Privacy Policy for Ghost Notes

Last Updated: December 24, 2025

Introduction

Ghost Notes ("we", "our", or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how Ghost Notes handles your information when you use our note-taking application.

Our Privacy Commitment

Information Storage

Local Storage Only

• All notes, tags, categories, and settings are stored locally on your device using Android's SharedPreferences
• Your data never leaves your device
• No cloud synchronization or remote backups are performed by the app
• No internet connection is required or used

Data We Store Locally

The app stores the following information on your device:

• Notes: Title, content, tags, timestamps, color coding, lock status
• Categories: Custom categories you create
• Settings: Your preferences including PIN, biometric settings, theme choices
• Reminders: Local notification schedules
• Search History: Your recent searches (stored locally only)

Permissions

Why We Request Permissions

Biometric Authentication (USE_BIOMETRIC)

• Purpose: To unlock the app and individual notes using fingerprint or face recognition
• How It Works: Your biometric data is never stored, transmitted, or accessed by the app. Authentication is handled entirely by Android's secure biometric system
• Optional: You can disable biometric authentication in Settings and use PIN instead

Notifications (POST_NOTIFICATIONS)

• Purpose: To send you reminders for your notes at scheduled times
• How It Works: Notifications are created locally on your device
• Optional: You can disable notifications in your device settings or not set any reminders

Exact Alarms (SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM, USE_EXACT_ALARM)

• Purpose: To deliver reminders at the exact time you specify
• How It Works: Uses Android's AlarmManager to schedule local notifications
• Optional: Only used if you set reminders on your notes

Data We Do NOT Collect

Ghost Notes does NOT collect, access, or transmit:

• ❌ Personal information (name, email, phone number)
• ❌ Location data
• ❌ Device identifiers
• ❌ Usage analytics or statistics
• ❌ Crash reports
• ❌ Advertising identifiers
• ❌ Biometric data (handled by Android system only)
• ❌ Any data from your notes content

Third-Party Services

We do not use any third-party services, including:

• ❌ No analytics services (Google Analytics, Firebase, etc.)
• ❌ No advertising networks
• ❌ No cloud storage providers
• ❌ No social media integrations
• ❌ No tracking or marketing tools

Data Security

How We Protect Your Data

• Local Encryption: Your PIN is stored securely using Android's SharedPreferences
• Biometric Security: Uses Android's secure BiometricPrompt API with hardware-backed authentication
• No Network Access: The app does not request or use internet permissions
• App Lock: Optional biometric and PIN lock to prevent unauthorized access
• Individual Note Locking: Lock sensitive notes separately

Your Responsibility

• Keep your device secure with a screen lock
• Do not share your PIN with others
• Use device backup features responsibly if you enable them in Android settings

Data Retention and Deletion

Your Data, Your Control

• Full Control: You have complete control over all your data
• Export: You can export all your notes as JSON files at any time
• Delete Individual Notes: Trash bin allows you to recover deleted notes for 30 days (or until you empty trash)
• Delete All Data: Clear all data option in Settings permanently removes all app data
• Uninstall: Uninstalling the app removes all locally stored data from your device

Children's Privacy

Ghost Notes does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. The app is designed for general use and does not target children. Parents and guardians are responsible for monitoring their children's app usage.

Data Sharing

The only ways your data can leave your device:

1. If you choose to export: You can manually export notes as JSON and share them yourself
2. If you use "Share" feature: You can share individual notes via Android's share menu (your choice)
3. If Android backup is enabled: Android may backup app data to your Google account (controlled by device settings, not the app)

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app and on our GitHub repository
• Notifying you in the app if there are material changes

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• ✅ Access all your data (all stored locally on your device)
• ✅ Export your data (JSON export feature)
• ✅ Delete your data (clear data or uninstall)
• ✅ Control what permissions you grant (Android settings)
• ✅ Use the app without biometric authentication (use PIN instead)
• ✅ Disable notifications and reminders

Open Source Transparency

Ghost Notes is built with transparency in mind:

• The app architecture is documented
• No obfuscated code that hides data collection
• No hidden network requests
• You can verify our privacy claims by reviewing the app's behavior

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or Ghost Notes' privacy practices, you can contact us at:

• Email: hkggroups@gmail.com
• Privacy Policy URL: https://hemanthguvvala.github.io/AppPrivacyPolicies/ghostnotes.html
• GitHub: https://github.com/hemanthguvvala/ghostnotes
• Report Issues: https://github.com/hemanthguvvala/ghostnotes/issues

Consent

By using Ghost Notes, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use the app.