Privacy Policy
Effective date: March 13, 2026
Sticky ("App", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and what choices you have. We designed Sticky with privacy at its core — your data stays yours.
1. Our Privacy Principles
- Your data is yours. All bookmarks, boards, and personal data are stored in your private iCloud container — not on our servers.
- On-device intelligence. Semantic search and AI board naming run entirely on your device using Apple's NLP frameworks. No data is sent to external AI services.
- Minimal analytics. We use privacy-focused analytics (TelemetryDeck) and crash reporting (Firebase Crashlytics) to improve the App. These services collect anonymized or pseudonymized data and do not track you across other apps.
- Ad-free for Premium. The free tier of Sticky may display advertisements from third-party ad networks. Premium subscribers will never see ads.
2. Information We Collect
Information You Provide
| Data | Purpose | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| URLs and link metadata (titles, descriptions, thumbnails) | Core bookmarking functionality | Your private iCloud |
| Board names and descriptions | Content organization | Your private iCloud |
| Your display name | Shown to collaborators on shared boards | Your private iCloud |
| Collaborator email addresses | Sending board invitations | Your private iCloud |
Information Processed On-Device
| Data | Purpose | Sent Off-Device? |
|---|---|---|
| Semantic text embeddings | Meaning-based search across your pins | No — processed using Apple NLEmbedding |
| Keyword extraction | AI-suggested board names | No — processed using Apple NLTagger |
Information Collected Automatically
To improve the App's stability and understand how features are used, we use the following third-party services:
| Service | Data Collected | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase Crashlytics (Google) | Crash logs, device model, OS version, anonymized installation ID | Identify and fix crashes and bugs |
| TelemetryDeck | Anonymized usage signals (e.g., feature taps, screen views), device type, OS version, app version | Understand feature usage to prioritize development |
Both services are configured to minimize data collection. TelemetryDeck does not use device identifiers and generates anonymous statistical signals. Firebase Crashlytics uses a pseudonymized installation ID that is not linked to your Apple ID or personal identity. Neither service tracks you across other apps or websites.
If you opt in to Apple's standard crash reporting, Apple may also share anonymized crash data with us through App Store Connect.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to provide and improve the Sticky app:
- Saving, organizing, and displaying your bookmarks
- Syncing your data across your devices via iCloud
- Enabling collaboration on shared boards
- Processing subscription purchases through Apple's StoreKit
- Diagnosing crashes and improving app stability (via Firebase Crashlytics)
- Understanding feature usage to guide development priorities (via TelemetryDeck)
- Displaying relevant advertisements to free-tier users (see Section 5)
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your bookmarks, boards, and personal content are never used for ad targeting or profiling.
4. Data Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties, with these limited exceptions:
- Shared boards: When you collaborate on a board, other participants can see your display name and the content you add. Board owners can see participant email addresses.
- Apple iCloud: Your data syncs through Apple's CloudKit infrastructure, subject to Apple's Privacy Policy.
- Apple App Store: Subscription billing is handled by Apple. We receive transaction confirmations but not your payment details.
- Firebase Crashlytics (Google): Receives anonymized crash data to help us fix bugs. See Firebase Privacy Information.
- TelemetryDeck: Receives anonymized usage signals. TelemetryDeck is designed to be privacy-first and does not create user profiles. See TelemetryDeck Privacy Policy.
- Advertising partners (free tier only): If ads are displayed, our ad network partners may collect device-level identifiers (such as IDFA, if you have granted permission via Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompt) and general device information to serve ads. See Section 5 for details.
- Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or legal process.
5. Advertising (Free Tier)
The free tier of Sticky may display advertisements provided by third-party ad networks. Premium subscribers will never see ads.
What ad networks may collect
- Device type, OS version, and general device information
- Advertising identifier (IDFA) — only if you grant permission through Apple's App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt
- General location (country/region level, not precise location)
- Ad interaction data (impressions, taps)
What ad networks cannot access
- Your bookmarks, pins, or board content
- Your search queries
- Your collaborators or shared board data
- Any content stored in your private iCloud container
Your choices
- Opt out of personalized ads: Decline the ATT prompt when asked, or go to iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and disable tracking for Sticky
- Remove ads entirely: Upgrade to Premium at any time
6. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored in your private iCloud container, which is encrypted in transit and at rest by Apple. We do not operate our own servers for user data storage. Only you (and collaborators you explicitly invite) can access your data.
7. Data Retention
Your data remains in your iCloud account for as long as you use the App. If you delete the App, your data persists in iCloud until you manually delete it through iOS Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage. We do not retain copies of your data.
8. Your Rights and Choices
You have full control over your data:
- Access: All your data is visible within the App at any time
- Delete: Delete individual pins, boards, or your entire account data through the App or iCloud settings
- Export: You can share or copy any pin URLs at any time
- Collaboration: Leave shared boards or revoke access to boards you own at any time
- Subscription: Manage or cancel your subscription through Apple ID settings
- Ad tracking: Control personalized ads via Apple's App Tracking Transparency or iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking
- Analytics: TelemetryDeck collects only anonymous signals with no opt-out required (no personal data is collected). Crashlytics data is pseudonymized and used solely for bug fixes
9. Children's Privacy
Sticky is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will take steps to delete such information.
10. International Users
Sticky is available globally through the App Store. Your data is stored in Apple's iCloud infrastructure, which may process data in various countries. Apple's iCloud complies with applicable data protection regulations, including GDPR for European users.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy within the App or on our website, with the updated effective date. Your continued use of the App constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at: