Privacy policy

Last updated: 2 May 2026

DocShelf is a local-first document vault. This policy explains — in plain English — exactly what data the app touches and where it goes.

The short version

• DocShelf does not collect, transmit, or store your data on any server.
• There are no accounts, no sign-up, no login, no tracking.
• Your documents stay on your device, in DocShelf’s private app storage.
• We do not use analytics, ads, crash reporting, or third-party SDKs.

What DocShelf reads

To do its job, the app needs the following Android permissions. Each is requested only when needed and used only for the documented purpose:

• Storage (app-private). DocShelf writes your imported files into its own private sandbox via Android’s scoped storage. No MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE or “All files access” permission is requested or used. Files never leave your device.
• Camera (only when you tap "Scan"). Used by the on-device document scanner to capture paper documents — auto-edge detection, perspective correction and contrast enhancement happen entirely on your phone via Google ML Kit's on-device Document Scanner. No images are sent to any server. The camera is only active while the scanner UI is open; the moment you save or cancel, the camera is released.
• Read media images / video / audio (Android 13+). Used solely so the file picker can show you your own files when you tap Import. DocShelf does not browse your gallery on its own.
• Receive shared content. So you can long-press a file in WhatsApp, Gmail, Drive, etc. → Share → DocShelf, to import it.
• Calendar (when you toggle expiry). When you set an expiry date on a document, DocShelf opens your phone's native calendar app pre-filled with the reminder event. You confirm; the calendar app stores it. DocShelf itself does not read your calendar.
• Internet. Used only when you tap an outbound link (Privacy Policy, Rate the app, mailto). DocShelf has no telemetry, analytics, or background network calls.

What DocShelf stores

Two things, both on your device only:

• The actual document files, inside DocShelf’s private app storage. Only DocShelf can read them. To send a copy elsewhere, open the file in DocShelf and tap Share.
• A SQLite database (private to the app) that keeps track of names, categories, expiry dates, and bookmarks.

DocShelf does not have any app-lock, biometric, or PIN feature. The only protection on your DocShelf folder is your phone's own lock screen — which is already protecting everything else on your device anyway.

What DocShelf does not do

• No telemetry, analytics, or usage tracking.
• No advertising, profiling, or third-party SDKs.
• No automatic cloud backup, sync, or upload.
• No selling, sharing, or transmitting your data to anyone, ever.

Backups are your responsibility

Because DocShelf is local-only, if you lose your phone or factory-reset, you lose your DocShelf folder. Use your usual phone backup (Google Drive backup, manufacturer backup, manual file copy) to keep a copy somewhere safe.

Children's privacy

DocShelf is not directed at children under 13. The app does not collect personal information from anyone, regardless of age.

Changes to this policy

If this policy ever changes, the updated version will be posted at this URL. Material changes will be announced in-app via a notification.

Contact

Questions or concerns? Email mulgundsunil@gmail.com.