App Store / StoreKit: used for localized pricing, Pro purchases, restore purchases, and entitlement validation. Privacy policy: https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/
- Google AdMob: used for app open ads, banner ads, interstitial ads, ad measurement, diagnostics, and anti-fraud. Privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
Appendix 2: Sensitive Permissions and Capabilities
The App needs photo library read and add permissions for core cleanup features; network access for ads, purchase information, and policy pages; and local storage for the privacy vault, trash, OCR notes, and preferences. The current version does not require contacts, precise location, microphone, or camera access.