Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 06, 2026

This Privacy Policy describes how our iOS and macOS application ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring compliance with all applicable data protection laws, including GDPR, CCPA, and Apple's App Store Review Guidelines.

By downloading, installing, or using our application on any Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Mac), you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: ardenpro@icloud.com.

 

1. Data Collection

ShotX does not collect core data generated during your usage, such as screenshots, locally recognized text, or translation results. If you enable an optional translation service that requires a network request, ShotX may send the locally recognized text directly to the service provider you select for processing.

For example, before you use Screenshot Translation for the first time, ShotX displays a privacy prompt and requests your permission. Once authorized, ShotX performs OCR on your device and sends only the recognized text to the AI service provider selected in Settings. Screenshot pixels do not pass through ShotX's servers and are not sent to the translation provider.

 

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• App Functionality: To provide core features and services
• Analytics: To understand app usage and improve user experience
• Personalization: To customize content and features for you
• Communication: To send important updates and support responses
• Security: To prevent fraud and ensure app security
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

 

3. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information. ShotX does not collect or share your core usage data.

When you use Screenshot Translation, a privacy prompt appears before the first use. Once authorized, only text recognized locally on your device is sent directly to the third-party AI service provider selected in Settings; screenshots are not uploaded:

• DeepSeek, Qwen, or Zhipu GLM: The selected provider receives the recognized text solely to generate a translation. This data does not pass through ShotX's servers. Each provider's handling, retention, and deletion practices are governed by its own privacy policy.

We may share information only in the following circumstances:

• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
• Consent: When you have given explicit consent for specific sharing

 

4. Platform-Specific Privacy Features

4.1 iOS Privacy Features

4.1.1 App Tracking Transparency (ATT)

If our app requests permission to track you across apps and websites, we will:

• Show the iOS App Tracking Transparency prompt
• Only track with your explicit consent
• Provide clear information about what tracking means
• Allow you to change your tracking preferences in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

4.1.2 Location Services

If our app uses location services on iOS:

• We will request permission before accessing your location
• You can change location permissions in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services
• We use location data only for the purposes described in this policy

4.1.3 Camera and Photos

If our app accesses your camera or photo library on iOS:

• We will request permission before accessing these features
• You can change permissions in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security
• We only access photos you specifically select or photos you take within our app

4.2 macOS Privacy Features

4.2.1 System Preferences Privacy

If our app requests access to sensitive data on macOS, we will:

• Request permission through macOS system dialogs
• Only access data with your explicit consent
• Allow you to manage permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
• Respect your privacy choices and provide clear explanations

4.2.2 Location Services (macOS)

If our app uses location services on macOS:

• We will request permission before accessing your location
• You can change location permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Location Services
• We use location data only for the purposes described in this policy

4.2.3 Camera and Microphone Access

If our app accesses your camera or microphone on macOS:

• We will request permission before accessing these features
• You can change permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy
• We only access these features when actively needed for app functionality

4.2.4 File and Folder Access

If our app needs to access files or folders on macOS:

• We will request permission through macOS file access dialogs
• You can manage file access permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Files and Folders
• We only access files you specifically select or grant permission to access

4.2.5 Screen Recording

If our app needs to record your screen on macOS:

Screenshot & Annotation Tool

requires Screen Recording permission to capture screenshots and provide annotation features. Here's how we use this permission:

What We Capture:

• Screenshots of screen regions you manually select (triggered by keyboard shortcuts Option + A or Option + W)
• Window captures when you use the window capture mode
• Long screenshot stitching when you use the scrolling capture feature

What We DON'T Do:

• We do NOT perform continuous screen recording or video recording
• We do NOT capture your screen in the background or without your explicit action
• We do NOT capture areas outside your selected region
• We do NOT monitor or track your screen activity

Data Storage and Usage:

• All screenshots are stored locally on your device in folders you specify (default: Desktop or custom path)
• Screenshots are saved only when you complete the capture (by pressing Enter or clicking the Save button)
• You have full control over when to capture, where to save, and whether to use OCR or translation features

OCR Text Recognition:

• Uses Apple's Vision framework for local, on-device text recognition
• Recognized text is copied to your clipboard for your convenience
• Text is not uploaded when you use OCR alone; it is sent only when you separately authorize and use Screenshot Translation

Image Translation Feature:

• Only activated when you explicitly click the "Translate" button
• Performs OCR locally and sends only the recognized text to the AI provider selected in Settings for translation
• Translation results are temporarily cached in app memory and cleared when the app closes
• You can withdraw translation-data consent in Settings; the selected provider's retention practices are governed by its own privacy policy

Third-Party Services:

• DeepSeek, Qwen, and Zhipu GLM: Used only for the user-authorized Screenshot Translation feature. ShotX sends the selected provider locally recognized text, not screenshot pixels.
• No analytics, tracking, or advertising SDKs are integrated

Permission Management:

• We request Screen Recording permission with a clear explanation when you first launch the app
• You can manage screen recording permissions in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy > Screen Recording
• You can revoke this permission at any time

Your Privacy Rights:

• You can delete all saved screenshots from your local folders at any time
• We do not upload, share, or sell your screenshot data
• All data processing happens locally on your device, except for the optional translation feature

 

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:

• Data encryption in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Compliance with Apple's security guidelines
• Employee training on data protection

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

 

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

 

7. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Opt-out: Opt out of certain data processing activities
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email address provided below.

 

8. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

 

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards, including standard contractual clauses where required.

 

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy in our app
• Sending you a notification through the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of our app after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

 

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: ardenpro@icloud.com

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.

 

12. App Store Compliance

This app complies with Apple's App Store Review Guidelines and follows Apple's recommended privacy practices. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of user privacy and data protection as required by Apple's policies.