Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 24, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to PicSeek. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle your information when you use our mobile application.

2. Data Controller

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Photos and Media

• Access: The app accesses your photo library to perform AI-powered search and organization
• Processing: All photo analysis is performed entirely on your device
• Storage: Generated embeddings (numerical representations) are stored locally in your device's database
• No Upload: Your photos are never uploaded to our servers or any third-party services
• Location data: The app may read location metadata from your photos (if present). This information is used solely within the app to organize, categorize, or display photos; all data remains stored on your device and is not uploaded to our servers.

3.2 Usage Data

• App Settings: Your preferences and settings are stored locally
• Search History: Search queries are stored locally for your convenience
• Albums: Custom albums you create are stored in your device's local database
• Analytics Events: Basic app interaction events (e.g., screen views, button taps, feature usage) may be collected via Firebase Analytics to improve the app

3.3 Information We Do NOT Collect

• ❌ Personal identification information
• ❌ Precise location data (beyond what is embedded in your photos)
• ❌ Photo content uploads to our servers
• ❌ Crash reports (unless you manually share them)

4. How We Use Your Information

All data processing occurs locally on your device:

• AI Search: Machine learning models run on-device to generate searchable embeddings
• Album Management: Your custom albums and organization are stored in local SQLite database
• Settings: App preferences are saved to UserDefaults

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your data. We share limited analytics data with Firebase Analytics (Google) to understand app usage and improve the product.

Other than analytics, no data leaves your device unless you explicitly:

• Export photos using iOS sharing features
• Back up your device to iCloud (controlled by iOS, not our app)

6. Data Storage and Security

6.1 Local Storage

• All data is stored in your device's app sandbox
• Database is protected by iOS file system permissions
• No cloud synchronization or backup by our app

6.2 iCloud Backup (Optional)

If you enable iCloud Backup in iOS settings, your app data may be backed up to your personal iCloud account. This is controlled by Apple, not our app. Refer to Apple's Privacy Policy for details.

7. Data Retention

• Duration: Data is retained until you delete the app or clear data manually
• Deletion: Uninstalling the app removes all local data automatically
• Manual Clearing: You can delete search history, albums, or all embeddings from app settings

8. Your Rights

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have complete control:

• Access: All data is accessible through the app interface
• Deletion: Delete search history, albums, or embeddings anytime
• Export: Use iOS sharing features to export photos
• Revoke Access: Revoke photo library access in iOS Settings → Privacy

9. Children's Privacy

Our app does not collect any personal information. However, we do not knowingly allow users under 13 years old. If you believe a child has used our app, please contact us.

10. International Data Transfers

Not applicable. No data is transferred outside your device.

11. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Firebase Analytics (Google): Collects basic app interaction events to help us improve the app. See Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy.
• Photos Framework: To access your photo library (with your permission)
• CoreML: For on-device AI processing
• SwiftUI/UIKit: For app interface

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected in:

• Updated "Last Updated" date at the top
• App Store release notes (for major changes)
• In-app notification (for significant changes)

13. Contact Us

© 2025 HU GongLin. All rights reserved.