PhotoLoci

Privacy Policy

Purpose & Scope

PhotoLoci is designed to help you rediscover your memories by mapping your photo library. This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the PhotoLoci application. Our mission is to provide a beautiful and functional way to visualize your photo geography while respecting your privacy and keeping your data secure.

Data We Collect

We believe in data minimization. Here is a breakdown of the data we interact with:

  • Photos & Metadata: The app accesses your photo library to display images and read location metadata (EXIF data) to place them on the map. This processing happens entirely on your device.
  • User-Provided Location Info: If you choose to add location data to photos that lack it, this information is stored locally or within the photo's metadata, depending on your actions.
  • Search Queries: When you search for locations within the app, these queries are processed to find the coordinates on the map.
  • Diagnostics & Analytics: We may collect anonymous diagnostic data (crashes, performance issues) and optional analytics to help us improve the app. This data is not linked to your personal identity.

Location Handling

Your location privacy is paramount.

  • Precise Location: We only use your precise location when you explicitly use features like adding a pin to your current location.
  • Permissions: The app requests Location Services permissions to show your position on the map and to tag photos. You can revoke these permissions at any time in your device settings.

Photos & Media

Your photos are yours. PhotoLoci does not upload your photos to any external server.

  • On-Device Processing: All photo analysis and map clustering are performed locally on your device.
  • Metadata: We read photo metadata (date, time, location) to organize your library. Reverse geocoding (finding the city/country name from coordinates) is performed using Apple's system frameworks.
  • Sharing: Your photos and their metadata remain on your device unless you explicitly choose to share or export them.

Permissions & Access

To function correctly, PhotoLoci requires access to:

  • Photo Library: To display your photos and read their location data.
  • Location Services: To show your current location on the map.

We do not retain or store your Apple ID or other credentials. All data access is mediated through standard Apple APIs, ensuring you control the access levels.

Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties.

  • System Services: Some data, like map search queries, may be processed by system services (e.g., Apple Maps) to function, subject to their respective privacy policies.
  • Legal Obligations: We may disclose data if required by law, though since we do not store your user data on our servers, we generally possess no data to disclose.

Data Retention & Deletion

  • Retention: Since data is processed on-device, it remains there as long as the app is installed or until you delete it.
  • Resetting Data: You can reset location information or cache within the app settings if applicable.
  • Deletion: Deleting the app from your device will remove all local data associated with PhotoLoci.

Security Measures

We employ industry-standard security measures.

  • On-Device Storage: By keeping your data on your device, we leverage the robust security protections of the iOS/iPadOS/macOS platforms.
  • System Frameworks: We use secure system frameworks for all data handling.

User Rights

You have full control over your data:

  • Review & Change: You can review and change Photos and Location permissions in your device's Settings app at any time.
  • Contact: If you have questions about your privacy rights, please contact us.

Contact & Updates

We may update this policy from time to time. Significant changes will be notified via an app update or a notice within the app.

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: