This Privacy Policy explains how AskClean ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information in connection with AskClean (问净) — our disk-cleanup application for macOS — and the website at askclean.app (together, the "Services").
AskClean is built to be private by design. The app scans your disk locally on your Mac; the results never leave your device unless you ask for an AI explanation, and even then only item metadata (such as a file's name, size, path, and type) is sent — never the contents of your files. We do not require an account, and we never read, upload, or back up your photos, documents, or personal files.
If you do not agree with this Policy, please do not use the Services. Questions? Email us at support@askclean.app.
1. Information We Collect
Information processed locally on your device
When you run a scan, AskClean reads file and folder metadata on your Mac to identify caches, duplicates, large files, and other removable items. These scan results are stored and displayed only on your device. We do not receive, collect, or have access to them.
Information you send for AI explanations
If you use the optional AI explanation feature, AskClean sends the metadata of the selected item(s) — for example the name, size, path, file type, and category — to our backend and an AI service provider so a plain-language explanation can be generated. We do not send the contents of your files, and these requests are not used to build a profile of you.
Purchase and license information
When you buy a license, payment is processed by Stripe. We do not receive or store your full card number; Stripe provides us with a transaction identifier, the purchase amount, and a license-key record tied to your Stripe checkout session. If you contact support, we receive the email address and any details you choose to share.
Website analytics
Our website uses Google Analytics 4 to understand aggregate traffic (pages viewed, approximate location, device/browser type, referring source). This is collected via cookies and similar technologies. The app itself does not contain advertising or third-party trackers.
2. How We Use Information
- To provide the core disk-cleanup functionality (which runs locally on your Mac).
- To generate AI explanations for items you choose to inquire about.
- To process your purchase, issue and validate your license key, and provide your download.
- To respond to support requests and process refunds.
- To measure and improve our website and Services in aggregate.
- To comply with legal obligations and protect against fraud or abuse.
3. Local-First Processing
AskClean is a desktop application. Scanning, analysis, and deletion happen on your own Mac. Items you delete are moved to the macOS Trash so you can review and restore them — they are not transmitted to us. We have no server-side copy of your disk, your scan results, or the files you remove.
4. AI Explanations
The AI explanation feature is opt-in per item. When you request an explanation, the relevant item metadata is sent to our backend (api.askclean.app) and forwarded to a third-party AI provider to produce the response. We instruct our providers not to use this data to train their models where such controls are available.
AI explanations are provided for convenience and may contain errors. You remain in control of every deletion — see our Terms of Service.
7. Data Retention
We keep purchase and license records for as long as needed to validate your license, provide support, and meet tax and accounting obligations. AI explanation requests are retained only as long as necessary to provide and troubleshoot the feature. Support emails are kept for as long as needed to resolve your request. Scan results live on your device and are removed when you clear them or uninstall the app.
8. Data Security
We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect information, including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS). AskClean is distributed as a Developer ID–signed and notarized app. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on where you live (for example under the EU/UK GDPR or the California CCPA/CPRA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or port your personal information, to object to or restrict certain processing, and to not be discriminated against for exercising these rights. Because we do not require an account and store very little personal data, the main records tied to you are your purchase and any support correspondence.
To exercise any right, email us at support@askclean.app and we will respond within the timeframe required by applicable law.
10. International Users
We operate globally and may process information in countries other than your own. Where required, we rely on appropriate safeguards for international transfers. By using the Services, you understand your information may be processed in these locations.
11. Children's Privacy
The Services are not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date above and, for material changes, provide a more prominent notice. Your continued use of the Services after an update means you accept the revised Policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact us at support@askclean.app.