Privacy Policy for Shred-itor Last Updated: March 2026 Introduction This Privacy Policy applies to the "Shred-itor" application (the "App") developed for the Windows platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This document details how our application handles your data, specifically focusing on the fact that we do not collect, store, or transmit any of your personal files, file metadata, or system information. No Data Collection Shred-itor operates under a strictly "Offline-First" and "Local-Only" architecture. • No Personal Information: We do not collect names, email addresses, phone numbers, or account details. • No Accounts Required: The App does not require you to create an account, log in, or sign up for any service. • No Usage Tracking: We do not track how many files you shred, the algorithms you use, or how long you use the App. We do not use third-party analytics services or telemetry. File Shredding and Data Destruction The core function of the App is to permanently and securely destroy files, folders, and residual system traces. We handle your file data with the highest level of security: Local Isolation and Permanent Eradication. • Local Processing: All data destruction algorithms (including DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and Cryptographic Erasure) execute entirely locally on your Windows PC. The App does not read your file contents for any purpose other than overwriting them with random noise or specific algorithmic patterns. • No Cloud Syncing: Your file names, directory structures, and destruction histories are never uploaded to any server, cloud storage, or third-party database. • Local Certificates: If enabled, the App generates PDF "Certificates of Destruction" containing the names and sizes of the shredded files. These certificates are generated and saved exclusively to your local device's storage. System Integration and Windows APIs Shred-itor utilizes native Windows APIs to securely interact with your storage hardware and operating system. • Hardware-Level Erase: The App interfaces with standard Windows APIs (such as DeviceIoControl) to detect drive types and issue physical TRIM commands to Solid-State Drives (SSDs) or perform deep overwrites on Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). • System Trace Scrubbing & Recycle Bin: The App integrates with the Windows Shell and Master File Table (MFT) to empty your Recycle Bin, scramble timelines, and securely erase system traces like thumbnails and Search Indexer caches. All operations are strictly local. • Windows Hello Security: If enabled, the App uses local Windows Hello APIs to lock the application. Your biometric data (fingerprint, facial recognition) or PIN is processed securely by the Windows operating system and never accessed, collected, or transmitted by our App. • No External Communication: The App does not initiate background network requests to external servers. It operates completely offline. System Permissions To function correctly, the App requires specific system-level permissions. • Broad File System Access: Necessary to allow the App to securely overwrite and delete the files and folders you drag and drop into it, or to empty the Recycle Bin, regardless of the file's location on your drives. • Local Storage Write Access: Used exclusively to save your app settings, UI preferences, and to export your locally generated PDF Destruction Certificates. • User Account Authentication: Used strictly to prompt Windows Hello authentication to unlock the app or bypass the System File Protection safeguard locally. Third-Party Data Sharing Since we do not collect, store, or transmit any data, we do not share, sell, rent, or trade any information with third parties. There are no advertising SDKs, tracking pixels, or data-mining tools included in this software. Children’s Privacy Shred-itor does not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone. As the App functions entirely offline and collects absolutely no telemetry or user data, it is safe from a data-privacy standpoint for all age groups, providing a secure, localized environment for permanently erasing digital data. Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in legal requirements or app functionality. However, our core commitment to local-only processing and the 100% offline model will not change. We advise you to review this page periodically for any changes.