🔒 Privacy by Design
PDFScan Pro is designed with privacy by default. Your documents are processed entirely on your device and never leave it unless you choose to share them.
1. Introduction
This Privacy Policy explains how PDFScan Pro ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our document scanning application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about our data practices.
Key Principle: We believe your documents should remain private. That's why PDFScan Pro processes all documents locally on your device without sending them to our servers.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Documents and Content
What we DON'T collect:
- ❌ Your scanned documents or images
- ❌ Content of your PDFs or annotations
- ❌ Text extracted through OCR
- ❌ Signatures or form data
- ❌ Any document metadata or content
All document processing happens locally on your device.
2.2 Account Information (If you create an account)
- Email address (for account creation and support)
- Encrypted password (we never see your actual password)
- Account creation date
- Subscription status and billing information (handled by App Store/Google Play)
2.3 Usage Analytics (Anonymous)
- App usage statistics (which features are used)
- Performance metrics (crash reports, loading times)
- Device information (OS version, device type - no unique identifiers)
- General usage patterns (anonymized and aggregated)
3. How We Use Information
| Information Type | Purpose | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Account Information | Provide app functionality, customer support | Contract performance |
| Usage Analytics | Improve app performance and user experience | Legitimate interest |
| Subscription Data | Manage premium features and billing | Contract performance |
| Support Communications | Provide customer support and resolve issues | Contract performance |
4. Document Processing & Storage
🏠 Local Processing Only
- Camera Processing: Image capture and enhancement happen on your device
- PDF Generation: Documents are created locally using your device's processing power
- OCR & Text Recognition: All text extraction happens on your device
- Annotations & Signatures: All editing and markup is processed locally
- Storage: Documents are saved to your device's storage, under your control
What this means for you:
- ✅ Complete control over your documents
- ✅ No internet required for core functionality
- ✅ Documents never transmitted to our servers
- ✅ Privacy protected even if our servers are compromised
- ✅ Compliance with strict data protection requirements
5. Data Security
We implement strong security measures to protect the limited information we do collect:
Technical Safeguards:
- 🔐 Local Document Encryption: Documents are encrypted on your device using system-level encryption
- 🛡️ Secure Data Transmission: All communications use HTTPS/TLS encryption
- 🔒 Limited Data Collection: We only collect essential information for app functionality
- ⚡ Regular Security Updates: We maintain current security patches and protocols
- 🔑 Industry-Standard Authentication: Secure login processes with encrypted passwords
Device Security: Your device's security features (device encryption, biometric locks, secure folders) provide additional protection for your documents. We recommend keeping your device updated and using strong security settings.
6. Your Privacy Rights (GDPR & Similar Laws)
You have comprehensive rights regarding your personal data:
🔍 Right to Access
Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
✏️ Right to Rectification
Correct any inaccurate or incomplete information
🗑️ Right to Erasure
Delete your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
📦 Right to Data Portability
Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
🚫 Right to Object
Object to processing of your personal data
⏸️ Right to Withdraw Consent
Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
How to Exercise Your Rights: Contact us through the app's support feature or email. We respond to privacy inquiries within 30 days.
Important Note: Since documents are processed locally, you always have direct control over your document data through your device settings.
7. Children's Privacy
PDFScan Pro is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will:
- Delete the information immediately
- Notify the parent or guardian (if contact information is available)
- Take steps to prevent future collection
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
If you use PDFScan Pro outside your home country:
- Your limited account data may be processed in other countries where our service providers operate
- We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (standard contractual clauses, adequacy decisions)
- Your documents always remain on your device, regardless of location
- GDPR and similar protections apply where applicable
9. Third-Party Services
PDFScan Pro integrates with limited third-party services. Each has their own privacy policies:
| Service | Purpose | Data Shared | Privacy Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firebase Analytics (Google) | Anonymous usage statistics | Device info, app usage patterns | Google Privacy Policy |
| Google Sign-In | Account authentication | Email, basic profile (if chosen) | Google Privacy Policy |
| App Store/Google Play | Subscription management | Purchase info, account details | Apple / Google |
Important: We share only the minimum data required for functionality. No document content is ever shared with third parties.
10. Data Retention
We retain information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy:
- Account Data: Until account deletion or 3 years of inactivity
- Analytics Data: Up to 26 months (anonymized and aggregated)
- Support Communications: Up to 3 years for quality assurance
- Your Documents: Never stored by us - remain on your device indefinitely or until you delete them
- Subscription Data: As required by tax/legal obligations (typically 7 years)
You can delete your account and associated data at any time through the app settings or by contacting support.
11. Changes to Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or service improvements. We will notify users of material changes through:
- In-app notifications for significant changes
- Email notifications (if you've provided an email address)
- Prominent notice on our website
- Updated "Last Modified" date at the top of this policy
Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated privacy policy.
12. Contact Us
For privacy questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights:
📧 Privacy Contact Methods:
- In-App Support: Use the support feature in PDFScan Pro (fastest response)
- Email: Support.PDFScanPro@balshoo.com
- Website: PDFScan Pro Privacy Center
Response Time: We respond to all privacy inquiries within 30 days, often much sooner.
Data Protection Officer: For EU residents, you can also contact your local data protection authority if you have concerns about our privacy practices.
🛡️ Privacy Summary
PDFScan Pro is designed with privacy by default. Your documents are processed entirely on your device and never leave it unless you choose to share them. We collect minimal personal data, protect what we do collect, and give you full control over your information.