Download Detective
Download Detective is a local download provenance search utility for macOS, developed and published by Arnold Sallay. This policy explains how information is handled when you use the app.
Data collected by the app
Download Detective does not collect, transmit, sell, rent, or share personal data or usage data. It contains no account, backend, advertising, analytics, telemetry, tracking technology, crash-reporting SDK, or third-party software development kit.
Files and folders you choose
The app uses the standard macOS folder picker and App Sandbox security-scoped access to read only a folder you explicitly select. It scans regular files and reads filenames, paths, extensions, file types, sizes, creation and modification dates, and download provenance URLs exposed through public macOS metadata APIs. It does not read file contents for scanning, and it does not move, rename, edit, tag, upload, or delete files.
Source URLs may reveal websites or pages associated with a download. They are processed only on your Mac and are never sent to Arnold Sallay, Radiant Bear Games, or any third party by Download Detective.
Information stored locally
Download Detective stores a security-scoped bookmark for the active folder, app settings, and a lightweight cache of scanned metadata in its private local app container or cache directory. This can include filenames, file paths, dates, sizes, type identifiers, source URLs, and source domains. Local caching lets the app reopen quickly without needlessly rescanning thousands of files. Arnold Sallay and Radiant Bear Games cannot access this information.
Choosing a new folder replaces the active library as scanning completes. You can revoke folder access through macOS permissions or by moving, disconnecting, or no longer selecting the folder. Uninstalling the app and removing its macOS container deletes its local bookmark, settings, and cache, subject to backups independently managed by you or Apple.
Network access and external websites
Scanning, filtering, sorting, caching, and search perform no network requests. If you explicitly choose Open Source URL, Download Detective passes that saved address to your default web browser. The browser and destination website then handle the request under their own privacy practices; Download Detective does not receive the resulting browsing data.
Third parties
Download Detective does not share app data with third parties. Apple independently processes Mac App Store downloads, purchases, updates, diagnostics, and related platform information under the Apple Privacy Policy. That processing is performed by Apple, not by Download Detective.
Data retention, deletion, and consent
No information is retained on a developer-controlled server because the app transmits no data to one. Folder access is granted only after you select a folder in the macOS panel. You can stop using that folder by choosing another folder or revoking access through macOS. You can delete local app data by uninstalling the app and removing its container. There is no account or remotely stored data requiring a deletion request.
Children’s privacy
Download Detective does not knowingly collect personal data from children or anyone else.
Security
The app is sandboxed and requests read-only access to user-selected files. It uses public Apple frameworks and does not require Full Disk Access, Accessibility access, administrator privileges, a helper process, or a background service.
Changes to this policy
If a future version changes its data practices, this policy and the App Store privacy disclosures will be updated before that version is released. The revision date above identifies the current policy.
Contact
For privacy questions, requests, or concerns, contact Arnold Sallay at [email protected].