SMS Shield ("the App") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data the App
accesses, how it is processed, and your rights regarding your information.
1. Data Collection
SMS Shield does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data to external servers. The App operates
entirely on your device with no network connectivity required. We do not have access to your messages,
contacts, or any other personal information.
2. Message Processing
SMS Shield uses Apple's IdentityLookup framework to analyze incoming SMS and MMS messages from unknown
senders. When iOS receives a message from a sender not in your contacts, it forwards the message content
to our on-device filter extension for analysis. The analysis is performed entirely on your device using
Apple's NaturalLanguage framework and local pattern matching. No message content is ever transmitted to
external servers, and no network requests are made during the filtering process.
3. On-Device Storage
The following data is stored locally on your device and never transmitted externally:
- Blocked words list — custom words you add for keyword-based filtering
- Filtering history — a log of blocked message metadata (sender number, filter reason, timestamp, and a
brief preview) for your reference
- App preferences — your protection settings and UI preferences
This data is stored using Apple's SwiftData framework and shared between the app and the filter extension
via Apple's App Groups (a secure, sandboxed shared storage mechanism). All data remains on your device
at all times.
4. Third-Party Services
SMS Shield does not integrate, embed, or communicate with any third-party services, SDKs, or APIs.
Specifically:
- No analytics or tracking services
- No advertising networks
- No cloud storage or remote databases
- No crash reporting services that transmit data externally
- No social media integrations
The App uses only Apple's native frameworks: IdentityLookup, NaturalLanguage, SwiftUI, SwiftData, and
StoreKit (for in-app purchases processed entirely by Apple).
5. In-App Purchases
SMS Shield offers an optional one-time in-app purchase for premium features, processed entirely through
Apple's App Store and StoreKit framework. We do not have access to your payment information, Apple ID, or
transaction details beyond what Apple provides to developers through standard purchase receipts.
6. Permissions
SMS Shield requires no special permissions beyond the Message Filter Extension capability provided by
iOS. The App does not request access to your contacts, photos, location, camera, microphone, or any other
sensitive device features. The filter extension is activated by iOS only when a message arrives from an
unknown sender.
7. Data Retention & Deletion
All data is stored locally on your device. You can delete all app data at any time by:
- Using the "Reset App" option in the App's settings
- Deleting the App from your device
Since no data is transmitted to external servers, there is no remote data to delete.
8. Children's Privacy
SMS Shield does not collect any personal information from any users, including children under the age of
13. The App is safe for use by all age groups.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected in the App with an
updated revision date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised
policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or the App's data practices, please
contact us at:
support@smsshield.app