🛡️ 1. Our Philosophy: Privacy by Design
PhotoGlobe Sorter is designed to work entirely locally by default.
This page details exactly how your data is handled.
At AlbumForge, we believe your photos and memories belong to you.
That's why PhotoGlobe Sorter was built from the ground up with the
"Privacy by Design" principle: your privacy isn't an option, it's our
foundation.
📊 2. Data We Collect
🔒 Default Mode (100% Local)
✅ PhotoGlobe Sorter collects ZERO data when operating in its default mode.
Local processing only:
- ✅ Reading EXIF metadata from your photos
- ✅ Analyzing GPS coordinates (if present, using local logic)
- ✅ Generating your PDF report
- ✅ Organizing files into folders
NO data is ever transmitted to AlbumForge or any third parties.
🗺️ Optional Mode (Maps Enabled via Your API Key)
If you choose to enable MapTiler to generate maps in your PDF reports:
Data transmitted to MapTiler:
- GPS coordinates (latitude/longitude only)
- Desired map zoom level
- Selected map style
Data NEVER transmitted:
- ❌ Your photo files
- ❌ File names
- ❌ Capture dates
- ❌ Full EXIF metadata
- ❌ Your email address
- ❌ Any personally identifiable information
⚠️ Why does MapTiler receive GPS coordinates?
MapTiler is a mapping service. To generate a map centered on Austin,
we must send it the coordinates for Austin (30.2672, -97.7431).
MapTiler then generates a map image (a tile) that PhotoGlobe Sorter integrates
into your local PDF.
💾 3. Data Storage
All your data is stored on your computer only.
File locations:
- Original Photos: Your chosen folder (you remain in full control)
- Local Database:
C:\Users\[You]\AppData\Local\PhotoGlobeSorter\
- PDF Reports: The destination folder you choose
- Temporary Files: Automatically deleted after each sort
AlbumForge does NOT host ANY of your data.
We do not have servers storing your photos or personal information.
🔗 4. Sharing with Third Parties
Without Configuration (Default Mode)
ZERO sharing. Your data stays on your PC.
With MapTiler Enabled
- MapTiler: Receives only GPS coordinates
No other third party accesses your data.
| Service |
Data Shared |
Purpose |
| MapTiler (Optional) |
GPS coordinates only |
Map tile generation |
| Other services |
None |
N/A |
📡 5. Telemetry and Analytics
PhotoGlobe Sorter includes ZERO telemetry.
We do not collect:
- ❌ Usage statistics
- ❌ Automatic crash reports
- ❌ Analytics (Google Analytics, Mixpanel, etc.)
- ❌ Behavioral tracking
- ❌ Your IP address
- ❌ Unique identifiers
If you find a bug and want to help us, you can
voluntarily send us a report via email to
support@albumforge.com
🔄 6. Software Updates
PhotoGlobe Sorter updates are downloaded from our website
(albumforge.com) via secure HTTPS.
Data transmitted when checking for updates:
- Current software version (e.g., v1.2.3)
- Operating System (Windows 10/11)
No user tracking. We do not know *who* is checking for updates.
⚖️ 7. Your Rights (GDPR & CCPA)
Under regulations like the GDPR and CCPA, you have the following rights:
- ✅ Right to Access: See what data we hold
(Answer: none)
- ✅ Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
(N/A - we store nothing)
- ✅ Right to Erasure: Request deletion
(N/A - we store nothing)
- ✅ Right to Portability: Export your data
(Already on your PC)
- ✅ Right to Object: Object to processing
(You control everything locally)
In practice: Since we collect nothing, these rights are
guaranteed by design.
🔐 8. Security
Your data is as secure as your own computer.
Our Recommendations:
- ✅ Keep your operating system up-to-date
- ✅ Use reputable antivirus software (Windows Defender is great)
- ✅ Regularly back up your photos (external drive, NAS)
- ✅ Encrypt your hard drive (BitLocker on Windows)
PhotoGlobe Sorter's Security Measures:
- ✅ Does not connect to the internet (unless MapTiler is enabled)
- ✅ Never modifies your original photos
- ✅ Uses SQLite for the local database (a secure standard)
- ✅ Opens no network ports
- ✅ Code is digitally signed (SSL.com certificate)
👶 9. Children's Privacy
PhotoGlobe Sorter does not knowingly collect any information from children under 13.
Since the software collects no personal data at all, it can be
used safely by all ages.
Safe for families. No personal data is collected,
regardless of the user's age.
📝 10. Changes to This Policy
If we change our privacy policy:
- ✅ The "Last Updated" date at the top of this page will be changed
- ✅ A notification will appear in the software on the next update
- ✅ An email will be sent to registered users (if applicable)
Core Principle: If we ever collect new data in the future,
you will be clearly informed and given the choice to opt-out.
🎯 One-Sentence Summary
PhotoGlobe Sorter runs 100% locally by default; optionally enabling
maps sends only GPS coordinates to MapTiler. Your photos never
leave your PC.
✅ Transparent. Simple. Respectful.