Privacy Policy

Welcome to ReturnTrack. Your privacy is our top priority. This Privacy Policy explains our approach to data collection and privacy when you use our mobile application.

TL;DR: We don't collect or store your personal data on our servers. Receipt images are sent to our AI provider (OpenRouter) for OCR processing only. Shipping tracking numbers are sent to Tracking provider (Track123) for delivery updates. All other data is stored locally on your device.

1. Our Privacy-First Approach

ReturnTrack is designed with privacy at its core. We have made the deliberate choice to build a privacy-focused application that:

• Does not collect or store personal information on our servers
• Does not track your behavior or usage
• Does not share your information with third parties (except OpenRouter for OCR processing and Track123 for shipping tracking)
• Does not require you to create an account
• Stores all your data locally on your device after processing

2. Information We Process (But Don't Store)

2.1 Receipt Images for OCR Processing

When you scan a receipt, the image is temporarily sent to OpenRouter (our AI processing provider) to extract text information. This is the only data that leaves your device, and it is used solely for OCR processing. We do not store these images on our servers.

2.2 What We Do NOT Collect or Store

ReturnTrack does NOT collect, store, or retain on our servers:

• Receipt Images: Sent to OpenRouter for processing only, not stored by us
• Purchase Information: Extracted data stays on your device, not on our servers
• Personal Data: No email addresses, names, phone numbers, or account credentials
• Location Data: We don't track where you are or where you shop
• Device Identifiers: No unique device IDs, advertising IDs, or tracking tokens
• Usage Analytics: We don't monitor how you use the app
• Contacts or Photos: We only access your camera when you scan a receipt

3. How ReturnTrack Works

3.1 Receipt Scanning and OCR Processing

When you scan a receipt using ReturnTrack, the following process occurs:

• The receipt image is captured by your device camera
• The image is securely transmitted to our AI processing provider (OpenRouter) for OCR analysis
• OpenRouter's AI extracts purchase information (merchant name, items, dates, prices, return policy)
• Only the extracted text data is returned to your device
• The extracted data is stored locally on your device
• Receipt images are temporarily processed by OpenRouter and are not permanently stored by them

Important: While we use OpenRouter for AI-powered OCR processing, we do not store your receipt images or extracted data on our own servers. OpenRouter processes images transiently for OCR purposes only. For details on OpenRouter's data handling practices, please refer to their privacy policy at https://openrouter.ai/privacy.

3.2 Local Data Storage

After OCR processing, all your data—including receipt images, extracted purchase details, return deadlines, and reminders—is stored exclusively on your device using iOS's secure local storage. This means:

• Only you have access to your stored data
• Your data is protected by your device's security features (passcode, Face ID, Touch ID)
• If you delete the app, all data is permanently removed from your device
• We do not have access to view, retrieve, or recover your data
• Your data is not synced to cloud servers or shared across devices

3.3 Notifications and Reminders

Push notifications for return deadline reminders are scheduled locally on your device. No information about your purchases or reminders is sent to external servers.

3.4 Shipping Tracking

If you choose to track a return shipment:

• We send only the tracking number to our tracking provider,
• Tracking provider provides us with shipping status updates (e.g., "In Transit", "Delivered")
• No personal information is shared with tracking provider because we do not collect or store any personal information
• Tracking data is used solely to display shipment status within the app

4. Subscriptions and Payments

If you subscribe to ReturnTrack Pro:

• All payment processing is handled entirely by Apple through the App Store
• We do not collect, process, or store any payment information
• We do not have access to your credit card, billing address, or purchase history
• Apple manages all subscription billing, renewals, and cancellations
• Your subscription status is verified through Apple's systems without sharing personal information with us

5. Permissions We Request

ReturnTrack requests the following device permissions:

• Camera Access: Required to scan receipts. Images are processed locally and never uploaded.
• Notifications: Required to send you return deadline reminders. Notifications are scheduled locally on your device.
• Photo Library (Optional): If you want to import existing receipt photos. We only access photos you explicitly select.

You can revoke these permissions at any time in your iOS Settings.

6. Third-Party Services

6.1 OpenRouter (AI Processing Provider)

We use OpenRouter as our AI service provider for OCR (Optical Character Recognition) processing. When you scan a receipt:

• The receipt image is transmitted securely to OpenRouter's API
• OpenRouter processes the image to extract text information
• The extracted text is returned to your device
• OpenRouter does not permanently store your receipt images (images are processed transiently)
• OpenRouter's data handling is governed by their privacy policy

For more information about OpenRouter's privacy practices, please visit: https://openrouter.ai/privacy

6.2 Track123 (Shipping Tracking Provider)

We use Track123 to provide real-time shipping updates for your returns. When you track a package:

• Only the tracking number is sent to Track123
• Track123 monitors the shipment status and returns updates to the app
• Track123 does not receive your personal information or purchase details
• Data shared with Track123 is limited to what is necessary for tracking purposes

For more information about Track123's privacy practices, please visit their privacy policy.

6.3 Services We Do NOT Use

ReturnTrack does not integrate with:

• Google Analytics or similar analytics platforms
• Facebook SDK or social media tracking
• Advertising networks or ad tracking
• Crash reporting services that collect personal data
• Cloud storage providers for your personal data

7. Data Backup and Sync

ReturnTrack data may be included in your device's iCloud backup if you have iCloud Backup enabled in your iOS settings. This backup is:

• Controlled entirely by you through your Apple ID settings
• Encrypted by Apple
• Not accessible to ReturnTrack or its developers
• Subject to Apple's Privacy Policy, not ours

We do not provide our own cloud sync or backup service.

8. Children's Privacy

Because ReturnTrack does not collect any personal information from anyone, it is safe for users of all ages. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 or any other age group.

9. International Users

Since all data processing happens on your device and we don't collect or transfer any data, there are no international data transfer concerns. Your data never leaves your device, regardless of where you are located.

10. Your Rights

Because we don't collect your data, many traditional privacy rights don't apply. However, you have complete control:

• Full Control: All your data is on your device, under your control
• Deletion: Simply delete the app to remove all data permanently
• No Account: No account to delete or data to request
• Portability: Your data is already on your device in iOS's standard format

11. Data Security

Since your data never leaves your device:

• Your data is protected by your device's built-in security (encryption, passcode, biometrics)
• There are no servers to hack or databases to breach
• We cannot accidentally leak your data because we never have it
• You are in complete control of your data security

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

If we ever change our privacy practices (for example, if we add optional cloud features), we will:

• Update this Privacy Policy with a new "Last Updated" date
• Notify you through the app before implementing any changes
• Always maintain privacy-first principles
• Never make data collection mandatory

Your continued use of ReturnTrack after such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Third-Party Links

ReturnTrack may display links to merchant websites or return policy pages. These third-party websites have their own privacy policies. We are not responsible for their privacy practices and encourage you to review their policies.

14. Legal Compliance

Because we don't collect data, most data protection regulations (GDPR, CCPA, etc.) don't apply to ReturnTrack's operations. However, we are committed to:

• Maintaining our privacy-first approach
• Complying with all applicable laws
• Being transparent about our practices

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or ReturnTrack's privacy practices, please contact us at:

Email: support@returntrack.app
App: ReturnTrack

Bottom Line: ReturnTrack is built on the principle that your purchase data is yours and yours alone. We use OpenRouter solely for AI-powered receipt scanning, but we don't store your data on our servers. All your purchase information stays on your device, under your control. Your privacy is protected by design.