Privacy policy
Last updated: 9 August 2026
In short
File Witness inspects files inside your browser. The SHA-256 fingerprint, the file metadata read from the file, and the preview image are all produced on your own device. Your file is not uploaded to us for that inspection, and we do not store it.
What happens locally
- The file is read into your browser's memory.
- A SHA-256 fingerprint is computed on your device.
- EXIF, XMP and IPTC metadata present in the file is parsed on your device.
- A downscaled preview is generated on your device.
- The inspection record you download is assembled in your browser and saved by you.
When something does leave your device
Two features send data off your device, and both require an explicit action from you:
- Optional AI interpretation. If you tick the AI consent box and request an interpretation, the downscaled preview image and the extracted metadata are sent to our server and forwarded to a third-party AI model provider for analysis. The response is returned to your browser. If you use Local-only mode, this never happens.
- Issuing or verifying a File Witness record. If you use the issue/verify ledger in production mode, the fingerprints (SHA-256 and a perceptual hash), file type, size and any note you type are recorded in our database so the record can be verified later. The image itself is not stored.
Accounts and tracking
File Witness has no user accounts and no sign-in. We do not run advertising or cross-site tracking. Our hosting provider processes standard technical request data such as IP address and user agent in order to serve the site and protect it from abuse.
Sensitive content
Files can contain personal information, including location data in photo metadata. Because inspection is local, that information stays with you unless you choose to send an image for AI interpretation. Please do not send material you are not permitted to disclose to a third-party AI provider.
Your rights and contact
Australian privacy law gives you rights to access and correct personal information held about you, and to complain about its handling. Because we hold very little, the fastest route is to email us and tell us what you need.
Changes
File Witness is in public preview and this policy may change as the tool changes. The date at the top reflects the latest revision.