Sanimate - Scan and Animate Sanimate Privacy Policy
The short version
Sanimate works entirely on your device. Your face scans, avatars, recordings and videos never leave it unless you choose to share, export or stream them. There are no ads, no analytics, no tracking and no Sanimate servers. The developer does not collect any data from the app.
Camera and TrueDepth sensor
The front camera and, where your device has one, the TrueDepth sensor are used to scan your head and to follow your expressions. Depth and face-tracking data (face geometry and 52 expression values from Apple's ARKit) are processed on the device to build your 3D model and animate it. Camera images are never saved; only the 3D results you keep are stored, in the app's private storage.
Face data
Sanimate uses face data from the TrueDepth camera and ARKit for one purpose: to create and animate your own 3D avatar.
- What is used: depth measurements of your head, ARKit face geometry, and expression (blend-shape) values.
- How it is used: processed on your device to build the avatar's 3D shape and to move it with your expressions. It is never used to identify you, for authentication, for advertising or marketing, or to build a profile of you.
- Sharing: face data is never sent to the developer or any third party. It leaves your device only if you export or share a file yourself, or turn on Blender Link (below).
- Storage and retention: scans, avatars and recorded takes are stored in the app's storage on your device until you delete them in the app, use Delete Account & All Data, or delete the app.
Microphone
While the Animate screen is open with voice lip sync or "Record my voice" turned on, the microphone is used to sync your avatar's mouth to your speech and to record your voice into takes and reels. Audio is processed on the device and saved only inside the takes and videos you record. You can turn both off in the app, and Sanimate works without microphone access.
Photos
Sanimate asks to add to your photo library only when you choose to save a video or picture you made. It does not read your photo library.
Blender Link (local network)
If you turn on Blender Link, Sanimate streams your avatar and live expression values over your local Wi-Fi network to the Blender add-on on your own computer. Nothing is sent over the internet, and streaming stops when you turn Blender Link off.
The add-on itself is sold separately on Gumroad. "Get Add-on" in the app opens Gumroad's page in your web browser; anything you do there is covered by Gumroad's privacy policy, not this one.
Your account
Signing in is optional. With Sign in with Apple (or Google, where offered), Sanimate receives a user identifier and, if you allow it, your name and email address (and, with Google, a link to your profile picture, which is loaded from Google to show in your profile). These are kept only in your device's Keychain to personalise the app. They are not sent to the developer: there is no Sanimate server.
Purchases
Sanimate Pro is a one-time purchase made through Apple's App Store. Apple handles the payment; Sanimate never sees your payment details. The app checks your purchase with Apple (StoreKit) on your device to unlock Pro. The developer receives only Apple's anonymous, aggregated sales reports, not who you are. To restore it on another device, use Restore Purchases in the app (Profile → Sanimate Pro).
Files you create
Scans, avatars, takes and exports are saved in the app's Documents folder (visible in the Files app) and are included in your device backups. Sharing or exporting a file sends it only to the app or person you choose.
Data shared with others
None. Sanimate contains no third-party SDKs for analytics, advertising or crash reporting, and does not sell or share personal data.
Deleting your data and account
In the app, open Profile → Settings → Delete Account & All Data. This removes every scan, avatar, take and export and your sign-in from the device. Deleting the app also removes everything. To stop using Sign in with Apple with Sanimate, open the iOS Settings app → your name → Sign in with Apple.
Children
Sanimate is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect their data.
Changes
If this policy changes, the new version will be posted on this page and in the app with a new date.
Contact
Sanimate is developed by S. M. Sakeef Sani. For privacy questions or requests, email [email protected]. For help with the app, see the support page.