Privacy policy

Effective Date: December 1, 2025

Truepic Inc. (“Truepic,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a U.S.-based Software as a Service (SaaS) company that provides a digital provenance and authenticity platform (the “Service”) to our business customers (“Customers”). Our Service enables Customers to establish the digital provenance and authenticity of content uploaded by their end users (“End Users”) through our mobile web or native application (the “App”), which End Users can open in a mobile web browser or download from app stores such as the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or access via a web-based interface.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information in compliance with applicable laws, including the laws of all 50 U.S. states (such as the California Consumer Privacy Act as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (“CCPA”), the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (“VCDPA”), the Colorado Privacy Act (“CPA”), the Connecticut Data Privacy Act (“CTDPA”), the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (“UCPA”), and other applicable state privacy laws), the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”), the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”) in the European Union, the UK GDPR, and Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) along with provincial privacy laws (e.g., Quebec’s Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector).

In most cases, we act as a data processor (or “service provider” under some U.S. laws) for our Customers, who are the data controllers (or “businesses” under some U.S. laws) responsible for the personal information contained in content uploaded by End Users through the App. We process this information solely on behalf of and as instructed by our Customers and we implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the data we process on behalf of our Customers.

In some cases, we act as a data controller. We act as data controller when we collect and process contact information and account details of our customers and prospective customers, when we collect and process information about visitors to our website, when we process personal information for our own business purposes, such as billing, fraud prevention, and service improvements, and when we collect and use analytics data related to the performance and usage of our App and Service. In these instances, we determine the purposes and means of processing and comply with all applicable controller obligations under relevant privacy laws.

This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect and process, and how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information. It applies to information we collect through the Service, the App, our website, and other interactions. “Personal information” means any information that identifies or relates to a natural person or sometimes referred to as an identifiable individual.

If you are an End User, your use of the App and submission of content is also governed by the privacy policy of the Customer on whose behalf you are using the Service. Our Customers are responsible for obtaining necessary consents and providing privacy notices to their End Users. For questions about a Customer’s data practices, contact them directly.

By using the Service or App, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy, do not use the Service or App.

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

When Acting as a Data Processor

When processing data on behalf of our Customers, we may collect and process:

  • Analytics Data: Aggregated usage trends to improve the Service.
  • Identifiers: Name, username, email address, phone number, user preferences, etc.
  • Content Data: Photos, videos, and associated metadata (e.g., timestamps, creator, date, time, location, device information, and contextual media) uploaded via the App. Contextual media refers to information that provides context, which helps to determine the camera’s position, orientation, movement, and image quality.
  • Device and Usage Data: Automatically collected when using the App, including IP address, device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, app version, and usage statistics (e.g., time spent in the App).
  • Government IDs: Driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification if requested by our Customers.
  • Precise Geolocation Data: Geolocation data to assist us in determining the digital provenance and authenticity of content and to combat fraud.

When Acting as a Data Controller

When acting as a data controller, we may collect and process:

  • Analytics Data: Aggregated usage data to improve the Service
  • Contact and Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, company details, account information, business relationship data, billing information and payment card details, transaction history, and communication records when you subscribe to the Service, inquire about it, or interact with our sales team.
  • Internet or Network Activity: Device identifiers, IP address, browsing history, and information about how you use our App and website.
  • Marketing Data: Preferences and interactions with our emails or website.
  • Professional Information: Job title, employer, and professional qualifications of customer representatives.

2. How We Collect Information

  • Directly from You: When End Users upload content via the App or Customers provide information during registration or inquiries.
  • Automatically: Through the App (e.g., device permissions for camera access to upload photos/videos) or website (e.g., via cookies).
  • From Third Parties: Such as app stores (e.g., download data), social media sites, and Customers (e.g., instructions for processing End User content).
  • Mobile App-Specific Collection: The App may request certain permissions and collect certain data as described in Section 7 below.

3. How We Use Information

We use personal information for the following purposes:

When Acting as Data Processor

  • To provide, maintain, and improve our Service, including authenticating photos and videos uploaded by End Users.
  • To comply with Customer instructions, such as storing or analyzing content and generating reports.
  • To implement security measures, performance monitoring, and for other internal operations, such as debugging.
  • To troubleshoot technical issues.
  • To comply with legal obligations applicable to us.
  • To verify identities and to detect and prevent fraud.

When Acting as Data Controller

  • To provide, maintain, and improve our Service, including using anonymized or aggregated data for analytics.
  • To manage Customer accounts and relationships, process payments, and provide customer support.
  • To implement security measures, performance monitoring, and for other internal operations, such as debugging.
  • To inform Customers about our products, services, and updates (subject to communications preferences).
  • To verify compliance with our policies.
  • To evaluate and conduct corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations and sales of assets.
  • To troubleshoot technical issues.
  • To comply with legal obligations applicable to us.
  • To verify identities and to detect and prevent fraud.

Additional Uses

  • Automated Analysis: Our digital provenance and authentication process uses automated algorithms (including AI) to help us verify photo/video authenticity. Authenticity determinations are assisted by these automated algorithms and leverage AI analysis of factors like metadata analysis and pattern recognition coupled with human review.
  • AI and Model Training: We may use anonymized, de-identified data derived from content (after removing personal identifiers) to train internal AI models for improving authentication accuracy and other internal purposes. We do not use identifiable personal information for training models without consent unless permitted by law.

4. Legal Bases for Processing

We rely on one, some, or all of following legal bases for processing personal information:

  • Contractual Necessity: Processing necessary for the performance of our contracts with Customers or to take steps at a Customer’s request before entering into a contract
  • On Behalf of Businesses: Processing necessary as a service provider on behalf of a business
  • Legitimate Interests: Processing necessary for our legitimate interests or those of a third party (like service improvements and security), provided these interests are not overridden by your rights and freedoms
  • Legal Obligation: Processing necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which we are subject
  • Consent: Processing based on the specific consent of Customers and End Users for one or more specific purposes

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell personal information. We share information with the following categories of recipients:

  • With Sub-processors and Service Providers: Third parties who help us deliver our products and services.
  • With Business Partners: Other companies with whom we may co-offer services or conduct joint marketing activities.
  • With Customers: End User content and authentication results are shared with Customers.
  • Professional Advisors: Our accountants, lawyers, auditors, insurers and other advisors
  • Authorities and Third Parties: Law enforcement, regulators, and other government authorities
  • Corporate Transaction Recipients: Third parties in connection with a corporate transaction, such as a merger or sale of our business.

Sub-processors and Service Providers

We engage various sub-processors and service providers to assist us in providing our services, including:

  • Cloud Infrastructure Providers: Companies that provide the infrastructure on which our services run
  • Payment Processors: Companies that process payments on our behalf
  • Customer Support Tools: Services that help us provide customer support
  • Analytics Providers: Services that help us understand how our App and website are used
  • Communication Services: Email service providers and other communication tools
  • Security Services: Providers of security and fraud prevention services

We maintain a current list of all sub-processors we use, which is at trust.truepic.com/subprocessors. We conduct due diligence on all sub-processors to ensure they provide sufficient guarantees to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to meet the requirements of applicable privacy laws. We enter into agreements with our sub-processors that impose data protection obligations consistent with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

International Sub-processors

As a U.S.-based company providing services globally, we may use sub-processors outside the United States, EEA, UK, and Canada. For any sub-processor processing personal data subject to GDPR, UK GDPR, or Canadian privacy laws that is located in a country without an adequacy decision, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:

  • Standard Contractual Clauses (“SCCs” approved by the European Commission or UK equivalent)
  • Additional security measures to protect data transfers
  • Regular assessments of the legal environment in the destination country

Customers may request copies of relevant data transfer mechanisms by contacting us at the contact information provided at the end of this Policy.

The SCCs and other transfer mechanisms provide data subjects with enforceable rights and effective legal remedies, including:

  • The right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority
  • The right to judicial redress
  • The right to compensation for damages

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies on our website and App to enhance functionality and analyze usage.

  • Types of Cookies:

Strictly Necessary Cookies: Necessary for the functioning of our services

Performance Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our services

Functional Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

Targeting Cookies: Track your browsing habits to deliver targeted advertising

You can manage your cookie preferences by:

  • Adjusting your browser settings to block or delete cookies
  • Using the cookie preference center on our website
  • Adjusting your device settings to limit ad tracking
  • Opting out of analytics tracking where available

Please note that disabling certain cookies may limit the functionality of our services.

Do Not Track Signals: Some browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites that you do not want your online activities tracked. Currently, there is no universal standard for how DNT signals should be interpreted. We do not currently respond to DNT signals, but you can use the cookie preference tools described above to manage tracking

Website and Service Analytics

We use analytics tools to collect information about how users interact with our Service, including:

  • Pages visited and features used
  • Time spent on pages or in the application
  • Links clicked
  • Technical information (browser type, device type, operating system)
  • Referring website or source

This information helps us improve our Service, understand user behavior, and optimize user experience. Analytics data is typically aggregated and anonymized.

7. Mobile Application-Specific Provisions

Our App is available through mobile web browsers and various app stores, such as Apple App Store and Google Play Store or access via a web-based interface. Your use of our App is also subject to the applicable app store’s terms of service and privacy policies. Our privacy practices are disclosed in app store listings as required, and you can review it before downloading the App.

Our App may request the following permissions:

  • Camera/Microphone Access: To capture photos and videos for authentication
  • Photo Library/Media Access: To select existing photos or videos for upload and authentication
  • Location Services: To add location metadata to content if enabled by the Customer
  • Storage Access: To temporarily store content before upload and cache data for performance
  • Network/Internet Access: To upload content and communicate with our servers
  • Push Notifications: To send alerts about authentication status, account updates, or important notices

Our App uses third-party Software Development Kits (SDKs) for various purposes: analytics (e.g., track app usage, performance, and user engagement), performance monitoring (e.g., detect and diagnose app crashes and performance issues), and authentication (secure user authentication). All SDK providers are bound by data processing agreements and are required to handle data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

When you use our App, we may collect information through device identifiers, SDKs, server logs, and local storage on your device.

In addition to the information described in Section 1, our App may collect:

  • Device identifiers (IDFA on iOS, Advertising ID on Android - with consent where required)
  • Mobile network information
  • Device model, operating system version, and configuration settings
  • App version and build number
  • Language and time zone settings
  • Crash logs and diagnostic information

We may update our App from time to time. Updates may include changes to data collection practices. Continued use of the App after updates constitutes acceptance of any changes.

8. Use of Automated Processing

Our Service uses automated processing and algorithms to authenticate photos and videos. This processing may include authentication analysis, to verify the authenticity and integrity of uploaded photos and videos, and fraud detection, to identify potentially fraudulent or manipulated content.

Human Oversight and Review

While our authentication processes are largely automated, we maintain human oversight:

  • Quality assurance reviews of authentication results
  • Manual review capabilities for disputed or unclear results
  • Regular auditing of automated decision-making systems
  • Continuous monitoring for bias and accuracy

Rights Related to Automated Decisions

If you are subject to a decision based solely on automated processing that produces legal effects or similarly significantly affects you, in certain jurisdictions the data controller must give you the right to:

  • Obtain human intervention and review
  • Express your point of view regarding the automated decision
  • Contest the decision
  • Request an explanation of the decision and the logic involved

As a data processor for End User data, we will work with the relevant Customer to facilitate these rights.

No Sensitive Data Profiling

Our Service does not use automated decision-making or profiling for decisions involving sensitive personal information (as defined in Section 1).

  1. AI and Machine Learning

When using data for AI training purposes, we implement the following safeguards:

  • Data minimization and pseudonymization techniques
  • Technical measures to prevent the extraction of personal information from trained models

We do not share personal information with external parties for the purpose of training their AI models.

10. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures, including encryption, access controls, firewalls, and regular audits, to protect personal information. However, no system is entirely secure, and we cannot guarantee that data breaches will never occur.

Processor Obligations

When acting as a data processor, we will notify our Customers without undue delay after becoming aware of a personal data breach. We will provide our Customers with sufficient information to meet their own notification obligations and cooperate with Customers in their breach response efforts.

Controller Obligations

When a breach affects personal information for which we are the data controller (Customer and prospective customer information), we will notify follow applicable law with respect to all notification requirements, including:

  • GDPR and UK GDPR: Notification to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach, where feasible, if the breach is likely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals. Notification to affected individuals without undue delay if the breach is likely to result in a high risk to their rights and freedoms.
  • U.S. State Laws: Notification in accordance with applicable state breach notification laws, which typically require notification to affected individuals within a reasonable time (often 30-60 days) and, in some cases, to state attorneys general or other authorities.
  • Canadian Laws: Notification in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and provincial privacy laws, which generally require notification to affected individuals and the relevant privacy commissioner if the breach creates a real risk of significant harm.

11. Account Deletion and Data Erasure

Customers may request deletion of their accounts at any time by contacting your designated account manager.

End Users should contact the relevant Customer to request deletion of their data, as Customers are the data controllers. We will assist Customers in processing End User deletion requests. End Users may also contact us directly at the contact email at the end of this Policy if they are unable to reach the Customer, and we will make reasonable efforts to forward the request to the appropriate Customer.

12. Data Retention

End User Data (As Data Processor)

We retain End User data according to our Customers’ instructions and our agreements with them. Customers may delete End User data at any time through the Service or by contacting us. Upon termination of a Customer account, we will delete or return End User data as specified in our agreement with the Customer, typically within 90 days unless legally required to retain it longer.

Customer, Prospective Customer, and Business Data (As Data Controller)

We retain Customer, Prospective Customer, and Business data for as long as necessary to:

  • provide the Service and fulfill our contractual obligations;
  • comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations (typically 7 years for financial records);
  • resolve disputes and enforce our agreements; and
  • pursue legitimate business interests

Marketing data is retained until you opt out or withdraw consent.

13. Your Rights and Choices

Rights Regarding End User Data

If you are an End User, you should direct requests regarding your personal data to the relevant Customer (the data controller). We will assist Customers in responding to such requests as required by law.

Rights Regarding Customer and Prospective Customer Data

Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the following rights:

  • Right to Know: to request what personal information is collected, sold, or disclosed.
  • Access and Portability: to request access to your personal information and receive a copy in a portable format.
  • Correction: to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
  • Deletion: to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal exceptions.
  • Restriction: to request restriction of processing of your personal information.
  • Objection: to object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
  • Opt Out: to opt out of sales and sharing of your personal information.
  • Withdraw Consent: where processing is based on consent, to withdraw consent at any time (without affecting the lawfulness of prior processing).
  • Non-Discrimination: you will not receive discriminatory treatment for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at the contact information at the end of this Policy. We will respond to requests within the timeframes required by applicable law. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request. In some cases, we may need to limit or deny your request if permitted or required by law, or if we cannot verify your identity.

14. Data Privacy Framework

Truepic Inc. complies with the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (EU-U.S. DPF) and the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF, and the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (Swiss-U.S. DPF) as set forth by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Truepic Inc. has certified to the U.S. Department of Commerce that it adheres to the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework Principles (EU-U.S. DPF Principles) with regard to the processing of personal data received from the European Union and the United Kingdom in reliance on the EU-U.S. DPF and the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF. Truepic Inc. has certified to the U.S. Department of Commerce that it adheres to the Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Framework Principles (Swiss-U.S. DPF Principles) with regard to the processing of personal data received from Switzerland in reliance on the Swiss-U.S. DPF. If there is any conflict between the terms in this privacy policy and the EU-U.S. DPF Principles and/or the Swiss-U.S. DPF Principles, the Principles shall govern. To learn more about the Data Privacy Framework (DPF) program, and to view our certification, please visit https://www.dataprivacyframework.gov/.

15. Children’s Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 16 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children of any age. If we learn we have collected information from a child under the applicable age of consent without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.

16. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website, Service or App may link to third-party sites or integrate third-party services that are not operated or controlled by us, including:

  • Payment processors
  • Social media platforms
  • Partner services
  • Help documentation and resources
  • Customer websites (accessed through our Service)

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of any third-party websites or services. These third parties have their own privacy policies and terms of service, which may differ from ours

If you choose to authenticate using third-party services, you will be directed to the third party’s website to complete authentication. We will receive only the information you authorize the third party to share with us. We recommend reviewing the privacy policy of any third-party authentication service before using it.

Our Service may allow Customers to integrate with third-party applications and services. When Customers enable such integrations, data may be shared with the integrated third-party service according to the Customer’s configuration. We are not responsible for our Customer’s or any third party’s data practices, so we recommend you review all applicable privacy policies and notifications.

17. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will post the updated Privacy Policy on our website and update the “Last Updated” date. For material changes, we will provide additional notice, such as by email or through a prominent notice in the Service. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about our privacy practices. Your continued use of our services after the revised policy becomes effective indicates your acceptance of the updated terms.

  1. Complaints

If you have a complaint about our privacy practices, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this Policy. We will make every effort to respond to your complaint within 30 days.

In compliance with the EU-U.S. DPF and the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF and the Swiss-U.S. DPF, Truepic Inc. commits to cooperate and comply respectively with the advice of the panel established by the EU data protection authorities (DPAs) and the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and the Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) with regard to unresolved complaints concerning our handling of personal data received in reliance on the EU-U.S. DPF and the UK Extension to the EU-U.S. DPF and the Swiss-U.S. DPF.

  • EEA: contact your national data protection authority (list available at https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en)
  • UK: contact Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at https://ico.org.uk
  • Switzerland: contact Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) at https://www.edoeb.admin.ch
  • Canada: contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at https://www.priv.gc.ca
  • California: contact California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) at https://cppa.ca.gov
  • Other US States: contact your state Attorney General’s office or consumer protection agency. States with comprehensive privacy laws (Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, etc.) have designated enforcement authorities.

Truepic Inc’s compliance with the DPF is subject to the investigatory and enforcement powers of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

In certain jurisdictions and under certain conditions, you may invoke binding arbitration to resolve complaints not resolved by other mechanisms, as described in Annex I of the DPF Principles.

In accordance with the DPF, Truepic Inc. is also liable for onward transfers to third parties that process personal information in a way that does not follow the DPF unless Truepic Inc. was not responsible for the event giving rise to any alleged damage.

19. Contact Us

For questions, requests, or complaints, please contact our Data Protection Representative: Tom Payne.

20. Applicable Law

This Policy is governed by the laws of the State of California in the United States of America, without regard to the conflicts of law principles thereof.