Local-First Architecture
Your captured photos, videos, and personal app databases are stored locally on your device by default.
No Selling of Personal Data
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data or photos to third parties or advertising networks.
Peer-to-Peer Transfer
Peer Sharing and Live Gallery operate directly between devices on your local Wi-Fi without routing photos through servers.
Granular Permissions
Camera, Microphone, and Media permissions are used solely for enabling application features requested by you.
1. Introduction
Welcome to PicApp ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience when using our mobile application (the "Application" or "App").
This Privacy Policy explains how we handle data, media files, and device permissions when you use PicApp. PicApp is designed as a privacy-focused, local-first camera and media application with optional local peer-to-peer sharing features.
By downloading, installing, or using PicApp, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, please do not use the Application.
2. Summary of Key Principles
- Local-First Architecture: Your captured photos, videos, and personal app databases are stored locally on your device by default.
- No Selling of Personal Data: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data or photos to third parties or advertising networks.
- Peer-to-Peer Transfer: Peer Sharing and Live Gallery features operate directly between devices on your local local area network (LAN/Wi-Fi) without routing your full resolution photos through third-party servers.
- Granular Permissions: Camera, Microphone, and Media permissions are used solely for enabling application features requested by you.
3. Information We Collect and Process
3.1 Photos, Videos, and Audio Files
- Capture & Storage: When you use PicApp to take photos or record videos, these files are saved directly to your device's local storage or photo library.
- EXIF Metadata: Photos captured by the App may include standard EXIF metadata (such as timestamp, camera settings, and optional location coordinates if location permissions are granted).
3.2 Local Database & Application Data
PicApp uses an on-device local database (PicAppDatabase) to organize folders, photo metadata, and peer sharing device pairing tokens. This database remains exclusively on your device.
3.3 Network & Device Information
- Local Network IP & Device Info: When using Peer Sharing or QuickConnect features, the App accesses your local IP address, device name, model, and operating system version to establish local Wi-Fi peer connections with devices you explicitly authorize.
- Session Tokens: Temporary security tokens are generated on-device to manage trusted peer connections.
4. Device Permissions Required
To provide full functionality, PicApp requests the following device permissions:
| Permission | Purpose | Optional / Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
Camera (android.permission.CAMERA) | Required to capture photos and record videos within the App, and to scan QR codes for QuickConnect pairing. | Mandatory for camera features |
Microphone (android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO) | Required to record audio when capturing video files. | Mandatory for video recording |
Media Storage (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES, READ_MEDIA_VIDEO, READ/WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE) | Required to display your photos in the in-app gallery and save newly captured media to your device. | Mandatory for gallery access |
Location (ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION) | Used optionally to add geotagging location metadata to captured photos and for local Wi-Fi network discovery on supported Android versions. | Optional |
Local Network / Wi-Fi (ACCESS_WIFI_STATE, CHANGE_WIFI_MULTICAST_STATE, INTERNET) | Used for local peer-to-peer device discovery, Live Gallery hosting, and local file transfers over your Wi-Fi network. | Required for Peer Sharing |
Foreground Service (FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC) | Allows active media background synchronization or peer transfer tasks to complete reliably. | Required during active transfers |
Vibration (VIBRATE) | Provides haptic feedback when taking photos or interacting with UI controls. | Optional |
You can grant or revoke these permissions at any time through your device's System Settings (Settings > Apps > PicApp > Permissions).
5. Third-Party Services & Libraries
PicApp does not include invasive third-party tracking SDKs, ad networks, or user profiling analytics.
If you voluntarily connect external cloud services (such as Google Drive or iCloud) within the App:
- Authentication and transfers occur directly between your device and your chosen cloud provider.
- We recommend reviewing the respective privacy policies of those services:
6. How We Protect Your Data
We implement appropriate technical safeguards to protect your data:
- On-Device Storage: Media and settings are stored locally on your device.
- Local Peer Transfer Security: Peer-to-peer connections require explicit pairing approvals and session authentication tokens.
- No Unsolicited Cloud Uploads: Photos are never automatically uploaded to external cloud servers without your explicit setup and consent.
7. Data Retention & Deletion
Since PicApp stores data locally on your device:
- Deleting Photos/Folders: You can delete any photo, video, or folder directly within the App gallery. Deleting media permanently removes it from the App database and device storage.
- Complete App Data Removal: You can clear all app data or uninstall PicApp from your device at any time. Uninstalling the App removes all local databases, cached files, and configuration settings.
8. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
PicApp is designed as a general-purpose camera application and does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions). If you believe a child has provided personal information through our App, please contact us so we can assist in removing the data.
9. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR & CCPA/CPRA Compliance)
Depending on your geographic location, you have rights regarding your personal information:
- Right to Access & Control: Because your media and data remain on your device, you maintain direct access, control, and ownership over all your content at all times.
- Right to Erasure / Deletion: You can erase all data by clearing app storage or uninstalling the App.
- Right to Opt-Out of Sale / Sharing: PicApp does not sell your personal data or photos.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When updated, the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy will be revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or privacy practices of PicApp, please contact us at: