Privacy Policy

SmaPhoto Tips ("we," "us," or the "Site") is an informational website about smartphone photography, operated from Japan by SmaPhoto Tips (part of Hibibako), which acts as the data controller for the limited personal information described here. The Site is available internationally. Last updated: June 2026.

Information we collect

You don't need an account, and we don't ask for personal information to read the Site. We only receive personal information you choose to send us — for example, through our contact form. Our analytics may collect standard, non-identifying technical data such as pages viewed, approximate region, device type and referring site.

How we use it, and how long we keep it

We use information you send through the contact form only to respond to your inquiry (lawful basis: your consent and our legitimate interest in replying), and we keep those messages only as long as needed to handle it. Analytics data is retained in aggregated or limited form.

The camera feature (Composition Finder)

Our "Composition Finder" accesses your camera through your browser so you can preview composition lines. The camera video is processed entirely on your device — it is never uploaded, recorded, or stored on our servers, and we do not receive or store any photo you capture. Camera access requires your browser's permission; declining it only disables this one feature.

Cookies and analytics

We use Google Analytics (Google's web analytics service) to understand how the Site is used, set up with Google Consent Mode so that analytics cookies are denied by default and set only after you consent. These cookies do not identify you personally. Where required by law (for example, in the EEA and UK), we ask for your consent before setting non-essential cookies, and you can accept or decline using the cookie banner. You can also block or delete cookies in your browser settings; essential functions still work.

Advertising

We do not currently serve third-party ads, and we do not sell or share your personal information. If we introduce advertising in the future, we'll update this policy and continue to honor your cookie-consent choices.

Service providers and international transfers

Our contact form is hosted by Google (Google Forms), and we use Google Analytics; information handled by these is processed by Google under its privacy policy. Because we operate from Japan and use international providers, your information may be processed outside your country. Japan is recognized by the European Commission as providing an adequate level of data protection.

Your rights

Depending on where you live (for example, under the EU/UK GDPR or California's CCPA/CPRA), you may have rights to access, correct, or delete the limited personal information you've sent us, or to object to certain processing. To make a request, contact us via the Contact page. EEA/UK users may also lodge a complaint with their local data protection authority.

Children

The Site is intended for a general audience and is not directed to children under 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, contact us and we will delete it.

Changes & contact

We may update this policy from time to time; material changes will be reflected on this page. For any questions, please reach out via the Contact page.