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PlateDetect Privacy Policy

The short version: detection runs on your iPhone, and sync is optional.

Effective: 2026-06-22
App: PlateDetect (com.platedetect.app)
Publisher: QnSub Tech
Contact: support-platedetect@qnsub.com or @choloasis on X

This is a plain-English explanation of what PlateDetect does with your data. The short version: plate detection runs on your iPhone. History is stored locally unless you enable Bring Your Own Backend sync and provide your own HTTPS endpoint. PlateDetect does not include advertising SDKs or analytics SDKs.

What PlateDetect stores locally

PlateDetect stores app data on your iPhone, including:

  • Plate formats - the custom formats you add, such as AA ## or AAA ####.
  • Detection history - normalized plate text, raw OCR text, detection confidence, OCR confidence, matched format, capture time, review state, source, save mode, notes, and tags.
  • Saved media - a full snapshot, plate crop, or bystander-blurred snapshot depending on your selected privacy save mode. Plate photo scope controls how much surrounding image context is saved for new records.
  • Optional location data - GPS coordinates and a resolved region label, only when you turn on location tagging.
  • Watchlist entries - plate numbers and labels you add locally.
  • Plate Rules - allow or restrict schedules by day, time window, and plate ending.
  • Settings - auto-save, confidence threshold, same-plate interval, retention, Face ID lock, privacy save mode, location tagging, and related preferences.
  • Backend settings - if you enable Bring Your Own Backend, the endpoint is stored locally and the API token is stored in the iOS Keychain.

Camera

PlateDetect uses the camera for Live Scan and Field Check. Camera frames are processed on-device using Core ML plate localization and Apple Vision OCR. Frames are not uploaded to QnSub. A still image may be stored locally only when you save a detection to History, and the saved image follows your selected privacy save mode.

Photo Library

PlateDetect can import images you choose from your photo library for on-device plate scanning. The app only receives the image you pick. Imported images are processed locally, and media is stored only when you save a detection.

Location

Location tagging is optional and off by default. When enabled, saved History records may include GPS coordinates and a region label resolved by iOS. If location tagging is off, PlateDetect does not attach GPS data to new detections. QnSub does not receive your location unless you intentionally sync a saved record to an endpoint controlled by QnSub.

Face ID

If you enable App Lock in Settings, PlateDetect uses Apple's LocalAuthentication framework to unlock the app with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. PlateDetect never sees your biometric data. Apple handles authentication and returns only a success or failure result.

Watchlist and alerts

Watchlist entries are stored locally unless you choose to fetch them from your configured backend. Watchlist matching happens on device and is used to trigger the app's local alert sound and History note. PlateDetect does not send watchlist entries to QnSub by default.

Bring Your Own Backend sync

Bring Your Own Backend is optional. If enabled, PlateDetect can upload saved detections and optional media to the HTTPS endpoint you configure, using the API token you store on your device. The payload can include plate text, normalized plate, matched format, confidence values, capture time, source, notes, tags, app version, model version, optional media, and optional GPS coordinates.

Because you choose the endpoint, data sent through Bring Your Own Backend is governed by that endpoint's operator. QnSub does not receive that data unless you point the app at a QnSub-controlled endpoint.

What we do not do

  • We do not track you across apps or websites.
  • We do not use analytics SDKs such as Google Analytics, Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude.
  • We do not use advertising SDKs.
  • We do not sell your data.
  • We do not require an account.
  • We do not run plate detection on a QnSub server.

Sharing your data, on purpose

The only time PlateDetect data leaves your device is when you initiate it:

  • Export - if you export History, iOS hands the file to the share sheet. Whatever you do with the file next is governed by the app or service you choose.
  • Bring Your Own Backend - if enabled, saved detections can be sent to your configured HTTPS endpoint.
  • iCloud Backup - Apple's standard iPhone backup may include PlateDetect's local data container if iCloud Backup is on. QnSub does not see or control your iCloud backup.

Deleting your data

You can delete individual detection records inside PlateDetect. Retention settings can automatically delete old History records after the selected number of days. Uninstalling PlateDetect removes the app and its local data container from your iPhone. If you synced data to your own backend, delete that data from the backend you configured.

Children

PlateDetect is not directed to children under 13. The app is intended as a field aid for users who are allowed to scan or review license plates in their role and location.

Operational note

PlateDetect is a field aid, not a legal identity system. Confirm important reads against official records and follow the rules for your role and location.

Changes to this policy

If the privacy practices change, we will update this page with the new effective date. Material changes, such as adding analytics or a QnSub-hosted backend, will be highlighted at the top.

Contact

Questions or requests: support-platedetect@qnsub.com or @choloasis on X