This Privacy Policy explains how Mohamed Shili, trading as Carthage Labs ("we", "us") handles information in the Sticker Maker mobile app for iOS and Android (the "App"). By using the App, you agree to this policy.
The short version
- Your photos stay on your device. When you turn a photo into a sticker, the background is removed on your device using on-device machine learning. We do not upload your source photos to our servers.
- You can use the App without an account. A private, anonymous profile is created so the App works offline. Signing in with Google or Apple is optional and enables cloud backup and sync across devices.
- We use Google Firebase (accounts, storage, notifications, analytics), Google AdMob (ads in the free version), and RevenueCat (subscriptions).
- You can delete your account and all associated data at any time from inside the App.
Who we are
The App is developed and operated by Mohamed Shili. If you have any questions about this policy or your data, contact us at medshi8@gmail.com.
Information we collect
Information you give us
- Account details (only if you sign in). When you sign in with Google or Apple, we receive your name, email address, and (for Google) profile photo. If you stay anonymous, none of this is collected.
- Content you create. Stickers and personal packs you make are stored on your device. If you are signed in, they can be backed up to your private cloud storage tied to your account.
Information collected automatically
- Usage and event data via Firebase Analytics — for example: packs viewed, searches, stickers created, editor tools used, ads shown, and subscription events. This helps us understand and improve the App.
- Approximate country and language, used to show relevant content and the right language.
- A notification token (Firebase Cloud Messaging) if you enable notifications, so we can deliver them.
- Advertising identifiers used by Google AdMob to show ads in the free version (see "Advertising" below). On iOS, we ask for App Tracking Transparency permission first, and you may decline.
We do not use a dedicated crash-reporting SDK (such as Crashlytics); however, our advertising and analytics providers may collect limited diagnostics and performance data. We do not sell your personal information.
Your photos
When you create a sticker from your own photo, the photo is chosen from your device and processed locally on your device — background removal runs with on-device machine learning (Google ML Kit). Your original photos are not sent to us or any third party for this. Only if you choose to sign in, the finished stickers you save may be backed up to your private cloud storage so you can restore them on another device.
How we use information
- To provide the core features: browsing ready-made packs, creating stickers, and exporting them to WhatsApp.
- To sync your stickers, favorites, and personal packs across your devices when you are signed in.
- To show and measure ads in the free version.
- To manage subscriptions and restore your purchases.
- To send notifications you have opted into (e.g. new packs, reminders).
- To analyze usage and improve the App.
- To keep the App secure and prevent abuse.
Exporting stickers to WhatsApp
When you add a pack to WhatsApp, only the sticker images, the pack name, a small tray icon, and emoji tags are shared with WhatsApp through its sticker API. We do not send your account details, email, or identifiers to WhatsApp. Your use of WhatsApp is governed by WhatsApp's own terms and privacy policy. The App is not affiliated with WhatsApp or Meta.
Third-party services
We rely on the following providers, each with its own privacy policy:
- Google Firebase — authentication, database (Firestore), file storage, cloud messaging, analytics, remote configuration, and cloud functions.
- Google AdMob and its mediation partners — Meta Audience Network, Unity Ads, and Liftoff/Vungle — advertising in the free version.
- RevenueCat — subscription and purchase management.
- Google / Apple Sign-In — optional account sign-in.
Advertising and your choices
The free version of the App shows ads served by Google AdMob (banner, interstitial, native, and rewarded ads). Through AdMob mediation, ads may also be served by partner networks — Meta Audience Network, Unity Ads, and Liftoff/Vungle — which may receive your advertising identifier, app-interaction data, and approximate location (for example, derived from your IP address) to show and measure ads. On iOS, we present an App Tracking Transparency prompt before any tracking; you can decline and still use the App. Premium subscribers see no ads. You can reset or limit your advertising identifier in your device settings at any time.
Subscriptions
Premium is offered as an auto-renewing subscription (monthly or yearly), sold through the Apple App Store or Google Play and managed via RevenueCat. We link an account identifier to your subscription so you can restore it across devices. Payment is processed by Apple or Google — we never receive your card or payment details.
Storage, security and retention
Your data is stored with Google Firebase. Cloud-backed stickers and projects are private to your account, protected by owner-only access rules. We keep your account data until you delete your account; data stored only on your device remains there until you delete it or uninstall the App.
Deleting your account and data
You can delete your account at any time from Account → Delete account in the App. This removes your profile, your cloud-stored stickers and projects, and your subscription record on our side, and signs you out. Some information may persist briefly in backups before being purged, and stores (Apple/Google) retain their own billing records.
Your rights
Depending on where you live (for example under GDPR or CCPA), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or export your personal data, and to object to certain processing. You can exercise most of these directly in the App, or contact us at medshi8@gmail.com and we will help.
Children
The App is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it.
International transfers
Because we use Google Firebase, your information may be processed on servers located in countries other than your own. We rely on these providers' safeguards for such transfers.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Significant changes may also be announced in the App.
Contact
Questions or requests? Email us at medshi8@gmail.com.