Privacy Policy
Northern Studio (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the mobile application DocLocal: PDF Scanner & OCR (the “App”). This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the App.
By using the App, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
1. Summary
- Your scanned PDFs and document content stay on your device.
- We do not upload your PDF files to our servers.
- OCR and smart file-name suggestions run on-device.
- If you scan identity documents such as ID cards, passports, visas, or driver licenses, that document content is processed and stored locally on your device unless you explicitly share or export it.
- The free version may show ads through Google AdMob, subject to your consent where required.
- Pro purchases are processed by Apple; we do not receive your payment card details.
2. Information stored on your device
The App stores the following data locally in your device’s app container:
- PDF files you scan, import, create, or edit
- Scans or imported copies of identity documents you choose to store, such as ID cards, passports, visas, residence permits, or driver licenses
- Page images and thumbnails generated for viewing and editing
- OCR text, summaries, and structured metadata extracted from your documents
- Folder names, tags, favorites, pins, and other library organization data
- App settings (language, smart rename preference, app lock, signature assets, and similar preferences)
- Cached Pro subscription status provided by Apple StoreKit
This information remains on your device unless you delete it in the App, delete the App, or use the “Delete all local data” option in Settings. Uninstalling the App removes local App data from your device.
3. Sensitive document content
Some documents you scan or import may contain sensitive personal data, including government-issued identity documents. For example, an ID card or passport may contain your full name, date of birth, nationality, document number, expiry date, address, portrait photo, signature, machine-readable zone (MRZ), or other identifying information.
If you choose to scan or import those documents, the App may process that information locally on your device in order to create PDFs, generate OCR text, help you search your library, and organize files. We do not use that information to independently verify your identity, build advertising profiles, sell data, or create a central server-side identity database.
4. Information we do not collect
We do not operate a user account system and we do not collect:
- Your name, email address, or phone number through normal App use
- The contents of your PDF files on our servers (we do not receive your documents)
- A centralized copy of your document library
5. On-device processing
The App performs these features on your device:
- Document scanning and PDF creation
- Optical character recognition (OCR)
- Smart rename and metadata suggestions
- PDF tools such as merge, split, compress, annotate, watermark, redact, and export
Processing happens locally unless you explicitly choose to share a file using iOS share sheets or other system features outside the App.
6. Sharing, export, and backups you control
Your documents remain inside the App unless you take an action to send them elsewhere. For example, data may leave the App only when you:
- share a file using iOS share sheets or another destination you select;
- export a file to the Files app or another storage provider you choose; or
- enable device or cloud backups provided by Apple under your own Apple account settings.
We do not control third-party destinations you choose through system share or export flows. Once you send a file to another app, service, or storage location, that third party’s terms and privacy practices apply.
7. Device permissions
The App may request the following permissions:
- Camera — to scan documents
- Photo Library — to import photos or signature images
- Face ID / device passcode — optional app lock to protect access to local documents
- Files — to import, export, and save PDFs through the system file picker
You can deny or revoke permissions in iOS Settings. Some features may not work without the related permission.
8. Advertising (free version)
If you use the free version of the App, we may display ads provided by Google AdMob. AdMob and its partners may collect or receive information such as device identifiers, IP address, ad interaction data, and diagnostic data to deliver and measure ads, prevent fraud, and comply with privacy regulations.
Where required by law (for example in the EEA, UK, or certain US states), the App uses Google’s User Messaging Platform (UMP) to request your consent or offer privacy choices before personalized ads are shown. You can manage ad privacy choices from Settings → Privacy choices when that option is available.
Pro subscribers do not see in-app ads in the App.
Learn more about how Google uses data: https://policies.google.com/privacy
9. Purchases and subscriptions
Pro features are sold through Apple’s In-App Purchase system. Apple processes payment and may collect information needed to complete the transaction. We receive only purchase status information from Apple (such as whether Pro is active) to unlock Pro features in the App.
Manage or cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings.
10. Third-party services
The App may interact with these third parties:
- Apple — App Store, StoreKit, device security (Face ID / passcode), and system share/export flows
- Google AdMob — advertising in the free version
Their use of information is governed by their own privacy policies.
11. Data retention and deletion
Documents, OCR text, thumbnails, signatures, and related metadata remain available until you delete them or remove the App. You can remove individual files in the App, clear your library, or use the “Delete all local data” option in Settings to erase app-managed local data. Temporary working files are intended to be cleared automatically after processing.
12. Data security
We design the App so document content stays on your device. You may enable optional app lock (Face ID or passcode) for additional protection. No method of storage or transmission is 100% secure; you are responsible for securing your device and backups.
13. Children’s privacy
The App is not directed to 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 us information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.
14. International users
The App is provided from Vietnam. Because document data is stored on your device, cross-border transfer of your document content by us does not occur. Ad and purchase providers may process data according to their own global infrastructure.
15. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Continued use of the App after changes means you accept the updated policy.
16. Contact us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us at:
Northern Studio — DocLocal: PDF Scanner & OCR