CineLocal ("the App") helps you organize and play your personal video collection on your iPhone. Your library stays on your device. This policy explains what is stored locally, what may be sent over the internet, and how the optional ad-supported free version works.
Summary
- Your videos stay on your device. Imported files are copied into the App's secure sandbox.
- No accounts or cloud library. CineLocal does not require sign-in and does not upload your movies to our servers.
- Free version includes ads. Banner ads are served by Google AdMob. CineLocal+ removes ads.
- Optional tracking permission. The free version may ask for Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) permission so ads can be more relevant. You can decline — the App still works.
- Metadata lookups are separate from ads. Movie search queries may be sent to public databases to fetch posters and details.
Information Stored on Your Device
The App stores the following locally on your iPhone:
- Video files you choose to import
- Cached poster images
- Library metadata (titles, years, overviews, genres, ratings, and related details)
- Optional TMDB and OMDb API keys, if you provide them in Settings
- App preferences via iOS standard local storage (UserDefaults / AppStorage)
- Your CineLocal+ purchase status (via Apple's StoreKit)
This data remains on your device unless you delete it or uninstall the App. Uninstalling removes the App's sandboxed data from your device.
Advertising (Free Version)
If you use the free, ad-supported version of CineLocal, banner advertisements are displayed through Google AdMob. Google may collect device and usage information to deliver and measure ads. See Google's Privacy Policy.
Before ads load, the App may present a consent form where required (for example, in the EU) through Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP).
On iOS 14.5 and later, CineLocal may also show Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt with this message:
This allows CineLocal to show more relevant ads. Your movie library is never shared with advertisers.
If you allow tracking, the advertising identifier (IDFA) may be used for personalized ads across other companies' apps and websites. If you deny tracking, ads may still appear but will be less personalized. Your imported videos and library contents are never shared with advertisers.
Purchasing CineLocal+ removes ads and stops ATT prompts used for advertising.
Information Sent for Metadata (Not Advertising)
When you import a video or refresh metadata, the App may send movie search queries (derived from filenames or titles you already have locally) to third-party services to retrieve public movie information and artwork. These requests do not include your video files.
- The Movie Database (TMDB) — when you provide an optional TMDB API key. TMDB Privacy Policy
- OMDb — when you provide an optional OMDb API key for Rotten Tomatoes scores. OMDb
- Apple iTunes Search API — fallback metadata lookup when no TMDB key is set. Apple Privacy
Poster images retrieved from these services are cached locally on your device.
Local Network Features
CineLocal uses your local network for optional features such as Watch Together, movie transfer between nearby iPhones, nearby streaming, and browsing SMB network shares. These features do not upload your library to the internet. They communicate only with devices and servers on your local network that you choose to connect to.
What We Do Not Collect
CineLocal (the developer) does not operate servers that receive your video files or personal library. We do not:
- Require or create user accounts
- Upload your videos to servers operated by us
- Collect your name, email address, or phone number through the App
- Sell or rent your movie library
Children's Privacy
The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Parents and guardians control what content is imported into the App.
Data Security
Imported media and library data are protected by iOS app sandboxing. We recommend keeping your device passcode or biometric lock enabled.
Your Choices
- Choose which videos to import
- Delete individual movies and their files at any time
- Decline App Tracking Transparency when prompted
- Upgrade to CineLocal+ to remove ads
- Remove optional API keys from Settings
- Use the App offline after import and metadata caching
App Store Privacy Labels
Apple's App Privacy nutrition labels for CineLocal describe the ad-supported free experience, including optional tracking for personalized advertising. See our App Privacy guide for details aligned with App Store Connect.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects changes. Continued use of the App after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact
Questions about this Privacy Policy? Open an issue on our GitHub support repository or visit our Support page.