Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Introduction
PhotoSlate (“we,” “our,” or “the app”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how PhotoSlate handles information when you use our iOS application.
Information Collection and Use
Location Data
PhotoSlate requires access to your device’s location services to function properly. Here’s how we handle your location data:
What We Collect:
- GPS coordinates (latitude, longitude, altitude)
- Compass heading (true and magnetic)
- Location accuracy measurements
- Timestamp of location data
How We Use It:
- Display real-time location information on the slate screen
- Perform reverse geocoding to display address information
- Calculate compass headings and cardinal directions
Important: All location data is processed locally on your device. We do not transmit, store, or share your location data with any third parties or remote servers.
Reverse Geocoding
When enabled in settings, PhotoSlate uses Apple’s CLGeocoder service to convert GPS coordinates into human-readable addresses.
How It Works:
- Your GPS coordinates are sent to Apple’s geocoding service
- Apple returns address information (street, city, state, postal code)
- This address is displayed on your slate screen
- Apple’s geocoding service is governed by Apple’s Privacy Policy
You Control This: You can disable automatic reverse geocoding in the app settings at any time.
Settings and Preferences
PhotoSlate stores your app preferences locally using SwiftData:
- Date format preference
- Time format preference
- GPS coordinate format preference
- Auto reverse geocoding preference
Storage: All settings are stored locally on your device using iOS’s secure storage mechanisms. This data is not transmitted anywhere.
Data We Do NOT Collect
PhotoSlate does not collect, transmit, or store:
- Your photographs or camera images
- Your personal information (name, email, phone number)
- Usage analytics or tracking data
- Device identifiers for advertising
- Any data that leaves your device (except for Apple’s geocoding requests)
Third-Party Services
Apple Services
PhotoSlate uses the following Apple services:
- CoreLocation: For GPS and heading data (processed entirely on-device)
- CLGeocoder: For reverse geocoding (subject to Apple’s Privacy Policy)
We do not use any third-party analytics, advertising, or tracking services.
Data Storage and Security
All data collected by PhotoSlate is:
- Stored locally on your iOS device
- Protected by iOS’s built-in security features
- Accessible only to the PhotoSlate app
- Never transmitted to external servers (except geocoding requests to Apple)
- Deleted when you uninstall the app
Location Permissions
PhotoSlate requests “When In Use” location permissions, which means:
- Location data is only accessed while the app is open and visible
- No background location tracking occurs
- No location history is maintained
- Location services can be revoked at any time in iOS Settings
To review or change location permissions:
- Open iOS Settings
- Navigate to Privacy & Security → Location Services
- Find PhotoSlate in the list
- Choose your preferred permission level
Children’s Privacy
PhotoSlate does not knowingly collect any information from children. The app is designed for professional and hobbyist photographers and does not target children under the age of 13. No account creation or personal information is required to use the app.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Disable Location Services: Turn off location access entirely in iOS Settings
- Disable Reverse Geocoding: Turn off address lookup in PhotoSlate Settings
- Delete Your Data: Uninstalling PhotoSlate removes all locally stored data
- Review Permissions: Check what permissions PhotoSlate has in iOS Settings
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Significant changes will be noted in app update release notes.
Data Retention
PhotoSlate retains data as follows:
- Settings: Until you change them or uninstall the app
- Location Data: Only current/recent readings while app is active
- No History: We do not maintain a database of historical locations
International Users
PhotoSlate is available worldwide. All data processing occurs locally on your device regardless of your location. Reverse geocoding requests are handled by Apple’s infrastructure according to Apple’s privacy policies and applicable local laws.
California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
If you are a California resident, please note:
- PhotoSlate does not sell your personal information
- PhotoSlate does not share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising
- PhotoSlate collects only location data necessary for app functionality
- You can disable location services at any time
European Users (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Economic Area:
- Legal Basis: We process location data based on your consent (granted via iOS permissions)
- Data Minimization: We collect only the minimum data necessary for app functionality
- Right to Withdraw: You can withdraw consent by disabling location permissions
- No Data Controller: Since all data is local, there is no remote data controller
- Data Portability: Your settings can be exported if needed (though currently not implemented)
Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or PhotoSlate’s privacy practices, please contact:
Developer: Richard Cox
Email: [your-email@example.com]
Websites:
Summary
In Plain English:
PhotoSlate is a privacy-focused app that:
- ✅ Uses your location only to display it on screen
- ✅ Stores everything locally on your device
- ✅ Sends location data only to Apple’s geocoding service (if you enable it)
- ✅ Does not track, collect, or transmit your data to us or anyone else
- ✅ Does not use analytics, advertising, or third-party tracking
- ✅ Gives you complete control over location permissions
Your location data never leaves your device except for optional Apple geocoding requests. We cannot see your location, we don’t want to see your location, and we’ve designed PhotoSlate to keep it that way.
This privacy policy is effective as of January 11, 2026.
