Privacy Policy - FreeCloud

## Overview

FreeCloud is designed to help you use storage space you already control, usually through your own web hosting account. FreeCloud does not operate a central cloud storage service where your files are copied to servers managed by us.

In normal use, the FreeCloud apps connect directly to the server address that you configure. Your files remain on your own configured storage location and on the devices you choose to sync.

## What We Collect

FreeCloud is built to minimize data collection.

- We do not require account registration to use the app.
- We do not run a central FreeCloud account system for your files.
- We do not collect analytics, advertising identifiers, or marketing profiles inside the app.
- We do not intentionally collect your personal files onto servers controlled by us.

The information you enter into the app, such as your FreeCloud server address, drive name, local folder choice, and password, is used only to connect your device to the FreeCloud installation you selected.

## Data Stored On Your Device

The Android app may store configuration data on your device so the app can reconnect without asking you to set it up every time.

- Configured server address
- Drive name
- Password you entered for that FreeCloud setup
- Chosen local folder or document-tree access reference
- App preferences related to sync behavior

This information is stored in the app's private app storage on your device and is not intended for advertising or resale.

## Files and File Content

FreeCloud may read, write, upload, download, and sync file content only as needed to perform the actions you request.

- Syncing files between your device and your configured server
- Opening or previewing files you choose
- Creating, editing, deleting, or downloading files when requested by you
- Maintaining a local synced copy in the folder you selected

## How Network Connections Work

FreeCloud connects to the server URL you provide during setup. In most cases, that is your own website or hosting account, for example `https://yourdomain.com/FreeCloud`.

That means your files and requests travel directly between your device and the FreeCloud server you configured. Any logging, backups, or retention policies on that server are controlled by you and your hosting provider, not by a central FreeCloud cloud platform.

Important: If you use FreeCloud with a third-party web host, your hosting provider may have its own logging, backup, access, and privacy policies. You are responsible for reviewing those policies separately.

## Permissions Used By The Android App

The Android app may request or use the following permissions and capabilities:

- Internet access: used to connect to the FreeCloud server you configured.
- Foreground service / data sync: used to run sync operations more reliably while the app is active or syncing.
- Notifications: used to show sync status or background sync information.
- Boot completed: used to restart scheduled or enabled sync behavior after the device restarts.
- Folder access you choose: used to read and write files in the local phone folder you explicitly selected.

FreeCloud does not request broad access to every file on your device by default. It uses the folder or document-tree access that you choose inside the Android file picker.

## Third-Party Services

FreeCloud does not intentionally include third-party advertising SDKs, analytics SDKs, or user tracking tools in the app.

However, FreeCloud may interact with third-party infrastructure that you choose, such as:

- Your web hosting provider
- Your domain registrar or DNS provider
- Your chosen Android or desktop operating system services
- External apps you use to open shared files

## Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data.

We do not share your personal data with advertisers.

We do not operate a central FreeCloud storage backend that copies your files to our own managed cloud for normal app use.

Data may still pass through or be stored on services you choose, such as your own hosting account or device backups.

## Retention and Deletion

Because FreeCloud does not normally store your synced files on a central service controlled by us, there is usually no central FreeCloud account record for us to delete.

You can generally remove FreeCloud-related data by:

- Deleting the app from your device
- Clearing the app's storage in your device settings
- Removing files from your local synced folder
- Removing files from your own FreeCloud server storage
- Deleting the FreeCloud files from your hosting account

If your own server or hosting provider keeps logs or backups, those copies are controlled by that environment and may remain according to your provider's policies.

## Security

FreeCloud is designed to keep files within the storage area configured for your installation and to require the password you configured if password protection is enabled.

That said, no software or hosting environment can guarantee absolute security. Your privacy and security also depend on:

- The security of your web hosting account
- The strength of the password you set
- Your server configuration
- The security of your desktop or Android device

## Children's Privacy

FreeCloud is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 through a central FreeCloud account system.

If you believe a child has provided personal information through a FreeCloud-controlled website or contact channel, please contact us and we will review the issue.

## Changes To This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect product changes, legal requirements, or clarification of current behavior.

When we update this page, the new version becomes effective when posted here unless stated otherwise.

## Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact the project through the official FreeCloud site or project pages:

- https://freecloud.wiki
- https://github.com/KyleBenzle/FreeCloud