1. Introduction
Welcome to Fringe Tools ("we", "our", "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://fringetools.com or use the Fringe Tools app for Android (the "App"). Please read this policy carefully.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- Page views and usage patterns (anonymized)
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Referring URL
- IP address (used for rate limiting only, not stored permanently)
2.2 Files You Upload
Some of our tools (PDF merge, image compress, etc.) require file uploads. We want to be clear:
- Files processed server-side are automatically deleted within 1 hour.
- Many tools process files entirely in your browser - nothing is uploaded to our servers.
- We do not read, analyze, or share the content of your files.
2.3 Enquiry Form Data
When you submit an enquiry, we collect your name, email, phone (optional), and message to respond to your query.
2.4 The Fringe Tools Android App
The App offers the same tools as this website. When you use it:
- Files you choose. Many tools work entirely on your device. Some (for example the PDF tools, document conversions, background removal, and text recognition in languages other than English) send the file you chose to our server over an encrypted connection, process it, and send the result back. These files are deleted from our server automatically within 1 hour. We do not read, keep, or share them.
- Camera. The App asks for camera access only to scan QR codes and barcodes and to take a photo for an image tool. Pictures from the camera stay on your device unless you use them in a tool that runs on our server, as described above.
- Photos and files. The App opens only the photos and files you pick through Android's own picker. It does not read the rest of your gallery or storage.
- Advertising. The App shows ads through Google AdMob. To serve and measure ads, Google may collect your device's advertising ID, approximate location derived from your IP address, and information about how you interact with ads. In the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland we ask for your consent first, and you can change your choice at any time under Settings > Privacy choices. You can also reset or delete your advertising ID in your Android settings. See how Google uses information from apps that use its services.
- Exchange rates. The currency converter downloads published exchange rates from a public data service. No personal information is sent with that request.
- Updates. The App asks Google Play whether a newer version is available, so it can offer the update inside the App.
- No account. The App has no sign-in and creates no account. Your favourites, recent tools, and settings are stored only on your device and are removed when you uninstall the App.
We do not sell your personal information.
3. How We Use Your Information
- To provide and improve our tools and services
- To respond to your enquiries
- To analyze usage patterns and optimize performance
- To prevent abuse and ensure security
4. Cookies
We use minimal cookies - primarily session cookies for CSRF protection and user preferences. We do not use tracking cookies for advertising purposes. Google Analytics (if enabled) may set its own cookies as per Google's Privacy Policy.
5. Third-Party Services
We may use the following third-party services:
- Google Analytics - Website traffic analysis
- Google AdSense - Advertising (uses cookies per Google's policy)
- Google Fonts - Font delivery via Google's CDN
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures including CSRF protection, input validation, and HTTPS. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure.
7. Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
8. Your Choices and Data Deletion
Files processed on our server are deleted automatically within 1 hour, and the App keeps no account or profile about you. If you sent us an enquiry and want it deleted, or have any other request about your data, email support@fringetools.com and we will act on it within 30 days. Advertising choices can be changed as described in section 2.4.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the date at the top of this page.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, email support@fringetools.com or contact us.