Who we are. Bistre Browser is provided by SearchaCo (“we”, “us”). Contact: chief@searcha.co.
Scope. This Policy explains what information Bistre Browser accesses, collects, transmits, or stores and how it is used. It applies to our desktop apps (including Windows builds distributed via app stores) and our mobile apps (including Android builds distributed via Google Play).
Summary. We do not operate servers that receive your browsing history, the pages you visit, or the search queries you type into the browser. We do not include advertising SDKs or sell personal information. Some features connect directly between your device and third-party providers you choose (for example search, security services, or DNS resolvers).
Information we don’t collect
- No browsing history or visited URLs are sent to SearchaCo.
- No search queries are sent to SearchaCo.
- No personal identifiers (name, email, phone), advertising IDs, or precise device location are sent to our servers.
Connections your browser may make
These connections occur directly between your device and the selected provider. SearchaCo does not receive these data. You can change providers or disable features in Settings at any time.
- Web requests to the sites you visit (standard browser operation).
- Default search & suggestions — if suggestions are enabled, queries are sent to your chosen search provider [link to provider policies, e.g., Bing, DuckDuckGo, Google].
- Security protections (e.g., phishing/malware checks) — some checks may involve sending data (such as a URL or partial URL) to the selected provider [link to provider policy, e.g., Microsoft Defender SmartScreen / Google Safe Browsing].
- DNS over HTTPS (DoH) — if enabled, DNS queries are sent to your selected resolver [link to resolver policy, e.g., Cloudflare, Quad9, Google Public DNS].
- Extensions catalog & updates — metadata may be requested from the selected catalog [link to catalog policy, e.g., Chrome Web Store / your own catalog].
Mobile device permissions
Mobile operating systems require permission prompts for certain features. Bistre requests only the permissions needed for features you use:
- Camera (android.permission.CAMERA): used only when you use features that need the camera (for example scanning a QR code or uploading a photo via a website). Camera data is processed on your device and/or shared with the website you choose to interact with; it is not sent to SearchaCo.
- Photos/Files (storage access): used when you choose to upload/download files, save images, or select files to share with a website. Bistre does not upload your files to SearchaCo.
- Notifications (if enabled): used if you allow website notifications or the app shows system notifications. Notification contents originate from the websites/services you opt into.
- Microphone / Location: only requested if you use websites or features that require them (for example voice input or location-based sites). You can deny these at any time in OS settings.
On-device storage & retention
Browsing data (history, cookies, cache, extensions’ data) is stored locally on your device and remains until you clear it or use Private Browsing. We do not store your browsing history on our servers.
Security
The app uses HTTPS for remote connections whenever supported by the provider. You can further control privacy via built-in settings and by clearing browsing data at any time.
Your choices & rights
- Change providers or disable features like search suggestions, Safe Browsing, or DoH in Settings.
- Use Private Browsing to reduce local history storage.
- Clear cookies, cache, and site data at any time.
- On mobile, manage camera/microphone/location/notification permissions in your device settings.
If you contact us (e.g., for support), we’ll receive the information you choose to send and use it only to respond to your request. To exercise privacy rights available in your region (such as access or deletion of information we hold), email chief@searcha.co. We do not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising.
Children
Bistre is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
Third-party services & platform diagnostics
Your chosen providers (search, security, DoH, extensions) may process data under their own policies. Your operating system and app store platform may also collect diagnostics or crash data independently of Bistre (for example Windows Error Reporting on desktop or Google Play services on Android). We do not control those services. See the provider’s privacy policy and the platform’s privacy disclosures.
Changes
We may update this Policy as the app evolves. We’ll post updates here and update the effective date below. Material changes may also be noted in release notes.
Support & contact
Questions? Visit our Support page or email chief@searcha.co.
Effective date: