Privacy Policy
Skein is a BitTorrent client made by Soumya Ranjan Mahunt ("I", "me"). This policy explains what data the app uses, why, and the choices you have. I don't run any servers for Skein and I don't collect any data about you: the app has no account, no analytics, no crash reporting and no ads.
In short: nothing is sent to me. Your torrents, downloads, feeds and settings stay on your device. The one thing to know is how BitTorrent itself works: while you download or share a torrent, the trackers and peers in that torrent can see your IP address.
Data stored on your device
Skein keeps the following on your device only, and deletes it when you delete the app:
- the torrents you add, their progress and resume data;
- the files you download, which you can also see and manage in the Files app under Skein;
- your RSS feed subscriptions, download rules, and which feed items were already added;
- your settings, including the download folder you chose.
When you share a .torrent file to Skein from another app, the share extension places it in storage shared only with the Skein app, which reads it and removes it.
BitTorrent and your IP address
BitTorrent works by connecting you directly to other people. When you download or share a torrent:
- Trackers named by the torrent, and the DHT network, learn your IP address and that you are taking part in that torrent, so other peers can find you.
- Peers you connect to see your IP address, which pieces you have, and the app's name and version (Skein identifies itself as a BitTorrent client, as all clients do).
These are third parties chosen by whoever made the torrent, not by me, and I have no control over or access to what they record. Skein offers ways to limit this under ⋯ › Settings: a SOCKS or HTTP proxy, protocol encryption (which hides the traffic's content from your network provider, not your IP address from peers), IP blocklists, and switching off DHT, peer exchange and local discovery.
Local network
With your permission (iOS asks for Local Network access), Skein uses your local network to find peers on the same network (Local Service Discovery) and to ask your router to forward a port (UPnP and NAT-PMP) so peers can reach you. You can turn these off under ⋯ › Settings › Peer discovery or deny access in Settings › Privacy & Security › Local Network.
RSS feeds
If you subscribe to a feed, Skein fetches it directly from the address you entered, and downloads .torrent files it links to. Those websites see your IP address and the request, as with any web request; their own privacy policies apply.
Streaming
When you play a file while it downloads, Skein serves it to the built-in player through a server that only accepts connections from your own device. Nothing is streamed to anyone else.
Notifications
If you allow notifications, Skein shows them on your device when a download finishes. They are created on the device and are not sent through any server.
Analytics and tracking
Skein contains no analytics, advertising or crash-reporting code, and does not track you across other companies' apps or websites.
Distribution
Skein is installed through AltStore PAL. AltStore and Apple handle the install and updates under their own privacy policies: AltStore and the Apple Privacy Policy.
Children
Skein is not directed at children. I don't knowingly collect personal data from anyone, including children.
Your rights
Depending on where you live (for example under the GDPR in Europe), you may have rights to access, delete, or object to the use of your personal data. Because I don't hold any data about you, there is nothing for me to access or delete; data on your device is removed by deleting the app. For data held by trackers, peers or feed websites, contact them directly. If you need help, contact me.
Changes to this policy
If Skein's data use changes, I'll update this page and the effective date above, and note significant changes in the release notes.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email support@soumyamahunt.com.