Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 18, 2026

Overview

Searchable FS ("the App") is an image captioning application that generates searchable metadata for your photos. This privacy policy explains how your data is handled.

Data Collection

The App does not collect, store, or transmit any personal information to us. All your data stays on your device unless you explicitly choose to use the OpenAI captioning feature.

Local Processing (BLIP Model)

When using the BLIP model (default), all image processing happens entirely on your device. No data is sent anywhere. Your images never leave your computer.

Third-Party AI Service (OpenAI)

When you choose to use the OpenAI model for captioning, please be aware of the following:

What is sent: Your complete image files, including any embedded metadata such as EXIF data (camera model, date/time, GPS location if present), are transmitted to OpenAI's servers
Where: OpenAI, L.L.C. via their API at api.openai.com (servers located in the United States)
Why: Solely to generate AI-powered text descriptions of your images
When: Only when you explicitly select the OpenAI model, provide consent, and initiate indexing
Your API Key: Your OpenAI API key is transmitted directly to OpenAI to authenticate requests. We do not intercept, store, or have access to your API key

Consent requirement: Before any data is sent to OpenAI, the App displays a consent dialog clearly explaining what data will be shared. You must explicitly agree before any transmission occurs. You can decline and use the local BLIP model instead, which processes everything on-device with zero external transmission.

Third-Party Data Protection

OpenAI, as our third-party AI service provider, is committed to protecting user data. According to their API data usage policies:

Data sent via the API is not used to train their models
API data is retained for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring, then deleted
OpenAI maintains industry-standard security practices

We have reviewed OpenAI's privacy practices and confirm they provide protections consistent with this privacy policy. For full details, see OpenAI's privacy policy: https://openai.com/policies/ and their API data usage policy: https://openai.com/policies/service-terms/

Data Storage

The App stores the following data locally on your device:

Your folder selections and preferences
Generated captions (written directly into your image files as IPTC metadata)
Your consent choices

This data is stored in your browser's local storage and in your image files. We do not have access to any of this data.

API Keys

If you use OpenAI, your API key is stored locally on your device and is only used to authenticate requests to OpenAI. We never receive or store your API key.

Analytics

The App does not include any analytics, tracking, or telemetry. We do not know how you use the App.

Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any information from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated date.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, contact us at: support@formix.ai