Sift — privacy policy

Sift is an on-device, natural-language file organizer for Android, developed by Obe. This policy explains what Sift does — and does not do — with your data.

In short: Sift collects nothing, sends nothing, and works entirely on your device. The release build ships without any network permission, so the app is technically incapable of transmitting your data anywhere.

Information we collect

None. Sift does not collect, store, or transmit any personal information, file contents, usage analytics, advertising identifiers, or account details. There are no accounts and no sign-in.

Permissions we use

All Files Access (MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE)

Sift requests this permission for one purpose: to read and move the files you ask it to organize, within a folder you choose. It is used only to carry out the file operations you approve, entirely on your device.

The release build declares no INTERNET or other network permissions.

How your files are handled

All processing is on-device

Interpreting your request, planning the moves, and applying them all happen locally. The language model that reads your request (FunctionGemma-270M) is bundled with the app and runs on your device — there is no cloud and no server.

Nothing leaves your phone

Because the release build has no network permission, Sift cannot send your files, file names, or requests off the device.

You approve every change

Sift proposes a review of every move before anything happens. No file is moved until you approve it, and applied changes can be undone.

Data stored on your device

To make changes reversible, Sift keeps a local move journal and moves cleaned-up items into a .sift-trash folder. Both live on your device, inside the folder you selected, and are never uploaded. Emptying the trash is the only irreversible action and sits behind a confirmation.

Security

Because the release build has no network access, your files, file names, and requests never travel over the internet and cannot be intercepted in transit. All data stays within the app's on-device storage and the folder you choose.

Data retention and deletion

We retain nothing — there is no server and no account. The only data Sift writes (the move journal and the .sift-trash folder) stays on your device under your control. You can empty the trash at any time, and uninstalling the app removes all of Sift's local data.

Third-party services

None. Sift uses no third-party analytics, advertising, crash-reporting, or cloud services.

Contact us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy, please contact me at:

jansen.obe@gmail.com