Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 14, 2024

1. Introduction

Welcome to PDF4Locker. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our PDF password protection service. Our commitment to your privacy is absolute: we have designed PDF4Locker to operate with zero knowledge of your files, passwords, or personal information.

By using PDF4Locker, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our service.

2. Information We DO NOT Collect

PDF4Locker is built on a fundamental principle of privacy by design. Here's what we explicitly DO NOT collect, store, or process:

• Your PDF Files: Your PDF documents never leave your device. All processing occurs entirely within your web browser using client-side technology.
• Your Passwords: The passwords you set for PDF protection are never transmitted to our servers, stored in any database, or logged in any way.
• File Names or Metadata: We do not collect information about the files you protect, including file names, sizes, or any metadata.
• Personal Identification Information: We do not collect names, email addresses, IP addresses, or any other personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it through our contact form.
• Usage Patterns: We do not track individual user behavior, file processing frequency, or create user profiles.

3. How PDF4Locker Works

Understanding how our technology works will help you understand why your privacy is guaranteed:

• Client-Side Processing: When you select a PDF file, it is read directly by your web browser using JavaScript. The file never uploads to our servers.
• Local Encryption: Your password is used to encrypt the PDF entirely within your browser using industry-standard AES-256 encryption algorithms.
• Local Download: The protected PDF is generated in your browser memory and downloaded directly to your device. We never see or store this file.
• Immediate Disposal: Once you close your browser tab or navigate away, all data is immediately cleared from memory. Nothing persists.

4. Information We MAY Collect

While we don't collect information about your files or passwords, we may collect minimal, non-identifying information for legitimate purposes:

4.1 Anonymous Analytics

We may use privacy-respecting analytics tools that collect only aggregated, anonymous data such as:

• Page views and general usage statistics
• Browser type and version (for compatibility purposes)
• General geographic location (country level only)
• Device type (desktop, mobile, tablet)

This data is aggregated and cannot be used to identify individual users. We use this information solely to improve our service and ensure compatibility across different devices and browsers.

4.2 Contact Form Information

If you voluntarily contact us through our contact form, we collect:

• Name and email address (as provided by you)
• Message content
• Subject of inquiry

This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry and is not shared with third parties or used for marketing purposes. We retain contact form submissions only as long as necessary to address your inquiry.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

PDF4Locker uses minimal cookies and local storage:

• Essential Cookies: We may use session cookies necessary for basic website functionality. These cookies do not track you or collect personal information.
• No Tracking Cookies: We do not use third-party tracking cookies or advertising cookies.
• Local Storage: Your browser may temporarily store preferences (such as theme settings) locally on your device. This data never leaves your device.

6. Third-Party Services

PDF4Locker is designed to operate independently without relying on third-party services that could compromise your privacy. However:

• CDN Services: We use Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to serve website assets (CSS, JavaScript libraries). These services may log standard web server information but do not have access to your files or passwords.
• Hosting Provider: Our website is hosted by a third-party provider who may collect standard server logs. These logs do not contain information about your PDF files or passwords.

We carefully select third-party providers who respect privacy and comply with data protection regulations.

7. Data Security

While we don't collect or store your files or passwords, we take security seriously:

• HTTPS Encryption: All communication with PDF4Locker is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS protocols.
• Secure Hosting: Our website is hosted on secure, regularly updated servers.
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security reviews of our code and infrastructure.
• Open Source Libraries: We use well-tested, community-reviewed open-source encryption libraries.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Since we don't collect personal data about your file usage, there is no personal data to access, modify, or delete related to PDF processing. However:

• You can clear your browser cache and cookies at any time
• You can use browser privacy modes (incognito/private browsing) for additional privacy
• If you've contacted us via our contact form, you can request deletion of that communication
• You can opt out of analytics by using browser extensions that block analytics scripts

9. Children's Privacy

PDF4Locker does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13. Our service is designed for general audiences and does not target children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information through our contact form, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

10. International Users and Data Transfers

PDF4Locker can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Since all PDF processing happens locally in your browser, your files and passwords never cross international borders or leave your device. Our website may be hosted in various locations, but this does not affect the privacy of your PDF files.

11. Compliance with Legal Requirements

We comply with applicable data protection laws including GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy regulations. Since we don't collect or store your PDF files or passwords, we have no data to provide to authorities even if legally required to do so. If we receive a legal request related to contact form submissions, we will notify you unless legally prohibited.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be prominently announced on our website. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Open Source and Transparency

We believe in transparency. Our encryption implementation uses open-source libraries that are publicly auditable. We encourage security researchers and privacy advocates to review our code and provide feedback.

14. Your Consent

By using PDF4Locker, you consent to this Privacy Policy. Since we process everything client-side, your consent primarily relates to the minimal anonymous analytics and any voluntary communication you initiate with us.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: privacy@pdf4locker.com
• Contact Form: Visit our Contact Page

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly and transparently.