PawVerify · Last updated: April 4, 2026
This privacy policy describes how the PawVerify app (hereinafter "the app") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use it. We are committed to respecting your privacy and processing your data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Apple's privacy requirements.
For any questions regarding your personal data, you can reach us at: crueltyfree.app@proton.me
The app collects a minimum of data — only what is strictly necessary for it to function.
| Data | Purpose | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Scanned barcodes | Check whether a product is cruelty-free via our database | Not stored on device. Transmitted to the server for lookup only. |
| Search queries (brand / product names) | Display matching results | Not stored on device. Transmitted to the server for lookup only. |
| Advertising identifier (IDFA) | Display relevant ads via Google AdMob | Collected only if you grant tracking permission (ATT). Managed by Google. |
| Anonymous usage data | Ad usage statistics (AdMob Analytics) | Not linked to your identity. Managed by Google. |
| Product submission (barcode, name, brand, vegan status / ingredients, username or contact) | Enrich the database with a missing product | Transmitted and stored on our server. Used solely to review and add the product to the database. |
| Modification suggestion (message, optional contact information) | Report an error or incorrect information about a brand or product | Transmitted and stored on our server. Used solely to process your report. |
| Permission | Usage | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Scan product barcodes | Yes (core feature) |
| Ad tracking (ATT) | Personalize AdMob ads | No — the app works without it. Ads will remain non-personalized. |
The app integrates Google AdMob to display advertisements. Google may collect data for advertising purposes, including your device's advertising identifier (IDFA) if you have granted tracking permission.
Barcodes and search queries are sent to our server hosted on Railway to query our brand and product database. This data is used exclusively to respond to your request and is not stored in a personally identifiable manner.
In accordance with Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework, a permission request is shown the first time you launch the app. You can change your choice at any time from:
iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → PawVerify
If you decline tracking, ads displayed will be contextual (non-personalized) and no advertising identifier will be shared with Google.
The app does not store personal data on your device, except for technical preferences required for proper functioning (via standard iOS system APIs). This data remains local and is never transmitted to third parties by us.
All communications between the app and our server are encrypted via HTTPS. We do not collect sensitive data and have no access to your identity.
If you have submitted a product or a report that includes information about you (username, email address, etc.), you have the following rights regarding that data:
For any request regarding your data or data processed by Google AdMob, contact us at: crueltyfree.app@proton.me
The app is not intended for children under the age of 13 and does not knowingly collect any data from them.
We reserve the right to modify this policy at any time. The date of the last update is shown at the top of this document. In the event of a significant change, a notice may be displayed within the app.