# Privacy Policy for PhotoCritic

**Last updated: March 12, 2026**

## Overview

PhotoCritic is a photography critique app that uses AI to analyze and annotate your photos. This policy explains what data is collected, how it is used, and your rights as a user.

---

## Data We Collect

### Photos
- You select photos from your device's photo library to submit for AI critique.
- Photos are sent to **OpenAI's API** for analysis. OpenAI processes the image and returns a critique or annotated version.
- We do not store your photos on any server we operate. Once OpenAI returns the result, the annotated image is saved **locally on your device** in the app's private storage.

### App Data
- Your photo rolls, critiques, scores, and annotated images are stored **locally on your device** using SwiftData.
- If you enable iCloud Backup within the app, this data is synced to **your personal iCloud Drive** account. We do not have access to your iCloud storage.

---

## Data We Do Not Collect

- We do not collect your name, email address, or any account information.
- We do not use analytics or crash reporting services.
- We do not track you across apps or websites.
- We do not sell your data to third parties.

---

## Third-Party Services

### OpenAI
When you request an AI critique, your photo is transmitted to OpenAI for processing. OpenAI's use of this data is governed by their own privacy policy and API usage policies. We recommend reviewing [OpenAI's Privacy Policy](https://openai.com/privacy) for details.

### Apple iCloud
If you use the iCloud Backup feature, your app data is stored in your personal iCloud Drive. This is governed by [Apple's Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/legal/privacy/).

### Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)
PhotoCritic displays rewarded ads powered by **Google AdMob**. To serve ads, Google may collect and use certain device information, including:
- Advertising identifiers (IDFA on iOS)
- IP address and general location
- Device type and operating system

This data is used by Google to serve relevant ads. We do not share your photos or personal app data with Google. Google's use of this data is governed by [Google's Privacy Policy](https://policies.google.com/privacy). You can opt out of personalized advertising in your device settings under **Privacy & Security → Apple Advertising**.

---

## Photo Library Access

PhotoCritic requests access to your photo library solely to allow you to select photos for critique. We do not upload your entire library or access any photos other than those you explicitly choose.

---

## Data Retention

All data (photos, critiques, scores) is stored locally on your device and/or in your personal iCloud Drive. You can delete all data at any time by deleting the app.

---

## Children's Privacy

PhotoCritic is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

---

## Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected by updating the "Last updated" date above.

---

## Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at:

**thebarty82+contactsheet@gmail.com**
