**Last Updated: March 3, 2026**
## Introduction
PDFMaster ("we", "our", or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our PDF reader and management application for Android devices.
## Information We Collect
### Information You Provide Directly
- **PDF Files**: The app accesses PDF files on your device that you choose to open or manage. These files remain stored locally on your device.
- **Annotations and Notes**: Any highlights, drawings, comments, or bookmarks you create are stored locally on your device.
- **Settings and Preferences**: Your app settings, reading preferences, and customization choices are stored locally.
### Automatically Collected Information
- **File Metadata**: The app scans and indexes PDF file names, sizes, dates, and locations on your device for file management purposes.
- **Reading History**: Information about recently opened files and reading progress is stored locally to enhance your experience.
- **App Usage Data**: Basic app performance and crash data may be collected through Google Play Services to improve app stability.
### Information We Do NOT Collect
- We do NOT collect, transmit, or store your PDF file contents on our servers
- We do NOT track your reading habits or behavior
- We do NOT collect personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
- We do NOT access your contacts, messages, or other personal data
- We do NOT use third-party analytics or advertising trackers in the free version
## How We Use Information
All information collected is used solely to:
- Display and manage your PDF files
- Provide PDF reading and annotation features
- Remember your reading progress and preferences
- Improve app performance and fix bugs
- Provide customer support when requested
## Data Storage and Security
### Local Storage
- All your PDF files, annotations, bookmarks, and settings are stored locally on your device using Android's secure Storage Access Framework (SAF)
- We use Android Room database with encryption for sensitive data storage
- Password-protected PDFs remain encrypted and are only decrypted temporarily in memory during viewing
### Cloud Storage (Pro Feature)
- If you choose to use Google Drive integration, you explicitly authorize the app to access your Google Drive files
- We only access PDF files you specifically choose to open through the app
- We do NOT upload, sync, or backup your files to our servers
- Google Drive access uses OAuth 2.0 authentication and follows Google's security standards
## Permissions Required
The app requests the following Android permissions:
### Essential Permissions
- **Storage Access (READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE, WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE)**: Required to read, display, and manage PDF files on your device
- **Internet Access (INTERNET)**: Required only for Pro features like Google Drive integration and in-app purchases
### Optional Permissions
- **Camera (CAMERA)**: Only requested if you use the document scanning feature (Pro)
- **Google Drive Access**: Only requested if you choose to enable Google Drive integration (Pro)
You can revoke any permission at any time through your device settings.
## Third-Party Services
### Google Play Services
- Used for in-app purchases (Pro subscription)
- Used for app distribution and updates
- May collect anonymous usage statistics and crash reports
- Subject to [Google's Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
### Google Drive API (Pro Feature - Optional)
- Used only if you explicitly enable Google Drive integration
- Allows you to open PDF files from your Google Drive
- Subject to [Google's Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy)
- You can revoke access at any time through your Google Account settings
### Payment Processing
- In-app purchases are processed by Google Play Billing
- We do NOT collect or store your payment information
- All payment data is handled securely by Google
- Subject to [Google Play's Terms of Service](https://play.google.com/intl/en_us/about/play-terms/)
## Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do NOT sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties.
We may disclose information only in the following circumstances:
- **With Your Consent**: When you explicitly choose to share a PDF file using Android's share functionality
- **Legal Requirements**: If required by law, court order, or government regulation
- **Service Providers**: Minimal technical data may be shared with Google Play Services for app functionality
## Children's Privacy
PDFMaster does not knowingly collect information from children under 13 years of age. The app is designed for general audiences and does not contain content specifically targeted at children. If you believe a child has provided information to us, please contact us immediately.
## Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- **Access Your Data**: All your data is stored locally on your device and accessible through the app
- **Delete Your Data**: You can delete annotations, bookmarks, and reading history within the app, or uninstall the app to remove all data
- **Revoke Permissions**: Disable any permission through your device settings at any time
- **Opt-Out of Analytics**: Disable crash reporting through your device's Google Play Services settings
- **Export Your Data**: Export annotations and notes as text files
## Data Retention
- **Local Data**: Remains on your device until you delete it or uninstall the app
- **Cloud Data**: If using Google Drive integration, files remain in your Google Drive account under your control
- **Crash Reports**: Anonymous crash data is retained by Google Play Services according to their retention policy
## International Data Transfers
Since all data is stored locally on your device, there are no international data transfers. If you use Google Drive integration, data transfers are governed by Google's policies.
## Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Displaying a notification in the app (for significant changes)
Your continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
## Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us:
- **Email**: keith.hunt.walker@gmail.com
- **GitHub Issues**: [Project Repository Issues Page]
- **In-App Support**: Settings > Help & Support
## Compliance
This Privacy Policy complies with:
- Google Play Developer Program Policies
- Android App Security Best Practices
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requirements
- Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)