Privacy Policy for Sifty
Last Updated: December 27, 2025
Effective Date: December 27, 2025
Introduction
Welcome to Sifty ("we," "our," or "us"). Sifty is an AI-powered photo organization app that helps you intelligently sort, categorize, and manage your photo library. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App").
By using Sifty, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access or use the application.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Personal Information
When you use Sifty, we may collect the following personal information:
- Account Information: Email address, name, and authentication credentials when you sign up using Google Sign-In or email/password
- Profile Information: User preferences, photo sorting preferences, and AI learning feedback you provide
- Device Information: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
1.2 Photos and Media Access
- Photo Access: The App requires access to your device's photo library (READ_MEDIA_IMAGES permission) to:
- Scan and analyze photos for duplicate detection
- Organize photos based on your preferences
- Apply AI-powered sorting and categorization
- Storage Access: The App requires storage access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission) to:
- Read photos from multiple folders across your device
- Create organized folders for sorted photos
- Move or delete duplicate/unwanted photos based on your decisions
Important: All photo processing happens locally on your device. We do NOT upload your photos to our servers unless explicitly required for AI analysis (see section 1.3).
1.3 Data Sent to Cloud Services
For AI-powered photo analysis, we send compressed, low-resolution versions of selected photos to:
- Firebase Cloud Functions: To perform AI-based image analysis, duplicate detection, and relevance scoring
- Google Cloud AI (Gemini): For intelligent photo categorization based on your preferences
- Firebase Firestore: Temporary storage of analysis results and AI learning data
What we send:
- Compressed photo thumbnails (significantly reduced file size - typically under 100KB per image)
- Photo metadata (file name, creation date, file size)
- Your user story and photo preferences (what types of photos you want to keep/delete)
- Your feedback from photo reviews (to train the AI to match your preferences)
- Analysis progress and session data
What we DON'T send:
- Original full-resolution photos
- Photos from folders you haven't selected for analysis
- Any personal information beyond what's needed for AI learning
- Location data or EXIF metadata (unless you explicitly enable it in settings)
How long we keep it:
- Compressed thumbnails: Deleted immediately after analysis
- AI learning data: Retained indefinitely to improve your personalized sorting (anonymized if you delete your account)
- User feedback: Stored to train the AI model (up to 20 random samples per learning cycle)
1.4 Usage Data
We automatically collect:
- App usage statistics (features used, analysis sessions)
- Error logs and crash reports (via Firebase Crashlytics)
- Performance metrics (app response times, battery usage)
1.5 Background Processing Data
When the App runs in the background (using FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC permission):
- Processing progress and status
- Temporary analysis results
- Notification data to keep you informed
2. How We Use Your Information
2.1 Core Functionality
- Phased Photo Analysis: Analyzing your photos in three intelligent phases:
- Phase 1 (Scoping): Initial analysis of 147 images to learn your preferences
- Phase 2 (Dusting): Deeper analysis of 210 images to refine AI understanding
- Phase 3 (Clean Sweep): Final comprehensive analysis of remaining photos
- Detecting duplicate, blurry, or low-quality images
- Flagging photos for your review based on relevance to your stated preferences
- Learning from your feedback to improve sorting accuracy over time
- Providing personalized photo management recommendations
- Background processing to continue analysis when app is minimized
2.2 Service Improvement
- Improving AI accuracy through machine learning
- Fixing bugs and optimizing performance
- Developing new features based on usage patterns
2.3 Communication
- Sending important service updates and notifications
- Responding to your support requests
- Informing you about new features (with your consent)
2.4 Legal Compliance
- Complying with applicable laws and regulations
- Protecting our legal rights
- Preventing fraud and abuse
3. Data Storage and Security
3.1 Local Storage
- Most data stays on your device: Photos, sorting decisions, and preferences are stored locally
- Secure local database: We use encrypted SQLite databases for sensitive data
- No cloud backup of photos: Your original photos never leave your device
3.2 Cloud Storage (Firebase/Google Cloud)
- User account data: Stored securely in Firebase Authentication
- AI learning data: Stored in Firebase Firestore with encryption at rest
- Temporary analysis data: Automatically deleted after processing
- Crash logs: Anonymized and stored in Firebase Crashlytics
3.3 Security Measures
- Industry-standard encryption for data transmission (TLS/SSL)
- Secure authentication via Google Sign-In
- Regular security audits and updates
- No sharing of personal data with third parties without consent
4. Data Retention
4.1 Active Users
- Account data: Retained while your account is active
- AI learning data: Retained to improve sorting accuracy
- Usage logs: Retained for 90 days
4.2 Account Deletion
When you delete your account:
- Personal information is deleted within 30 days
- AI learning data is anonymized (cannot be linked back to you)
- Photos remain on your device (we never had copies)
- Crash logs and analytics are anonymized
5. Permissions Explained
5.1 Why We Need Each Permission
| Permission |
Purpose |
Can I Deny? |
| READ_MEDIA_IMAGES |
Access photos for analysis |
❌ Required for core functionality |
| MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE |
Organize photos across folders |
❌ Required for multi-folder sorting |
| INTERNET |
AI analysis and account sync |
❌ Required for cloud features |
| FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC |
Continue analysis when app is minimized |
⚠️ Required for background processing |
| POST_NOTIFICATIONS |
Show analysis progress notifications |
✅ Optional (can disable in Android settings) |
| ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE |
Check internet connectivity |
❌ Required to avoid failed uploads |
| WAKE_LOCK |
Keep processing active during background analysis |
⚠️ Automatically managed by system |
Note: The FOREGROUND_SERVICE_DATA_SYNC permission is essential for the app's core functionality. It allows Sifty to:
- Continue photo analysis when you switch to other apps
- Show persistent notifications with real-time progress updates
- Complete long analysis sessions without interruption
- Save battery by efficiently managing background tasks
This is NOT used for data collection or tracking. It only ensures your photo analysis completes successfully even when the app is not in the foreground.
5.2 Why Storage Access Framework (SAF) Isn't Sufficient
Google Play requires us to explain why we use MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE instead of the more restrictive Storage Access Framework:
Technical Reasons:
- Cross-Directory Analysis: Our duplicate detection algorithm needs to compare photos across ALL folders simultaneously (Camera, Downloads, WhatsApp, Screenshots, etc.). SAF would require users to manually grant access to each folder individually, which is impractical for comprehensive duplicate detection.
- File System Operations: We need to:
- Read file metadata (creation date, size) from multiple locations
- Create organized folders for sorted photos
- Move/delete files across different directories during cleanup
- SAF's scoped access would require separate permissions for each operation in each folder, breaking the automated workflow.
- Hidden Files Access: We detect duplicates in app-specific directories (like
.thumbnails, backup folders) that aren't exposed through Media Store API.
- Performance: Our native duplicate detection library requires absolute file paths for efficient comparison. SAF only provides URIs, which would significantly degrade performance.
User Benefit: Comprehensive, automated photo organization across your entire device without repeated permission prompts.
6. Third-Party Services
6.1 Google Services
- Firebase Authentication: Secure user login
- Firebase Firestore: Cloud database for AI learning
- Firebase Cloud Functions: AI photo analysis
- Firebase Crashlytics: Error reporting and crash analysis
- Google Sign-In: User authentication
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
6.2 Google Cloud Platform
- Cloud Functions: Serverless AI processing
- Cloud Storage: Temporary image storage during analysis
Privacy Policy: https://cloud.google.com/terms/cloud-privacy-notice
7. Your Rights and Choices
7.1 Access and Control
- View your data: Request a copy of your personal information
- Update your data: Change your profile information anytime
- Delete your data: Delete your account and associated data
- Export your data: Download your AI learning preferences (coming soon)
7.2 Privacy Controls
- Disable background processing: Stop the foreground service anytime
- Opt out of analytics: Disable crash reporting and usage statistics (in Settings)
- Revoke permissions: Remove storage or photo access (app will stop functioning)
- Control notifications: Disable notifications in Android settings
7.3 How to Exercise Your Rights
Email us at: mohdjun95@gmail.com
8. Children's Privacy
Sifty is not intended for users under 13 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately, and we will delete it.
9. International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
- Posting a prominent notice in the App
- Sending an email notification (for significant changes)
Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Legal Compliance
12.1 GDPR Compliance (European Users)
If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have additional rights under GDPR:
- Right to data portability
- Right to object to processing
- Right to lodge a complaint with supervisory authorities
12.2 CCPA Compliance (California Users)
California residents have the right to:
- Know what personal information is collected
- Request deletion of personal information
- Opt-out of the sale of personal information (Note: We do NOT sell your data)
12.3 Other Jurisdictions
We comply with applicable data protection laws in all jurisdictions where the App is available.
13. Data Sharing and Disclosure
13.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Data
We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
13.2 When We May Share Data
We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: With trusted third parties who help operate the App (e.g., Google Cloud, Firebase) under strict confidentiality agreements
- Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government request
- Safety and Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Sifty, our users, or the public
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (you will be notified)
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your data
14. Cookies and Tracking
Sifty does NOT use cookies or tracking technologies for advertising purposes. We only use:
- Essential session data: To keep you logged in
- Analytics: Firebase Analytics for app improvement (anonymized)
- Crash reporting: To fix bugs and improve stability
You can opt out of analytics in the App Settings.
15. Your California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you have the right to request information about our disclosure of personal information to third parties for their direct marketing purposes. To make such a request, please contact us at mohdjun95@gmail.com.
Acknowledgment
By using Sifty, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.
Thank you for trusting Sifty with your photo organization needs!
Version History
- v1.0 - December 27, 2025: Initial privacy policy for public release