PhoneScan

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 27, 2025

PhoneScan: Privacy & Security Scanner (“PhoneScan,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our mobile application (“App”) available on the Google Play Store. PhoneScan is a privacy and security tool designed to scan apps on your device, manage permissions, and provide insights into app behavior. We do not collect, store, or share personal information from our users. This policy outlines our practices to ensure transparency and compliance with applicable laws, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Online Privacy Protection Act (CalOPPA), and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

1. Information We Collect

PhoneScan does not collect personal information that can identify you, such as your name, email address, or contact details. The App operates locally on your device to perform its functions, and all data processing occurs on-device unless explicitly stated.

Data Accessed by PhoneScan

To provide its features, PhoneScan accesses the following device data:

  • Installed Apps: We access the list of apps installed on your device (package names, app names, permissions, and install sources) to scan for potential risks and display permission details.

  • App Permissions: We review permissions requested by installed apps (e.g., location, camera, microphone) to identify potentially risky behaviors.

  • Data Usage: We retrieve network data usage statistics (30-day and daily) for installed apps to assess their activity, using Android’s NetworkStatsManager.

  • Device Information: We may access non-identifying device details (e.g., Android version) to ensure compatibility and optimize performance.

This data is:

  • Processed Locally: All scanning and analysis occur on your device. No data is transmitted to our servers or third parties.

  • Not Stored Remotely: We do not store this data outside your device, except as described in Section 2 (Local Storage).

2. How We Use Information

PhoneScan uses the accessed data solely to provide its core functionality:

  • App Scanning: To identify apps with suspicious permissions, high data usage, or other risk indicators.

  • Permission Management: To allow you to filter and review apps based on permissions (e.g., location, camera).

  • Whitelist Management: To store and display user-selected whitelisted apps locally on your device.

  • App Details: To show detailed app information (e.g., app name, icon, data usage) for informed decision-making.

Local Storage

PhoneScan stores the following data locally on your device using a Room database:

  • Scan Results: Package names, app names, permissions, data usage, and other details of scanned apps.

  • Whitelisted Apps: Details of apps you mark as trusted (e.g., package name, app name, permissions). This data is retained until you uninstall the App or clear its data via Android settings. You can manage whitelisted apps in the App’s Whitelist section.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not share, sell, or disclose any data accessed by PhoneScan with third parties, except as required by law. Specifically:

  • No Third-Party Sharing: We do not use third-party analytics, advertising, or other services that collect user data.

  • Legal Requirements: We may disclose data if required by law, court order, or government regulation, but only to the extent necessary.

4. Data Security

PhoneScan prioritizes the security of data processed on your device. We use the following measures:

  • Local Processing: All data is processed on-device, minimizing exposure to external threats.

  • Secure Storage: Local data (e.g., scan results, whitelist) is stored in a secure Room database accessible only to the App.

  • No Cloud Storage: We do not transmit or store data on external servers, reducing breach risks.

While we take reasonable precautions, no system is completely secure. You are responsible for securing your device (e.g., using strong passwords).

5. Your Data Rights

Under privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA, you have rights over your data. Since PhoneScan does not collect personal information, most rights (e.g., access, deletion) apply to locally stored data:

  • Access: View scan results and whitelisted apps within the App.

  • Deletion: Clear all App data via Android settings (Settings > Apps > PhoneScan > Storage > Clear Data) or uninstall the App.

  • Opt-Out: Since no personal data is collected, there is no data sharing to opt out of.

  • Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against users exercising their rights, as no personal data is processed.

To exercise these rights or for inquiries, contact us at [email protected].

6. Permissions Used by PhoneScan

PhoneScan requires the following Android permissions to function:

  • QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES: To access the list of installed apps for scanning and permission analysis.

  • PACKAGE_USAGE_STATS: To retrieve data usage statistics for apps, requiring user approval via Android’s Usage Access settings.

  • POST_NOTIFICATIONS (Android 13+): To display scan progress notifications (optional, with user consent).

These permissions are used solely for the App’s functionality and are not used to collect personal information. You can manage permissions in Android settings.

7. Third-Party Services

PhoneScan does not integrate third-party services (e.g., analytics, advertising) that collect user data. All functionality is self-contained within the App.

8. Children’s Privacy

PhoneScan is not intended for users under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child under 13 has used the App, contact us to remove any locally stored data.

9. International Data Transfers

Since PhoneScan processes all data locally on your device, no data is transferred internationally.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted at https://phonescan.app/privacy-policy/. If material changes are made, we will notify you via an in-app notice or email (if provided). Continued use of the App after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

For questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or PhoneScan’s practices, contact us at:

12. Compliance with Google Play Store

This Privacy Policy complies with Google Play Store requirements, including transparency about data access (e.g., installed apps, permissions) and no collection of personal information. The policy is accessible within the App (Settings > About > Privacy Policy) and linked in the Google Play Store listing.