Privacy Policy

Last updated: June 13, 2026

1. Overview

Cost AI is a mobile app that helps users understand the real cost of everyday purchases and habits. The app can analyze product photos and receipts, estimate prices, group purchases into habits, calculate projections, and show savings opportunities.

Cost AI is designed to minimize account-based tracking. The current app does not require a user account or public profile.

2. Data Controller

The data controller responsible for Cost AI is:

Neo Schulz
Schleusenstraße 4
16225 Eberswalde
Germany
Email: neo.schulz@icloud.com

3. Information We May Process

Depending on how you use Cost AI, the app may process the following categories of information:

• Product information: product names, categories, purchase types, habit groups, estimated prices, confirmed prices, purchase dates, and purchase frequency.
• Receipt information: detected receipt items, item prices, categories, and user-edited receipt results.
• Images selected by the user: product photos, receipt photos, or images chosen from the photo library for analysis.
• App usage information: monthly scan counts, onboarding status, selected settings, free scan usage, and subscription status.
• Generated insights: projections, savings calculations, usage intelligence, savings opportunities, trend data, and habit summaries.
• Support communications: if you contact us by email, we process your email address and the content of your message.

4. AI Image Processing

When you choose to scan a product, scan a receipt, or upload an image for analysis, the selected image may be transmitted to OpenAI for image analysis. This is necessary to provide AI-powered product recognition, receipt parsing, price estimation, category detection, purchase type detection, and usage intelligence.

You should avoid uploading images that contain sensitive personal information, payment card information, bank details, medical information, identity documents, or information about other people.

Cost AI does not use AI analysis to identify people. The app is intended to analyze products and receipts, not individuals.

OpenAI processes API requests according to its own terms and policies. Cost AI receives structured results such as product name, category, estimated price, and related metadata. The app uses those results to create editable entries and calculations.

5. Local Storage on Your Device

The current version of Cost AI is designed so that purchase history, saved entries, habit data, insights, and user settings are stored locally on your device unless a future version introduces cloud synchronization. Local storage means that data remains on the device where the app is installed, subject to device backups and operating system behavior.

If you delete the app or use in-app deletion features, locally stored app data may be removed. If your device backups include app data, copies may remain in your personal device backup environment according to your device and Apple account settings.

6. Subscriptions and Payments

Cost AI may offer paid subscriptions. Subscription purchases, renewals, cancellations, refunds, and payment processing are handled by Apple through the App Store. We do not receive your full payment card details.

The planned subscription model is: Free plan with 10 scans per month and Cost AI Pro at €4.99 per month with 30 scans per month. The actual offer shown inside the app at the time of purchase controls.

7. Analytics

Cost AI may calculate in-app analytics such as scan count, spending totals, savings progress, usage patterns, and trend data to provide app features. These analytics are part of the product experience and are generated from your saved purchase data.

The current app design does not require third-party advertising tracking. If third-party analytics, crash reporting, or attribution tools are added later, this Privacy Policy should be updated before release.

8. Legal Bases Under GDPR

If the GDPR applies, we rely on the following legal bases:

• Contract performance: to provide app functionality, process scans, maintain subscription access, and deliver requested features.
• Consent: when you grant camera or photo library access, upload images, or contact us voluntarily.
• Legitimate interests: to maintain app security, respond to support requests, prevent misuse, and improve reliability.
• Legal obligations: to comply with applicable laws, accounting, tax, and consumer protection obligations.

9. Data Retention

Locally stored app data remains on your device until you delete it, reset app data, or delete the app. Support emails may be retained as long as necessary to respond to your request and maintain reasonable business records. Data transmitted to third-party processors may be retained according to their applicable policies and our technical configuration.

10. Children

Cost AI is intended for users aged 13 and older. The app is not directed to children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information, contact us and we will take appropriate steps.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, restrict, or object to processing of personal data. You may also have the right to data portability and to withdraw consent. Because most app data is stored locally on your device, many deletion actions can be performed directly in the app or by deleting the app.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a competent data protection authority. In Germany, you may contact the relevant state data protection authority.

12. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures appropriate for a small mobile app project. However, no digital service can guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your device, Apple account, and app access secure.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy when the app changes, legal requirements evolve, or new service providers are introduced. The updated version will be posted on this website.

14. Contact

For privacy questions, contact: neo.schulz@icloud.com