Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 1, 2026

App name: This policy refers to the application "Photo Compress" ("the App"). The same app may appear on the App Store under a longer listing name or subtitle (for example, "Photo Compress Resize HEIC JPG"). This Privacy Policy and our Terms of Service apply to both the free and paid (premium / subscription) versions of the App, unless a section explicitly states otherwise.

Summary: Photo Compress is designed so that image editing and processing happen on your device. We do not upload your photos to our servers for processing, and we do not send your photos to third-party artificial intelligence (AI) services for editing features. Limited data may be stored on your device (for example, language preference, subscription unlock state, and optional processing history). In-app purchases are processed by Apple. Depending on the version you use, the free version may display advertisements served through Google’s advertising services (for example, Google Mobile Ads / AdMob). Those ads may use device and advertising-related data as described in Section 6. Premium or paid features may be offered without third-party advertising where indicated in the App. We do not operate our own social network or cloud photo library for your images.

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Photo Compress ("we," "our," or "the App") handles information when you use the app. We are committed to protecting your privacy. Core image processing does not require uploading your images to our servers.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users worldwide. If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, California (USA), or other jurisdictions with specific privacy laws, please review the relevant regional sections below for additional information about your rights.

2. Information Relating to Your Photos (Not Uploaded to Us)

We do not operate a backend that collects your photos or personal profile for our own database. Specifically, we do not:

Upload your photos or images to our servers for compression, resizing, background removal, or other editing features.
Use your photos for training third-party AI models for the App’s editing features (editing uses on-device APIs as described in Section 4).
Collect payment card numbers or billing addresses; payments are handled by Apple (see Section 5).

Advertising identifiers and ad-related data may be processed by Google and its partners when ads are shown in the free version, as described in Section 6—not for uploading your photo library to us.

3. How the App Works (Image Processing)

Photo access: The app accesses photos only when you explicitly select them using the system photo picker (e.g., PHPicker). We do not request blanket access to your entire photo library for the purpose of uploading it to our servers.

Image processing (on-device): Compression, resizing, format conversion, cropping, EXIF stripping, and watermarking are performed locally on your device using on-device APIs.

Remove Background (machine learning, on-device): This feature uses Apple’s Vision framework (for example, person segmentation) entirely on your device. Your images are not uploaded to our servers and are not sent to any third-party cloud AI service for this feature.

Saving results: Processed images are saved to your Photo Library only when you choose to save them.

Processing history: A local history of processed items may be stored on your device only. We do not transmit this history to our servers.

4. Free Version and Paid Version

The App may be offered as a free download with optional in-app purchases or subscriptions that unlock premium features (e.g., higher limits, batch tools, or an ad-free experience, depending on what we offer in the App). This Privacy Policy applies whether you use only the free features or you purchase premium features. Features that remove or reduce advertising are described in the App at the time of purchase.

5. In-App Purchases

In-app purchases are processed by Apple through the App Store. We do not collect payment card numbers or full billing details. Your purchase history is managed by Apple under Apple’s Privacy Policy. The app may receive entitlement or subscription status from Apple to unlock features on your device.

Terms of Use: For subscriptions, Apple’s standard terms or App Store product terms may apply. A link to the Terms of Use (EULA) may be provided in the App Store or in the app.

6. Advertising (Google)

When the free version of the App displays advertisements, those ads may be served by Google through services such as Google Mobile Ads or AdMob (or successor products). Google may collect and process certain information to show and measure ads, which may include:

Device identifiers (such as advertising identifiers, where permitted)
IP address, coarse location derived from IP, and device information
Ad performance data (for example, impressions and interactions)

Such processing is governed by Google’s privacy policy and terms: Google Privacy Policy, How Google uses information from sites or apps that use our services, and (where applicable) Google’s advertising settings. We do not control Google’s internal data practices; we select ad partners and SDKs in line with App Store rules and update this policy when our practices change.

App Tracking Transparency (ATT): Where required by Apple, the App may request permission to track across apps and websites owned by other companies, or use limited ad tracking settings, in accordance with Apple’s framework and your choices.

European Economic Area, UK, and similar regions: Where required by law, Google may show ads based on your consent or legitimate interest settings, including options for personalized or non-personalized ads, as presented in the App or through system settings.

Paid / premium users: If you purchase a subscription or unlock that includes no third-party ads, we configure the App to avoid showing those third-party ad placements where technically implemented; see in-app purchase descriptions for the current benefit.

If a particular build of the App does not yet display third-party ads, this Section still applies when such features are enabled in a future update.

7. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR and Similar)

Where privacy laws require a "legal basis," local settings and history on your device support app functionality (performance of contract / legitimate interest in operating the app). Advertising where permitted may rely on consent or legitimate interest as required in your region. We do not maintain a central account database of your personal photos for editing in the manner described in Section 2.

8. Network and Internet Use

Core image processing does not require an internet connection. However, advertising (Section 6) and in-app purchases (Section 5) typically require internet connectivity. If you open links (Privacy Policy, Terms, App Store, email), your device connects to those services. User-initiated actions are separate from automated ad requests initiated by the ad SDK when ads are enabled.

9. Analytics and Other Third-Party Services

We may use limited third-party tools in the future (for example, crash reporting) to improve stability. If we add such services, we will update this Privacy Policy and, where required, App Store privacy disclosures. Advertising through Google is described in Section 6.

10. Tracking, Advertising, and Cross-App Context

When ads are shown, Google and its partners may process data for ad delivery and measurement, which may constitute "tracking" or "sharing" under certain laws (for example, California law). See Section 6 and Google’s disclosures. You may have choices through Apple’s privacy settings, ATT, and Google’s ad settings where available.

11. Apple Privacy Labels and Privacy Manifest

The app follows Apple’s requirements for App Store privacy information and, where applicable, declarations of API usage (including required reason APIs). The app may include a Privacy Manifest (PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy). UserDefaults (or equivalent) may store language preference, subscription unlock state, free-tier usage counters, and similar. Advertising SDKs add their own manifest declarations as required by Apple.

12. Data Stored on Your Device

Data stored locally may include: language preference; subscription / Pro status; free-tier usage counters; optional review-prompt scheduling; and processing history (thumbnails/metadata in the app sandbox). Uninstalling the app typically deletes app sandbox data.

13. International Data Transfers

Your photos are not uploaded to our servers for processing. Google and Apple may process data in countries where they operate, as described in their respective policies.

14. Data Retention

We do not hold your photos on our servers. Local history remains until you clear it or uninstall. Ad-related data retention is governed by Google’s policies.

15. Children’s Privacy

The App is not directed at children under 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction) in a manner that requires collection of personal data by us. Advertising must comply with applicable laws (including COPPA and Google’s policies for child-directed services). If you believe we have inadvertently processed information that requires action, contact us.

16. Data Security

Your photos and local app data remain under your device’s security protections. We do not transmit your images to our servers for processing as described in this policy.

17. Your Rights

Depending on your region, you may have rights to access, delete, correct, restrict, or object to certain processing, and to opt out of sale or sharing of personal information (including for cross-context behavioral advertising). For data processed by Google for ads, you may exercise choices via Google’s tools and your device settings. For data processed by Apple for purchases, see Apple’s support resources.

17.1 EEA and UK (GDPR)

You may have GDPR rights including consent withdrawal for marketing where applicable, and the right to lodge a complaint with your Data Protection Authority.

17.2 California (CCPA / CPRA)

California residents may have rights to know, delete, correct, and opt out of "sale" or "sharing" of personal information (including for cross-context behavioral advertising). We describe advertising practices in Section 6. You may use opt-out mechanisms required by law where applicable.

17.3 Other Jurisdictions

Local laws may provide additional rights; we will comply as required.

18. Do Not Track

There is no universally accepted "Do Not Track" standard for mobile apps. Use Apple’s privacy controls, ATT, and Google’s ad settings where available.

19. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy when we add features (such as advertising) or change practices. The Effective Date will change. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance, unless applicable law requires otherwise.

20. Contact Us

Email: feedbackapp@126.com

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may also contact your local Data Protection Authority.