Privacy for iPhone and iPad

Who is responsible

TrueArchive is a private, non-commercial hobby project by Dr. Lutz Kohl.

Dr. Lutz Kohl
Weißenfelser Str. 17
07743 Jena
Germany

Email: lutz@truearchive.app

What the app processes locally

You choose source folders and the archive destination through the system Files picker. TrueArchive reads the selected photos, videos and existing sidecar files, copies supported originals unchanged into the archive and stores metadata in XMP sidecar files. This may include filenames, capture times, camera details, existing location information, descriptions and keywords. The app does not collect your device’s current location.

To resume your work, the app locally saves folder permissions and paths, folder and archive identifiers, the chosen date range and the state of an unfinished run. The archive also contains technical information for integrity checks and recovery. This data supports archiving and verifying the correct folders.

No app uploads or tracking services

The archiving feature does not send media, metadata or local logs to the developer. It requires no TrueArchive account and includes no advertising, tracking or analytics services of its own.

The mobile version works with local folders on your device or an attached drive. It does not directly access the Apple Photos library and does not provide cloud backup or synchronization. Mac features for Apple Photos, Immich and Hetzner are outside this mobile scope.

Retention, access and deletion

The app does not delete source files when archiving. Archive files remain until you delete them at their storage location. Only change or delete archive files after a running operation has ended and with an independent backup available.

The saved setup remains locally until replaced by a new selection or removed with the app’s data. Fully deleting the app removes its local app data and saved access connections. An archive in the app’s own Documents folder may also be lost: copy it outside the app first. Offloading is not full deletion. Manage external archives, source files and existing device backups separately.

You can stop further use of selected folders by no longer running the app or fully deleting it. The developer has no remote access to your local files and cannot delete them for you.

Device backups and TestFlight

iOS/iPadOS and your own backup or sharing settings may back up or transfer app data independently of the archiving feature. The app does not operate its own cloud service for this.

If you use a test version through TestFlight, Apple processes test data and provides the developer with crash reports, usage information and feedback you submit, among other information; depending on participation, this includes your name and email. This information is used to improve the app and is not passed on by the developer to third parties. The developer retains it only as long as needed to investigate the test feedback, then deletes it. Contact the address below with deletion requests. You can stop testing in TestFlight. See Apple’s TestFlight and privacy information.

If you choose to contact us

When you send an email, Dr. Lutz Kohl receives your sender address, message and any attachments you include. The email services involved process the message for delivery and receipt. Prefer sending just the app version, device, system version and a description of the problem; avoid private photos, credentials or complete logs.

This information is used to handle your request and retained for as long as necessary for that purpose or legal obligations, then deleted. The legal basis for handling optional support requests is the legitimate interest in responding under Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. Contact does not automatically sign you up for a newsletter or beta.

Your privacy rights

Where the legal conditions apply, you may request access, correction, deletion, restriction or portability, object to processing and withdraw consent you have given. Contact lutz@truearchive.app. You may also complain to a data protection supervisory authority.

Website and forms are separate

When you open this website, hosting provider GitHub receives technical connection data such as your IP address and browser details. See the GitHub privacy statement. Your language choice is stored in your browser and can be removed through its website data controls.

Website beta signups and feedback forms use Formspree. See the notices beside the Mac beta signup and feedback form. These forms are not required to use the local app.