Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2024
🔒 The Short Version: TextFileCombiner processes all your files locally in your browser. We don't upload, store, or have access to any of your files or personal data. Your files never leave your device.
1. Our Fundamental Privacy Principle
TextFileCombiner is built on a privacy-first architecture. Unlike traditional online tools, we use client-side JavaScript technology that runs entirely in your web browser. This means:
- Your files are never uploaded to our servers
- We cannot see, access, or store your file contents
- All file processing happens on your device
- Once you close the browser tab, all file data is completely removed from memory
2. What Information We DO NOT Collect
We want to be crystal clear about what we don't collect:
- File Contents: We have no access to the contents of any files you process
- File Names: We don't see or store the names of your files
- Personal Information: We don't require registration or collect names, emails, or any personal identifiers
- Usage Data: We don't track which features you use or how often you use them
- Device Information: We don't collect device IDs, IP addresses, or browser fingerprints
3. What Information We May Collect
To maintain and improve our service, we collect minimal, anonymous data:
3.1 Website Analytics (via Google Analytics)
- Anonymous page view statistics
- General geographic regions (country/state level)
- Browser and device types (for compatibility)
- Traffic sources (how you found our site)
This data is aggregated and cannot be used to identify individual users. You can opt out of Google Analytics by using browser extensions like Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
3.2 Error Reporting
If the application encounters an error, we may collect:
- Error type and message
- Browser version
- Time of error
No file contents or personal information are ever included in error reports.
4. Third-Party Services
4.1 Google AdSense
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements. Google AdSense may use cookies and similar technologies to show relevant ads. You can learn more about Google's privacy practices at Google Privacy Policy.
4.2 Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
We use CDNs to deliver JavaScript libraries faster. These services may collect anonymous usage statistics but have no access to your file contents.
5. Data Security
Since we don't collect or store your data, the primary security measure is our architecture itself:
- All file processing uses secure browser APIs
- Files remain encrypted by your browser's security measures
- No data transmission occurs except for downloading the web application itself
- We use HTTPS encryption for all web traffic
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have complete control over your data:
- Access: Your files are only accessible to you on your device
- Deletion: Close the browser tab to immediately remove all file data from memory
- Portability: Download your combined files at any time
- Ad Preferences: Use ad blockers if you prefer not to see advertisements
7. Children's Privacy
TextFileCombiner does not knowingly collect any information from children under 13. Since we don't collect personal information from any users, children can safely use our service under adult supervision.
8. International Users
TextFileCombiner is accessible worldwide. Since all processing happens locally on your device, your data never crosses international borders, ensuring compliance with local privacy laws including GDPR, CCPA, and others.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. We will note the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy. Continued use of TextFileCombiner after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Open Source Transparency
To ensure complete transparency, our file processing code is visible in your browser's developer tools. Tech-savvy users can inspect exactly how their files are being processed.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this privacy policy or our practices, please contact us:
- Twitter: @txtfilecombiner
- Use hashtag #privacyquestion for privacy-related inquiries
🌱 Our Commitment: We believe privacy is a fundamental right. TextFileCombiner will always prioritize your privacy and will never compromise on our core principle: your files are yours alone.