Linksgroups ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Duplicates Buster Android application (the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use the App.
1. Information We Collect
We do not collect, store, or transmit any personal files from your device. All file scanning, hashing, and duplicate detection happens entirely on your device. Your photos, videos, documents, and other files never leave your phone.
We collect the following limited, non-personal data:
- Crash reports — anonymised stack traces via Firebase Crashlytics to help us fix bugs.
- Analytics events — anonymised usage events (e.g. "scan started", "scan completed", file counts) via Firebase Analytics. No file names, paths, or content are included.
- Purchase status — whether you hold an active Pro subscription, stored locally on your device via Android's Play Billing library.
2. Information We Do NOT Collect
- File names, file paths, or file content
- Photos, videos, audio, or documents
- Your name, email address, or any contact information
- Location data
- Device contacts, calendar, or messages
3. Permissions We Request
- Storage / Manage External Storage — required to scan your device for duplicate files. We read file metadata (name, size, date) and file content only to compute cryptographic hashes locally. Nothing is uploaded.
- Post Notifications (optional) — used to notify you when a scan completes, when a scheduled background scan runs, and optionally as a re-engagement reminder if you found duplicates but have not yet deleted them (sent once, 24 hours after the scan). You can deny this permission without affecting core functionality.
- Internet — used solely by Firebase (crash reporting + analytics) and Google Play Billing (subscription verification). No file data is transmitted.
4. Third-Party Services
The App integrates the following third-party SDKs:
- Firebase Analytics (Google LLC) — anonymised in-app event tracking. Google Privacy Policy
- Firebase Crashlytics (Google LLC) — anonymised crash reporting. Firebase Privacy
- Google AdMob (Google LLC) — a banner ad on the Home screen and a non-blocking interstitial ad after bulk deletion, shown to free-tier users only. AdMob may collect a device advertising ID in accordance with Google's privacy policy. Pro users see no ads. Google Privacy Policy
- Google Play Billing (Google LLC) — processes Pro subscription purchases. We do not receive or store your payment details.
5. Data Retention
All scan results, hash caches, scroll positions, and recycle bin data are stored in a local SQLite database and SharedPreferences on your device. You can clear this data at any time from Settings → Clear Scan History or by uninstalling the App. We do not retain any data on our servers.
6. Children's Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us and we will delete it.
7. Security
All file processing is performed locally on your device. Data transmitted to Firebase is encrypted in transit via HTTPS. We do not operate servers that store your personal data.
8. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, showing an in-app notice. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
info@linksgroups.com