Privacy Policy

Last Updated: July 29, 2026

At Near, we believe privacy is a fundamental human right. Our application is designed to help you reclaim your privacy from intrusive smart glasses and recording devices. Because our core mission is privacy, we have built the app to be completely private by design.

1. Data Collection

Near is designed to operate with minimal data collection. However, to ensure the stability and improvement of the App, the following data may be collected but is not linked to your identity:

  • Diagnostics: Crash logs and performance data to help us identify and fix bugs.
  • Identifiers: Anonymous device identifiers used strictly for diagnostic grouping and analytics.

We do not collect, store, transmit, or monetize any personally identifiable information (PII). All core detection features operate locally on your device.

2. How We Use Bluetooth

The application requires Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) permissions to function.

  • Passive Scanning: Near only listens passively to public advertisement packets broadcasted by devices in your vicinity.
  • No Connections: We never attempt to pair, connect, or communicate with the smart devices detected.
  • Local Matching: Bluetooth MAC addresses and Manufacturer Specific Data are matched against our on-device database of known smart glasses signatures. This data never leaves your phone.

3. Why We Need Location Permissions

Apple's iOS architecture requires Location Services permissions to allow apps to scan for Bluetooth devices in the background over extended periods. We use "Always" location authorization for two strict purposes:

  • Background Scanning: To keep the app active so it can alert you of threats even when your phone is in your pocket.
  • Safe Zones: To allow you to define geographic safe zones (like your home) where scanning automatically pauses to save battery. The geofencing logic operates strictly on-device. Your GPS coordinates are never recorded, tracked, or sent to us.

4. Data Storage and Deletion

Any data generated by the app, such as your history of detected devices, saved "Starred" devices, and custom Safe Zones, is stored securely on your device using local iOS storage (SwiftData/CoreData).

You maintain total control over your data. You can clear your scan history or delete the app at any time, which permanently removes all associated data from your device.

5. Local Push Notifications

When a smart glass device is detected nearby, the app triggers a local push notification. Unlike standard push notifications, these do not pass through Apple Push Notification service (APNs) servers or our servers—they are generated locally by your phone's operating system.

6. Changes to This Policy

If we update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in iOS permissions or new app features, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. Because we do not collect your contact information, we cannot email you about changes, so we encourage you to review this page periodically.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at hello@nearglasses.com.