Privacy Policy

Device Scout (the “App”) is an iOS application developed and operated by an independent developer (“we”, “us”, or “our”). This Privacy Policy explains how information is handled when you use the App.

The App is designed to operate with a privacy-focused, local-processing approach. This Policy describes general data practices and is not tied to specific internal implementations, which may evolve over time.

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy applies only to Device Scout. It does not apply to third-party operating systems, platforms, or services that may be used in connection with the App.

By using the App, you acknowledge and accept the data handling practices described in this Policy.

2. General Data Handling Approach

Device Scout is intended to function without requiring user accounts, registration, or identity verification.

The App is designed so that most information generated through its use remains on the user’s device and is not routinely transmitted to servers operated by the developer. Limited, non-identifying information may be processed by third-party service providers for analytics and diagnostic purposes.

3. Information Processed on Your Device

Depending on how you use the App, Device Scout may process and store the following categories of information locally on your device:

Bluetooth-Related Information

• Publicly broadcast Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) identifiers or metadata
• Signal strength or proximity indicators
• User-assigned device labels or organizational preferences

Location-Related Information

• Approximate geographic coordinates associated with Bluetooth detections
• Detection timestamps or historical indicators

App Configuration and Preferences

• Visual, interaction, or accessibility settings
• Lists of devices marked as important or ignored

This information is intended to be stored locally using device-based storage mechanisms. The App does not require or provide a proprietary developer-operated cloud service for storing this information.

Local data handling may be affected by iOS system behavior, device settings, or backup mechanisms that are outside the App’s control.

4. Analytics and Diagnostic Information

The App may use third-party analytics or diagnostic services to understand general usage patterns and improve performance, stability, and usability.

Analytics or diagnostic information may include, in aggregated or event-based form:

• App usage and lifecycle activity
• Feature interaction data
• Performance or stability metrics
• High-level app state indicators (such as whether required permissions are enabled)

This information is intended to be non-identifying and is not used for advertising or marketing purposes. The App does not intentionally transmit precise personal location histories, user identities, or full inventories of detected Bluetooth devices as part of analytics collection.

5. Permissions

Device Scout requests certain iOS permissions solely to enable core functionality.

Bluetooth Access

Used to scan for and detect nearby Bluetooth Low Energy devices and their publicly broadcast information. The App does not pair with or control devices.

Location Access

Used to associate Bluetooth detections with approximate geographic locations and to support map-based features. Location permission may also be required by iOS to enable Bluetooth scanning.

The App does not guarantee continuous, precise, or real-time tracking.

6. Mapping and External Services

The App may integrate mapping or visualization services provided by third parties, such as Apple Maps. Use of these services is governed by the applicable third-party terms and privacy policies.

7. Device Movement and Awareness Features

The App may include features intended to highlight patterns, such as devices appearing across multiple locations over time.

These features are informational in nature, rely on Bluetooth signal and location data that may be incomplete or imprecise, and should not be relied upon for personal safety, emergency response, or enforcement purposes.

8. Data Sharing

We do not sell personal information.

Information may be processed by third-party service providers only to the extent reasonably necessary to support App functionality, analytics, or diagnostics. These providers operate under their own privacy policies.

9. Data Retention

Locally processed information remains on your device unless removed by the App, the operating system, or the user. Any third-party analytics or diagnostic data retention is governed by the policies of those providers.

10. Security

We take reasonable measures to reduce the risk of unauthorized access or disclosure of information handled by the App. However, no application or device environment can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

11. Children’s Privacy

The App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

12. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. Continued use of the App after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

13. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you may contact: