// Privacy Policy
Your data stays yours
We built GitFocus with privacy as a core principle. Here's exactly what we do (and don't do) with your information.
Last updated: January 2026
// TL;DR
We don't collect your data. Period.
Data We Collect
None. GitFocus does not collect, store, or transmit any personal data to our servers because we don't have any servers to send it to.
Everything the app needs to function is stored locally on your device:
- Your GitHub username (to check public commits)
- Your app selection preferences
- Your focus session history
- Your earned time and streak data
GitHub Integration
GitFocus reads your public GitHub contribution data to determine when you've made commits. Here's how it works:
What We Access
- Your public GitHub profile page
- Your public contribution graph (the green squares)
- Commit counts per day (not commit contents)
What We Don't Access
- Private repositories
- Commit messages or code
- Your GitHub password or tokens
- Any GitHub API with authentication
✅ No OAuth Required
We intentionally designed GitFocus to work without GitHub authentication. We only read publicly available information that anyone can see by visiting your GitHub profile.
Screen Time & App Blocking
GitFocus uses Apple's Screen Time API (Family Controls framework) to block apps. This is the same secure system that powers Apple's built-in Screen Time features.
How It Works
- App blocking is handled entirely by iOS, not our code
- We never see which apps you use or for how long
- Apple's privacy protections apply to all Screen Time data
- We only receive anonymized "tokens" that represent apps
What We Can't See
- Your app usage statistics
- When you open or close apps
- How long you spend in any app
- The actual names of apps you select (only tokens)
Local Data Storage
All your data is stored on your device using Apple's secure storage mechanisms:
- UserDefaults — Settings and preferences
- Keychain — Your GitHub username (for persistence across reinstalls)
- App Group — Shared data between app and extensions
This data is encrypted by iOS and protected by your device passcode. If you delete the app, your local data is deleted too.
Third-Party Services
GitFocus does not use any third-party analytics, crash reporting, or advertising services. We don't integrate with:
- Google Analytics
- Firebase
- Crashlytics
- Facebook SDK
- Any advertising networks
- Any user tracking services
The only external services we communicate with are github.com to fetch your public contribution data, and our optional customer support chat (see below).
Customer Support & Live Chat
Contacting support is entirely optional and only happens when you choose to reach out for help.
GitFocus offers customer support via live chat powered by Chatwoot, a third-party customer support platform. This is the only third-party service used by GitFocus (besides GitHub), and it's only active when you explicitly choose to contact us for help.
How it works
- Session Persistence: Chatwoot uses cookies to maintain your chat session across visits, so you can continue previous conversations
- Anonymous by Default: You can chat with support without providing any personal information - the session is tracked via browser cookies only
- Optional Email: You may optionally provide your email address if you want to receive follow-up responses
What's Collected
When you use the chat feature, Chatwoot may collect:
- Your chat messages and conversation history
- Browser cookies for session persistence
- Email address (only if you choose to provide it)
- Basic technical information (browser type, timestamp)
✅ No Access to App Data
The chat feature does NOT have access to your GitHub data, focus session history, or any other data stored in the GitFocus app. Only the information you explicitly type into the chat is sent to our support system.
Chatwoot is GDPR-compliant and processes data in accordance with applicable data protection laws. For more information, visit chatwoot.com/privacy-policy.
You can clear chat cookies at any time through your browser settings. If you never use the chat feature, no data is ever sent to Chatwoot.
Your Rights
Since we don't collect your data, traditional data rights (access, deletion, portability) don't really apply. But here's what you can do:
- Delete all data — Simply delete the app from your device
- Export data — Your data lives on your device; you own it
- Change settings — All preferences can be modified in the app
Children's Privacy & Age Rating
GitFocus is rated 4+ on the App Store and is suitable for users of all ages. The app contains no objectionable content, in-app purchases, or social features.
Since we don't collect any personal data, there are no special privacy concerns for younger users. However, we recommend that children under 13 set up the app with parental guidance, as:
- Initial setup requires a GitHub username
- Screen Time permissions need to be granted by the device owner
- Understanding the commit-based unlock system may need explanation
Parents and guardians can use GitFocus as a tool to encourage coding habits in young developers.
Changes to This Policy
If we ever change our privacy practices, we'll update this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Given our no-data-collection approach, significant changes are unlikely.
Contact
Questions about privacy? We're happy to explain anything in more detail.
Email: support@gitfocus.app