1. Overview
VINSwift is an independently developed, local-first application based in Ontario, Canada. It helps users scan vehicle identification numbers (“VINs”), request decoded vehicle details, and share vehicle reports. Users may also save records, photos, and notes on their device. In this policy, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the developer of VINSwift.
VINSwift is designed so that your saved vehicle history remains on your device unless you choose to share it.
2. Information handled by VINSwift
Information stored locally on your device
The VINSwift app may store VINs, decoded vehicle specifications, notes, photos, record timestamps, and app preferences locally on your device. We do not operate a cloud account system for this information in the current version.
Deleting the app may delete locally stored VINSwift records and photos. Device backups controlled by your operating system or device provider may include app data according to your backup settings.
VIN decoding through NHTSA
When you request a vehicle decode, VINSwift sends the VIN to the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Product Information Catalog (“NHTSA vPIC”) API. NHTSA processes that request under its own policies and may receive technical information associated with the network request, such as an IP address. We do not control NHTSA’s systems. You can review information about vPIC at vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov.
Optional product analytics
If analytics is enabled in the app, VINSwift uses Amplitude to understand general product usage and reliability. Analytics may include anonymous events such as app sessions, capture method used, whether validation or decoding succeeded, feature usage, performance duration, and general error categories.
VINSwift analytics are designed not to include raw VINs, OCR text, notes, email addresses, photo contents or URIs, search text, or full vehicle identifiers. You can disable analytics in VINSwift Settings. Amplitude may process technical information according to its own privacy policy.
Camera, photos, and on-device text recognition
VINSwift requests camera and photo-library access only when needed for scanning or attaching vehicle photos. Dashboard VIN text recognition is performed on-device in the current version. Saved photos remain on your device unless you choose to share them.
Native sharing
When you use the Share feature, VINSwift passes the vehicle report and selected photos to your device’s native share sheet. Any app or service you select may receive and process that content under its own privacy policy.
Website and communications
If you email VINSwift, we receive the information you include in your message. The VINSwift website does not currently use advertising cookies or behavioral analytics. Our hosting provider may process standard server logs, such as IP address, browser type, requested page, and request time, for security and operation.
3. How information is used
Information handled by VINSwift is used to provide VIN capture, vehicle decoding, local record storage, photo and note management, report sharing, app reliability, product improvement, support, security, and legal compliance.
4. Information sharing
We do not sell personal information. Information may be shared with NHTSA when you request a VIN decode, with Amplitude when optional analytics is enabled, with services you intentionally select through the native share sheet, with service providers needed to operate the website or communications, or when required by law or necessary to protect rights and safety.
5. Data retention and deletion
Vehicle records remain on your device until you delete them or remove the app. You can delete individual records from History. Analytics retention is controlled through Amplitude configuration and applicable provider policies. Support emails may be retained as reasonably necessary to respond, maintain records, and meet legal obligations.
6. Security
We use reasonable safeguards appropriate to the product. However, no device, transmission, or storage method is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining appropriate device security, including passcodes, operating-system updates, and control over device backups and shared reports.
7. Children’s privacy
VINSwift is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. Contact us if you believe a child has provided personal information to VINSwift.
8. International use
VINSwift may be used from locations outside the United States. Third-party services may process information in jurisdictions with different privacy laws. The NHTSA vehicle decoding service is operated by a United States government agency.
9. Changes to this policy
We may update this policy as VINSwift changes. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the effective date. Material changes may also be communicated in the app where appropriate.
10. Contact
The developer of VINSwift is responsible for privacy inquiries and requests. Questions, concerns, access requests, correction requests, or deletion requests can be sent to support@vinswift.com. Most vehicle records are stored only on your device and can be deleted directly within VINSwift.