Bearing / Android privacy
Bearing Android Privacy
For Android 1.1 · build 15. Updated 27 October 2026.
Scope and summary
This policy covers Bearing for Android 1.1 (build 15), the preview APK linked from this website. The iPhone edition has a separate policy. Bearing uses no account, advertising or app analytics. Photos, records, notes and signing material are kept in app-private storage. Some optional and map features make network requests as described below.
Permissions and local processing
Camera access is used for still photos. Foreground precise or approximate location is used to record position, accuracy, altitude, speed and course around capture. Motion, compass and optional pressure readings support direction and altitude. This build requests neither background location nor microphone access. Android’s file picker grants access to the file you select for checking; saves to Photos use Android media storage.
Maps and address lookup
Opening a street map requests the viewed map area from OpenFreeMap through MapLibre. The provider receives normal connection information, including your IP address and requested area. Photos, notes, seals and the record library are not uploaded to that provider. Android’s geocoding service may receive coordinates to resolve an address; the service provider depends on the device. Offline place names, coordinate codes, capture and local verification remain available without these services.
Optional timestamps and check links
If you enable trusted timestamps, a record fingerprint is sent to freetsa.org. Short check links store an encrypted copy of the selected details on critstudios.com. The decryption key stays after the # in the shared link. Anyone with the full link can read the selected details. Link IDs and encrypted data must be retrieved to open a short link. Delete shared links before uninstalling if you want to revoke them; saved copies cannot be recalled.
Exports and exact location
PDF Capture Records, .bearing packages and GIS exports can contain full-precision locations, originals and notes even when a visible stamp hides them. A check link’s disclosure setting does not remove location already visible in the accompanying image. Review exports before sharing. The private signing key remains in Android Keystore; public keys travel with verification records. A valid seal checks consistency, not photographer identity or the truth of a sensor reading.
Storage and deletion
Private app data is excluded from the configured Android cloud-backup and device-transfer rules. Delete records inside the app to remove local evidence and its shared links. Uninstalling removes app-private records, signing keys and deletion tokens. Copies saved to media storage, exported files and recipients’ copies remain where you placed them. Temporary exports older than one day are removed on subsequent launches.
Support, children and changes
If you email support, we receive the message and attachments you choose to send. Do not include exact-location records unless you intend to disclose them. This is a fieldwork tool rather than a service directed at children. Policy changes will be dated on this page. Contact support@critstudios.com with privacy questions.