Privacy Policy
Last updated: 10 March 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how ScanMe ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects information when you use our website and barcode scanning service at scan-me.site ("the Service"). By using the Service, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We do not require you to create an account or provide any personal information to use ScanMe. However, the following data is collected automatically when you use the Service:
a) Anonymous Scan Events
When you scan a barcode, we log the following data anonymously:
- The barcode number scanned
- The product category detected (food, beauty, pet food, supplement)
- Whether the product was found in our database
- A timestamp of when the scan occurred
This data is never linked to any user, device identifier, IP address, or personal identity. It is used solely to improve the service and power aggregate statistics.
b) Product Cache
To improve performance, product information from third-party databases is cached against the barcode number. This cache contains only product data (name, ingredients, nutrition) — no user information.
c) Camera Access
The scanner requests access to your device camera solely to read barcodes. We do not record, store, transmit, or process any camera images or video. All barcode detection happens locally on your device in real time. Camera access is never used for any purpose other than reading barcodes.
d) Standard Web Server Logs
Our hosting provider (Vercel) may collect standard server log data including IP addresses, browser type, and pages visited, under their own privacy policy. We do not access or use this data for tracking.
2. Cookies, Advertising & Tracking
ScanMe itself does not set any first-party cookies or use any first-party tracking technologies.
Google AdSense
We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on this site. Google AdSense uses cookies, web beacons, and similar tracking technologies to serve personalised advertisements based on your browsing history across sites. Google or its partners may place and read cookies on your browser as a result of ad serving on this website.
For more information on how Google uses data when you use our site, visit: How Google uses data when you use our partners' sites or apps. You can opt out of personalised advertising at adssettings.google.com.
Amazon Affiliate Links
This site participates in the Amazon Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.co.uk. When you click an Amazon link on ScanMe, Amazon may place cookies on your browser to track purchases. We earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are clearly marked and never influence product scores or scan results.
Supabase
We use Supabase as our database provider to store anonymised scan events and product cache data. Supabase is GDPR-compliant. No personal data is passed to Supabase.
3. How We Use Data
The anonymous scan data we collect is used to:
- Understand which products and categories are most scanned
- Display aggregate statistics on the homepage and Top 10 page
- Improve product detection accuracy
- Monitor service reliability
We do not sell, rent, or share any data with third parties for marketing purposes. We do not build user profiles. Scan data is never used for advertising targeting.
4. Important Disclaimers
Medical & Dietary Information
Nutritional information, allergen data, ingredient scores, and safety ratings shown on ScanMe are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical, dietary, or veterinary advice. Always read the physical product label and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary decisions. Do not rely solely on ScanMe if you have a severe allergy or medical condition.
Product Scores
Beauty, pet food, and supplement scores are generated algorithmically based on ingredient lists from open databases. They represent an informational assessment only and are not endorsed by any regulatory body. Ingredient data accuracy depends on community contributions to Open Facts databases.
5. Third-Party Data Sources
Product information is retrieved from open-source databases:
- Open Food Facts — food and drink
- Open Beauty Facts — cosmetics and personal care
- Open Pet Food Facts — pet food and treats
- Open Products Facts — supplements and household products
These databases are licensed under the Open Database Licence (ODbL).
6. Data Retention
Anonymous scan events are retained indefinitely for aggregate analytics. Product cache entries refresh after 7 days. Since no personal data is stored, there is no personal data to delete. Contact us if you believe otherwise.
7. Children's Privacy
ScanMe is not directed at children under 13. We collect no personal information from any user, including children. Google AdSense on this site is not configured for child-directed treatment as ScanMe is a general-purpose tool not targeted at children.
8. Your Rights (GDPR / UK GDPR)
If you are in the EEA or UK, you have rights including access, erasure, objection, and restriction of processing. As we hold no personally identifiable information, exercising these rights will confirm no personal data is held. Contact us at the address below to make a request.
9. Security
We use Supabase with Row Level Security (RLS) on all database tables. All data is transmitted over HTTPS. As no personal data is collected, the risk to users from a data breach is minimal.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy periodically. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
11. Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your data rights:
contact@scan-me.site