Privacy Policy — PaperDock
Last updated: August 2026
Publisher: FTec Labs
Contact: fteclabs@gmail.com
1. Introduction
PaperDock (“the app”, “we”, “us”) is a mobile application that helps you browse, download, and read UPSC and state PSC question papers and study books from a document catalog served over the internet (typically Google Apps Script and Google Drive).
The app is an unofficial study tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), any state public service commission (PSC), or any government body.
This Privacy Policy explains what information is processed when you use the app, how third-party services are involved, and what choices you have. By using the app, you agree to this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.
We do not require you to create an account or sign in within the app to read papers.
2. Information we process
2.1 Information stored on your device
The app processes and stores the following locally on your device:
• Catalog metadata (exam board names, years, paper titles, file identifiers) fetched from the configured vault URL.
• Downloaded PDF files cached for offline reading.
• Reading library index (recently opened items, offline save status, file sizes).
• App preferences such as light/dark theme.
• Saved favorites (papers or books you mark for quick access).
• Ad display cadence counters (for example, how many PDFs you have closed) stored locally to control interstitial frequency.
This data stays on your device unless you clear app storage or uninstall the app. We do not operate a central user database for catalog or reading history.
2.2 Information sent over the network
When you use the app online, your device may send:
• HTTP/HTTPS requests to the configured vault API (Apps Script / Drive) to list folders and download PDFs. Those requests may include standard network information (IP address, user agent) visible to the vault operator and Google.
• Ad requests to Google Mobile Ads, which may include device advertising identifiers and app interaction signals as described in Google’s policies.
• Push notification registration to Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), if enabled, including a device token and topic subscriptions (all, papers, books).
• Optional feedback message and reply email when you submit feedback from the app menu; app version and platform for debugging.
We do not intentionally collect your name, email address, phone number, or postal address through the app itself.
2.3 Push notifications (optional)
If Firebase is configured for the app:
• The app may request notification permission on Android and iOS.
• FCM assigns a device token used to deliver notifications.
• The app subscribes to topics such as all, papers, and books for digest alerts about new catalog content.
• You can disable notifications in your device system settings at any time.
2.4 Advertising
The app displays Google Mobile Ads (banner and occasional full-screen interstitial ads).
• In regions where required, we use Google’s User Messaging Platform (UMP) to collect or record consent before personalized advertising.
• Google and its partners may process advertising IDs, coarse device information, and ad interaction data under their own privacy policies.
• You can access Privacy options from the app menu when UMP requires it.
3. How we use information
We use the information described above to:
• Display and navigate the paper and book catalog.
• Download, cache, and open PDFs for reading offline.
• Remember your preferences and saved items.
• Show advertisements that support free access to the app.
• Send optional push notifications about new content (when enabled).
• Improve stability and comply with platform requirements.
We do not sell your personal information.
4. Legal bases (where applicable)
Depending on your region, our processing may rely on:
• Performance of a service you request (providing the reader and catalog).
• Legitimate interests in operating and improving the app, showing ads, and preventing abuse.
• Consent where required (for example, notifications, personalized ads via UMP).
5. Third-party services
The app integrates with services operated by third parties, including:
• Google Mobile Ads / UMP — Advertising and consent management
• Firebase Cloud Messaging — Push notifications (when configured)
• Google Apps Script / Google Drive — Catalog and PDF delivery via your vault URL
• Syncfusion PDF Viewer — On-device PDF rendering
• Google Play / Apple App Store — Distribution, billing (if any), crash/diagnostics per platform policies
Each third party processes data under its own terms and privacy policies. We encourage you to review:
• Google Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Google Ads / AdMob policies: https://support.google.com/admob/answer/6128543
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of your vault operator or third-party websites linked from PDFs.
6. Data retention
• On-device data remains until you clear app storage, remove cached files, or uninstall the app.
• FCM tokens are managed by Google/Firebase until invalidated or the app is uninstalled.
• Ad and analytics data retained by Google is governed by Google’s retention policies.
7. Security
We use HTTPS for network requests to the vault, ads, and Firebase where supported. No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure; you use the app at your own risk for locally stored content.
8. Children’s privacy
The app is intended for exam preparation by adults and older students. It is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided personal information through the app, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
9. Your choices and rights
You may:
• Clear cached PDFs and app data via device Settings → Apps → PaperDock → Storage.
• Turn off notifications in system settings.
• Manage ad consent via Privacy options in the app menu (when shown).
• Uninstall the app at any time.
Depending on your jurisdiction (including India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act where applicable), you may have rights to access, correction, or deletion of personal data we control. Because we do not operate user accounts, most data is on your device or held by third parties (Google). Contact us at fteclabs@gmail.com and we will respond within a reasonable time.
10. International users
The app may be used from different countries. Data may be processed in India and in countries where Google and other providers operate servers (including the United States). By using the app, you consent to such transfers where permitted by law.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when we do. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy. For significant changes, we may provide additional notice in the app or on the store listing.
12. Contact us
For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns:
Email: fteclabs@gmail.com
Publisher: FTec Labs
App: PaperDock (com.upscshelf.app)