This policy explains how the Alter app for iOS ("Alter", "the app") handles information. Alter is published by
cris-the-dev ("we", "us"). Questions: tiennln.work@gmail.com.
The short version
Your photos are processed entirely on your device. We never upload, see, or store them.
Alter has no accounts and we run no servers that receive your data.
The free version shows ads from Google AdMob. Google may collect device and usage data to show and measure ads, as described below.
Subscriptions are handled by Apple. We never receive your payment details.
1. Photos and camera
Photo library. You pick photos with the iOS photo picker, which only gives Alter the photos you choose. Alter does not read the rest of your library.
Saving. When you tap Save, Alter asks for add-only access so it can write the edited image into your library. It cannot read or delete your existing photos.
Camera. Camera frames are styled live in memory and discarded immediately. Nothing is recorded or sent anywhere unless you take a photo and then save or share it yourself.
Sharing. When you share, the image goes to the app or service you choose in the iOS share sheet. That service's own privacy policy then applies.
All style effects, including any AI style, run on-device. No image ever leaves your device because of Alter.
2. Information stored on your device
Alter keeps a few settings in your device's local storage:
your language choice
whether you have seen the welcome tour and on-screen guide
premium styles you unlocked temporarily
simple counters used for ad frequency and for deciding when to ask for a rating
This information never leaves your device. Deleting the app deletes it.
3. Advertising (Google AdMob)
If you do not have an active Alter Basic subscription, Alter shows ads from Google AdMob (Google LLC / Google Ireland Limited).
To serve, cap, measure and protect ads against fraud, the Google Mobile Ads SDK may collect:
Device identifiers. The Advertising Identifier (IDFA) is collected only if you allow tracking. The SDK may also use an identifier specific to the app vendor.
Network and location. Your IP address, and an approximate location derived from it.
Device information. Device model, OS version, language, and app version.
Ad interactions and diagnostics. Impressions, taps, crash and performance data.
The SDK does not get access to your photos.
Your choices:
App Tracking Transparency. iOS asks whether Alter may track you. If you choose "Ask App Not to Track", the IDFA is not shared and ads are not personalized using cross-app tracking. You can change this at any time in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking.
EEA, UK and Switzerland. Alter shows a consent message (Google's User Messaging Platform, certified under the IAB TCF) before ads load. You can review or change your choice at any time in Alter → Settings → Privacy & ads. If you do not consent, Google may still show non-personalized or limited ads.
Turn ads off. An Alter Basic subscription removes all ads.
Purchases are processed by Apple through the App Store. Apple handles your payment information under
Apple's Privacy Policy; we never receive it. Alter checks your subscription status on-device with Apple's StoreKit.
Apple provides us with aggregated, non-identifying sales reports.
5. Feedback and support
If you email us, for example with Settings → Send feedback, we receive your email address and whatever you write. That may include your device model and iOS and app version, which the app pre-fills and you can delete before sending.
We use this only to reply and to improve Alter, and we delete it on request.
6. What we do not do
We do not sell your personal information.
We do not build profiles about you.
We do not use third-party analytics.
We do not collect contacts, precise location, health or financial data.
7. Legal bases (EEA/UK users)
Where the GDPR applies, the legal bases are:
Consent for personalized advertising and for access to device storage for ads. You can withdraw it at any time in Settings → Privacy & ads.
Legitimate interests for non-personalized ads, frequency capping and fraud prevention.
Performance of a contract for providing a subscription you bought.
Google acts as an independent controller for some ad processing.
8. Your rights
Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR, UK GDPR, or the California CCPA/CPRA), you may have the right to:
access, correct or delete personal information
object to or restrict processing
data portability
withdraw consent
opt out of "sharing" for cross-context behavioral advertising
Because we do not hold personal data about you other than emails you send us, most of these rights are exercised directly:
Use the in-app privacy options and iOS tracking settings.
You also have the right to complain to your local data protection authority. We will not discriminate against you for exercising any right.
9. Retention and security
We keep no app data on our side. Feedback emails are kept only as long as needed to handle your request. On-device data stays protected by iOS security until you delete the app.
10. International transfers
Google and Apple may process data in the United States and other countries. They use safeguards such as the EU Standard Contractual Clauses and the EU–U.S. Data Privacy Framework.
11. Children
Alter is not directed at children under 13 (or under 16 in the EEA), and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
12. Changes
We may update this policy. The new version will be posted here with a new effective date. For material changes we will also give notice in the app.