Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Effective Date: January 11, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to MindAnchor ("we," "our," or "the App"). MindAnchor is a behavioral management tool designed to help users manage compulsive checking behaviors through structured inspection routines, urge surfing techniques, and gradual record fading.

This Privacy Policy explains how MindAnchor handles data and protects your privacy. By using the App, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Data Collection

2.1 What Data We Collect

The simple answer: None.

MindAnchor operates entirely on your device and does not collect, transmit, or store any personal information on external servers. All data generated during your use of the App remains exclusively on your device.

2.2 What Data is Stored Locally on Your Device

To provide core functionality, MindAnchor stores the following data locally on your device using iOS SwiftData framework:

• Inspection Records: Timestamps, scenario types, checked items, and optional photos you capture
• Custom Scenarios: Names and configurations of inspection scenarios you create
• Checkpoints: Names, icons, and settings for checkpoint items
• Urge Surfing Sessions: Start/end times, duration, anxiety ratings, and completion status
• User Preferences: App settings such as notification preferences, fade duration, and biometric lock status
• Growth Achievements: Achievement unlock status and timestamps

Important Notes:

• No Personal Identifiers: We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information.
• No Tracking: We do not use analytics services, advertising SDKs, or any third-party tracking tools.
• No Account Required: MindAnchor does not require registration or login. You can start using the App immediately without providing any personal information.

3. How We Use Data

Since all data is stored locally on your device, we do not "use" your data in any way. The data you generate serves only to:

• Provide Core Functionality: Display your inspection records, track your progress, and enable urge surfing exercises
• Generate Growth Insights: Calculate metrics such as resistance scores, trust levels, and achievement progress
• Enable Widgets: Display recent inspection records in the iOS home screen widget (data shared via App Group, not transmitted externally)
• Facilitate Notifications: Send local notifications for scheduled inspection reminders (if enabled by you)

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

All data is stored in your device's local storage using Apple's SwiftData framework, which automatically encrypts data at rest using iOS file system encryption.

4.2 App Group Sharing

MindAnchor uses an App Group (group.com.techroads.MindAnchor) to share data between the main app and the home screen widget. This data sharing occurs entirely on your device and does not involve any external transmission.

4.3 Biometric Security (Optional)

If you enable the Face ID/Touch ID lock feature (available with Premium subscription), your biometric data is processed by iOS and never accessed by MindAnchor. The App only receives a success/failure response from the system.

4.4 Automatic Data Deletion

To protect your privacy, MindAnchor implements automatic data deletion:

• Record Fading: Inspection records begin to blur after 30 minutes (customizable with Premium)
• Automatic Expiration: Records are automatically deleted after 2-18 hours (configurable in settings)
• Photo Cleanup: Photos are automatically deleted when associated records expire

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not share, sell, rent, or disclose any data to third parties. Period.

Because MindAnchor operates entirely offline without any server infrastructure, there is no mechanism for data transmission or sharing.

5.1 No Third-Party Services

MindAnchor does not integrate with any third-party services, including:

• Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Firebase)
• Advertising networks
• Social media platforms
• Cloud storage services (beyond iOS system backups, which you control)

5.2 Legal Disclosures

Since we do not collect or have access to your data, we have nothing to disclose even if legally compelled. Your data remains solely on your device under your control.

6. Your Rights and Control

You have complete control over your data in MindAnchor:

6.1 Access Your Data

• View all inspection records in the Records tab
• Review growth metrics in the Growth tab
• Manage photos in Settings → Storage Management

6.2 Delete Your Data

• Individual Records: Swipe left on any record to delete it
• All Photos: Use Settings → Storage Management → Clean Expired Photos
• All App Data: Uninstall the App from your device (iOS will automatically delete all associated data)

6.3 Data Portability

All data is stored locally in your device's file system. If you have device backups enabled, your data is included in your iOS backups (either iCloud or local iTunes/Finder backups). You control these backups through iOS settings.

6.4 Opt-Out of Data Storage

Since the App requires local data storage to function, there is no "opt-out" mechanism. However, you can:

• Minimize the retention period (set to 2 hours)
• Manually delete records after each inspection
• Disable photo capture and only use manual checkmarks

7. Permissions We Request

MindAnchor may request the following iOS permissions to provide its features:

7.1 Camera (Optional)

Purpose: Capture photos of inspected items for your records

Usage: Only activated when you tap the camera button during an inspection

Stored: Photos are saved locally in the App's sandbox and automatically deleted when records expire

7.2 Photo Library (Optional)

Purpose: Select existing photos to attach to inspection records

Usage: Only accessed when you choose "Select from Library"

7.3 Notifications (Optional)

Purpose: Send scheduled reminders for inspections

Usage: Automatically requested on first launch; can be disabled in iOS Settings

Note: Notifications are generated locally on your device and do not involve any external servers

7.4 Face ID / Touch ID (Optional, Premium)

Purpose: Lock the App to protect your privacy

Usage: Your biometric data is processed by iOS; the App never accesses raw biometric information

8. Children's Privacy

MindAnchor is not directed to children under the age of 13 (or 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us (though we do not collect any data to begin with).

9. International Data Transfers

Not applicable. Since all data is stored locally on your device, there are no international data transfers.

10. iOS Backups and iCloud

10.1 iCloud Backup

If you have iCloud Backup enabled on your device, iOS automatically backs up MindAnchor's data to your personal iCloud account. This backup is:

• Encrypted: Protected by Apple's encryption standards
• Under Your Control: You can disable backup for MindAnchor in iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage → Backups → [Your Device] → MindAnchor, ( Some program settings for pictures are excluded by iCloud and may not be synchronized. Please pay attention. )
• Not Accessible to Us: We have no access to your iCloud backups

10.2 Local Backups

If you back up your device to a computer using iTunes or Finder, MindAnchor's data is included in those backups. We have no access to these backups.

11. Subscription and Payment Data

If you purchase a Premium subscription, the transaction is processed entirely by Apple through the App Store. We do not collect or have access to your payment information. Apple's privacy policy governs how they handle your payment data:

• What We Receive: Only a confirmation that a valid subscription is active (verified through StoreKit)
• What We Don't Receive: Credit card numbers, billing addresses, or any payment details

12. Third-Party Links

MindAnchor may contain links to third-party websites or resources (e.g., in the About section). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• We will notify you through an in-app message or App Store update notes
• Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the new policy

14. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), the legal basis for processing your data (which, again, stays on your device) is:

• Consent: By downloading and using the App, you consent to the local storage of your data
• Legitimate Interest: Processing is necessary to provide the core functionality of the App

15. Your GDPR Rights (EEA Users)

If you are located in the EEA, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: You can access all your data within the App
• Right to Rectification: You can edit or update your scenarios and settings
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): You can delete individual records or uninstall the App to erase all data
• Right to Data Portability: Your data is stored in your device's file system and included in iOS backups
• Right to Object: You can disable features or uninstall the App at any time

16. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used. However, since MindAnchor does not collect any personal information, the CCPA does not apply to our App.

17. Medical Disclaimer

MindAnchor is not a medical device or treatment. It is a behavioral management tool designed to support users in managing compulsive checking behaviors. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or mental health condition.

The App does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact your local emergency services immediately.

18. Contact Us

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