SHELF Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 1, 2026
The short version
SHELF is local-first. Your data lives on your device. There is no account, no sign in, no SHELF server, no ads, and no third-party analytics or tracking. We, the developer, do not collect or receive your personal data.
What stays on your device
Everything you add, including items, dates, quantities, your shopping list, statistics, streaks, and preferences, is stored only in an on-device database. It never leaves your device except when you choose to export or share it. Deleting the app permanently erases all of it.
AI features
When you use an AI feature, such as asking a question, generating a recipe, or estimating a shelf life, the text needed for that request (your question and a short summary of relevant items, such as names, dates, quantities, and your dietary preferences) is sent over an encrypted connection to our third-party AI provider, Anthropic, only to generate your answer. No account or identity is attached. This is governed by Anthropic's privacy policy at https://www.anthropic.com/legal/privacy. If you never use AI features, nothing is sent for this purpose.
Barcode lookups
When you scan a barcode, the numeric code may be sent to the open product database Open Food Facts to fetch a product name and category. No personal information is included.
Camera, microphone, and notifications
The camera is used only to scan barcodes and printed dates. Voice input, if you enable it, is transcribed on your device by Apple's speech framework. Neither is recorded or transmitted by us. Expiry reminders are scheduled and shown locally by your device. There are no server push notifications.
Your control
You can export your data at any time and delete it by removing items or by deleting the app. You are always in control.
Children
SHELF is not directed to children under 13 and collects no personal data from anyone.
Changes and contact
If this policy changes, we will update this page and its date. If you have any questions, contact us at pradeep.aneesh@gmail.com.