Privacy Policy

1.1 Your Files Stay on Your Mac

Crunch processes all media files entirely on your local machine. This means:

• Your images, videos, and audio files are never uploaded to any server
• Compression occurs using your Mac's CPU and Apple Silicon GPU
• Output files are saved directly to your chosen location on disk
• No internet connection is required for compression operations

1.2 No Cloud Services

Unlike many modern apps, Crunch does not use cloud services for any core functionality:

• No cloud storage integration
• No remote processing servers
• No sync services
• No account system required

2.1 What We Collect

To improve Crunch and provide support, we may collect minimal, anonymized information:

2.2 What We Do NOT Collect

• Your media files or their contents
• File names or folder structures
• Personal identification information
• Precise location data
• Contact information (unless you contact support)
• Browsing history or other app usage
• Device serial numbers or unique identifiers

2.3 Opt-Out

You can disable analytics collection in Crunch's preferences. Crash reports can be disabled through macOS System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements.

3.1 Mac App Store

If you download Crunch from the Mac App Store, Apple may collect certain information in accordance with their privacy policy. This includes:

• Purchase information
• App updates and usage statistics (if enabled)
• Crash reports (if enabled in System Settings)

3.2 Apple Frameworks

Crunch uses standard macOS frameworks that may interact with Apple services:

• AVFoundation for media processing (local only)
• Metal for GPU acceleration (local only)
• AppKit for user interface (local only)

3.3 No Advertising or Tracking

Crunch does not include any advertising SDKs, tracking pixels, or analytics frameworks that report user behavior to third parties.

4.1 Control Over Your Data

Since Crunch processes files locally, you have complete control:

• Access: Your files remain on your Mac at all times
• Deletion: Delete any files directly from Finder
• Portability: Your files are standard formats, readily usable anywhere
• Restriction: You can stop using the app at any time

4.2 For EU Residents (GDPR)

Since we don't collect or process personal data from your media files, GDPR's data protection requirements are inherently satisfied by our local-only architecture. For any anonymized analytics data:

• Legal basis: Legitimate interest in improving the App
• You can opt-out of analytics in preferences
• Data is anonymized and cannot be linked to individuals

4.3 For California Residents (CCPA)

We do not sell personal information. Since Crunch doesn't collect personal information from your media files, there is no personal information to sell, share, or disclose.

5.1 Local Data

All files processed by Crunch remain on your Mac:

• Source files: Untouched, remain where you stored them
• Output files: Saved to your chosen destination
• App preferences: Stored locally in ~/Library/Preferences
• Cache files: Temporary, automatically cleaned

5.2 Crash Reports

If crash reporting is enabled, reports are retained for 90 days to aid in debugging, then automatically deleted.

5.3 Complete Removal

To completely remove Crunch and all associated data from your Mac:

1. Move Crunch.app to Trash
2. Delete ~/Library/Preferences/io.byteoxo.crunch.plist
3. Delete ~/Library/Caches/io.byteoxo.crunch (if exists)
4. Empty Trash

6.1 App Security

• Crunch is code-signed and notarized by Apple
• Runs in macOS sandbox with limited permissions
• Only requests access to folders you explicitly select
• No network connections for core functionality

6.2 File Access

Crunch only accesses files and folders you explicitly grant permission to:

• Input folders selected through the file picker
• Output location you choose for compressed files
• No background file access or monitoring

6.3 Gatekeeper & Notarization

Crunch distributed through the Mac App Store undergoes Apple's review process and is notarized, ensuring the app is free from known malware.

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. When we make changes:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date
• For material changes, we will notify you through the App
• Continued use of Crunch indicates acceptance of updates

Our privacy principles—local processing, no data collection from your files, no cloud uploads—are fundamental to Crunch and will not change.

Crunch is a general-purpose media compression tool suitable for all ages. Since we don't collect personal information from users, there are no special provisions needed for children's data.

Parents and guardians should supervise their children's use of any software and ensure appropriate content is being processed.