Privacy Policy
Last updated: December 18, 2025
Version 2.0 - Google Play Store Compliant
1. Introduction & Commitment to Privacy
QR Code & Barcode Scanner ("App," "we," "us," "our," or "Company") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of your personal information when you use our mobile application available on Google Play Store and other platforms.
Our Privacy Commitment: We are dedicated to transparent data practices. We collect minimal data, use it only for stated purposes, and never sell user data to third parties. Your privacy is fundamental to our operations.
Effective Date: December 1, 2025 | Last Modified: December 18, 2025
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact & Communication Data: When you reach out via contact form, email, or in-app messaging, we collect your name, email address, and message content for customer support purposes
- Feedback & Bug Reports: Any voluntary suggestions, bug reports, or feature requests you submit
- Account Data (Optional): If you create an optional user account, we collect username, password (hashed), and profile information
- Crash Reports (Opt-in): Detailed error logs only if you consent to share them
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifier (AAID/IDFA), app version
- Usage Analytics: Feature usage patterns, session duration, app launch frequency (anonymized)
- Performance Data: App performance metrics, crash reports (aggregated)
- Location Data (With Permission): Precise location only if you explicitly grant camera permissions for QR code scanning contexts. We do NOT use location for tracking or monetization
2.3 Information from Third-Party Services
- Google Mobile Ads SDK: Ad impression data, engagement metrics for personalized ad serving
- Google Analytics: Anonymized usage statistics, feature popularity, user demographics (age range, general location)
- Google Play Services: App installation data, device authentication tokens
- Firebase Crashlytics: Crash and error data for app stability improvements (anonymized)
Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: Device model, OS version, app version
- Usage Analytics: Feature usage patterns (completely anonymous)
- Crash Reports: Error logs to improve app stability
- Camera Permissions: Only when you actively scan
What We Do NOT Collect
- Scan Data: We never store or analyze what you scan
- Location: No location tracking
- Contacts: No contact list access
- Files: No file system access beyond saved codes
3. Information We DO NOT Collect
- QR/Barcode Data: We never scan, store, log, or analyze what you scan or create. No history of scanned content is sent to our servers
- Location Tracking: No GPS tracking, no location history, no location-based analytics
- Contact Data: No access to your contact list, no phone number collection
- File System Access: No access to your files, photos, or documents beyond camera permissions
- Clipboard Data: No access to your clipboard or clipboard history
- Biometric Data: No fingerprint or facial recognition data collection
- Financial Data: No payment information or transaction history (unless processing in-app purchases)
4. How We Use Your Information
4.1 Permitted Uses
- App Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve features, fix bugs, and optimize performance
- Customer Support: Respond to your inquiries and technical issues
- Security & Fraud Prevention: Detect unauthorized access, prevent abuse, and protect app integrity
- Legal Compliance: Comply with applicable laws, regulations, and valid legal requests
- Ad Serving: Display relevant ads based on your interests and device information
- App Analytics: Understand user demographics, feature popularity, and user retention
4.2 Prohibited Uses
- Marketing without explicit consent
- Selling data to third parties
- Sharing personal information with advertisers
- Profiling or discrimination
- Using data for purposes other than stated in this policy
Your Consent: By using the app, you consent to data collection and use as described in this policy. You can withdraw consent anytime by disabling data sharing in app settings.
5. Data Sharing & Third-Party Services
5.1 Third Parties We Share Data With
-
Google Mobile Ads SDK: Receives device identifiers (AAID/IDFA), device model, OS version, app activity for ad personalization. Data processed under Google's privacy policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
-
Google Analytics for Firebase: Receives anonymized usage data, feature events, user demographics (age, gender estimates). Firebase Analytics Terms
-
Firebase Crashlytics: Receives crash logs, error messages, device information for app stability. Firebase Terms
-
Google Play Services: Manages app installation, in-app purchases, device authentication
5.2 What We DO NOT Share
- Scan history (it never leaves your device)
- Personal contact information with third parties
- Identifiable information for marketing
- Data with ad networks beyond Google
- Any data without legal requirement or your explicit consent
5.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or valid government request. We will notify you of such requests when legally permitted to do so.
5.4 Service Providers
We use service providers for cloud hosting, email services, and analytics. These providers are contractually obligated to use your data only for providing services and must maintain privacy standards equal to ours.
6. Data Security & Encryption
6.1 Security Measures
- Data Transmission: HTTPS/TLS encryption for all server communications
- Local Storage: Encrypted storage of sensitive data on your device
- Access Controls: Restricted database access with authentication
- Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews and vulnerability assessments
- Incident Response: Immediate action plan for data breaches
6.2 Limitation of Liability
While we implement reasonable security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security against unauthorized access, alteration, or destruction of data. You use the app at your own risk. We recommend:
- Keep your device operating system updated
- Use a device lock (PIN/biometric)
- Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks
- Promptly enable security updates
7. Data Retention Policy
7.1 How Long We Keep Data
- Scan/Create History: Stored only on your device; synced to cloud if you enable it; deleted when you remove it from the app
- Analytics Data: Anonymized data retained for 26 months, then automatically deleted
- Crash Reports: Kept for 30 days for debugging, then anonymized
- Support Correspondence: Emails kept for 12 months to maintain support history, then deleted
- Ad Data: Google retains data for 90 days; you can opt-out anytime
- Device Identifiers: Kept for app functioning; can be reset in device settings
7.2 Data Deletion
To delete your data:
- Delete app history in-app: Settings → Clear History
- Delete account: Contact us at privacy@qrscanner.app
- Uninstall app: Deletes all local data
- Request deletion: Email privacy@qrscanner.app for server-side data
7.3 Backup & Recovery
Backups may be retained for 30 days after deletion for disaster recovery purposes. After this period, your data cannot be recovered.
8. Your Privacy Rights & Choices
8.1 Access Your Data
You have the right to request what personal data we hold about you. Email privacy@qrscanner.app with your request and valid ID. We'll respond within 30 days.
8.2 Delete Your Data (Right to Erasure)
You can request permanent deletion of your account and associated data. We'll delete non-essential data immediately and anonymized data within 30 days. Some data may be retained for legal compliance.
8.3 Data Portability
You can export your scan history and settings in JSON format. Contact support@qrscanner.app to request your data export.
8.4 Opt-Out Options
In-App Settings:
- Disable analytics: Settings → Privacy → Disable Analytics
- Disable personalized ads: Settings → Ads → Personalized Ads (toggle OFF)
- Disable crash reports: Settings → Privacy → Share Diagnostic Data
Device-Level Settings:
- Android: Settings → Apps → QR Scanner → Permissions (disable Camera, Location)
- Android: Settings → Google → Manage Your Google Account → Ads → Reset Advertising ID
- iPhone: Settings → Privacy → Tracking → Disable "Allow Tracking"
8.5 Do Not Track (DNT)
If your device has a "Do Not Track" setting enabled, we will respect this signal and disable personalized ad targeting and analytics collection (core functionality remains).
8.6 Right to Rectification
If you believe information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, email privacy@qrscanner.app to request corrections.
9. Children's Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
The QR Code & Barcode Scanner is not intentionally designed for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
9.1 If You Are a Parent/Guardian
- Monitor your child's app usage
- Review privacy settings regularly
- Contact us if you believe we've collected data from a child under 13
9.2 If We Discover Child Data
Upon discovering we've collected data from a user under 13, we will immediately delete that data and notify the parent/guardian.
9.3 Teens (13-18)
Teen users have the same privacy protections. They can request data deletion at any time using the options above.
10. International Users & Regulation Compliance
10.1 GDPR (European Union/EEA Residents)
If you're in the EU or EEA, GDPR grants you these rights:
- Right to Access (Article 15): Request all data we hold about you
- Right to Rectification (Article 16): Correct inaccurate data
- Right to Erasure (Article 17): Delete your data
- Right to Restrict Processing (Article 18): Limit how we use your data
- Right to Data Portability (Article 20): Export your data
- Right to Object (Article 21): Opt-out of processing
- Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making (Article 22): Reject automated profiling
Lawful Basis for Processing: We process data based on (a) your explicit consent, (b) performance of our contract with you, and (c) our legitimate interests in app functionality and security.
Data Protection Officer: Contact privacy@qrscanner.app with GDPR inquiries.
10.2 CCPA (California Residents)
If you are a California resident, CCPA grants you these rights:
- Right to Know (§1798.100): Know what data we collect, use, and share
- Right to Delete (§1798.105): Request deletion of your data
- Right to Opt-Out (§1798.120): Opt-out of "sale" of personal information (we don't sell data)
- Right to Limit Use (§1798.115): Limit use to stated purposes
- Right to Non-Discrimination (§1798.125): No discrimination for exercising rights
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Statement: We do not sell personal information as defined by CCPA. We share data only with service providers for providing services. You may opt-out of analytics and ad personalization anytime.
10.3 LGPD (Brazil Residents)
If you are in Brazil, LGPD grants you similar rights to GDPR. Contact privacy@qrscanner.app for LGPD requests.
10.4 Other Jurisdictions
We comply with privacy laws in all jurisdictions where we operate. If you have jurisdiction-specific questions, contact privacy@qrscanner.app.
11. Advertising & Personalization
11.1 Google Ads Personalization
- What Google Collects: Device ID, ad engagement, app usage patterns
- How It's Used: To show relevant ads based on your interests
- How to Opt-Out: Settings → Ads → Personalized Ads (toggle OFF)
11.2 No Third-Party Ad Networks
We only use Google Mobile Ads. We do not use or partner with other ad networks (Facebook, Unity, Applovin, etc). This means your data isn't shared with multiple advertisers.
11.3 Interest-Based Advertising
Google uses your data to create interest categories (e.g., "Sports fans," "Tech enthusiasts"). These are not based on scanned data but on general app usage. You can manage your ad preferences at https://myadcenter.google.com
11.4 Advertising ID Reset
Android: Settings → Google → Manage Your Google Account → Ads → Reset Advertising ID
Resetting breaks the link between your previous and future ad profile.
12. Sensitive Data & Permissions
12.1 Camera Permission
- Why Needed: To scan QR codes and barcodes
- What We Access: Only camera feed in real-time; images are processed locally
- What We Don't Do: Don't save photos, don't access photo library, don't record video
12.2 Storage Permission
- Why Needed: To save scan history and generate code images
- What We Access: App-specific directory only
- What We Don't Do: Don't access other files, photos, or documents
12.3 Internet Permission
- Why Needed: For analytics, crash reporting, ads, app updates
- What We Do: Send anonymized usage data, receive ads
12.4 Permission Controls
You can revoke permissions anytime: Settings → Apps → QR Scanner → Permissions. Revoking may disable certain features.
13. Contact Us & Requests
For any privacy-related questions, requests, or complaints:
- General Inquiries: support@qrscanner.app
- Privacy & Data Requests: privacy@qrscanner.app
- Bug/Security Issues: bugs@qrscanner.app
- Mailing Address: QR Code & Barcode Scanner, [Your Address], [City, Country]
Response Time: We respond to all requests within 30 days (GDPR requirement). For security-sensitive requests, we may require identity verification.
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, law, or other factors. We will:
- Update the "Last Modified" date at the top
- Notify you via email of material changes
- Request your explicit consent if changes significantly impact your privacy
Your Continued Use: Continued use of the app after changes means you accept the updated Privacy Policy. If you disagree with changes, you can uninstall the app.
15. App Permissions Explained
| Permission |
Why We Need It |
What We Access |
How to Disable |
| Camera |
Scan QR/barcodes |
Camera feed only (processed locally) |
Settings → Apps → Permissions → Camera |
| Storage |
Save scan history |
App folder only |
Settings → Apps → Permissions → Storage |
| Internet |
Ads, analytics, updates |
Network connectivity only |
Disable in-app via Settings |
| Contacts |
NOT USED |
Nothing |
N/A |
| Location |
NOT USED for tracking |
Nothing (camera permission ≠ location) |
N/A |
16. Cookies & Tracking Technologies
16.1 Cookies
Our website uses minimal cookies for session management and analytics. You can disable cookies in your browser settings. Our app does not use cookies.
16.2 Tracking Pixels & Web Beacons
We do not use tracking pixels, web beacons, or invisible tracking technology. This keeps you safe from cross-site tracking.
16.3 Analytics Tags
Google Analytics uses session tags to track page views and interactions on our website (not the app). You can opt-out via browser extension: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
17. Google Play Store Compliance
This privacy policy complies with Google Play Store requirements:
- Sensitive Permissions: We only request camera and storage; justify each use
- Ad Disclosure: We clearly state that app uses Google Mobile Ads
- Third-Party Policies: We link to Google's privacy policies
- Children's Safety: We don't target children; comply with COPPA
- Data Security: We implement encryption and secure practices
- User Control: Users can opt-out of tracking and ads anytime
- Transparency: This policy clearly explains all data practices
18. Summary: What We Promise
✓ What We Do
- Collect minimal data necessary for app function
- Use data only for stated purposes
- Encrypt data in transit and at rest
- Respect your privacy choices
- Comply with global privacy laws
- Respond to all privacy requests promptly
- Update this policy transparently
✗ What We Don't Do
- Sell your data to any third party
- Share scan data with anyone
- Use location tracking
- Track you across apps/websites
- Use dark patterns or hidden tracking
- Store QR code content on servers
- Require unnecessary permissions