1. Introduction & Core Principles
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which ToonCoder ("we", "our", or "us") manages and protects the data handled by the NetTerm Android mobile application (Package ID: com.tooncoder.netterm).
NetTerm is an advanced, hardware-level network traffic inspector, real-time URL sniffer, and local DNS sinkhole firewall designed for developers, network engineers, system administrators, and security-conscious individuals.
Our foundational guarantee is straightforward: NetTerm operates strictly on-device. We do NOT operate remote proxy servers, remote VPN gateways, or cloud databases. We do NOT harvest, sell, analyze, or monetize your network traffic or personal information.
2. Android VpnService Disclosure & Architecture
Google Play VpnService Compliance Declaration
NetTerm utilizes Android's official android.net.VpnService API solely to establish an internal, loopback virtual network interface (tun0) on your local device. No remote VPN servers exist. Your internet traffic is NOT redirected to external servers.
Why NetTerm Uses VpnService:
- Local Packet Header Inspection: To read local IP, TCP, UDP, HTTP, HTTPS (TLS Server Name Indication), and DNS packet headers directly on your device without requiring root access.
- Hardware Wire-Speed Bypass: NetTerm implements
allowBypass() so that non-DNS/non-intercepted payload data flows directly to your actual network gateway with 0% bottleneck and full wire speed.
- Local DNS Sinkholing (Firewall): When you block data-hogging domains or advertising trackers, NetTerm's local DNS engine resolves them to
0.0.0.0 locally on your phone, blocking requests before cellular data is spent.
Zero Remote Tunneling: Unlike commercial VPN providers that route your traffic through remote overseas data centers, NetTerm acts as a local packet filter. Your packets travel directly from your phone to your destination network.
3. Information We Collect & Zero-Telemetry Policy
We do not collect any personal, demographic, or usage information:
| Data Category |
Collected by Us? |
Where It Stays |
| Personal Information (Name, Email, Phone) |
NO |
Never requested or collected |
| Browsing & App Activity Logs |
NO |
In-memory on phone RAM only |
| DNS Queries & URLs Inspected |
NO |
Local device SQLite/Preferences |
| Hardware / Device Identifiers (IMEI, MAC) |
NO |
Never accessed |
| Location Data (GPS / Coarse) |
NO |
Never requested |
| Real-Time Bandwidth Stats |
NO |
Local TrafficStats API |
4. Local Storage & User Control
Any data generated by NetTerm—including session bandwidth logs, blocked URL lists, and onboarding acknowledgments—is stored in your device's sandboxed private storage directory:
- Log Storage: Live URL inspection entries are retained in an in-memory cyclic buffer (last 500 entries) and discarded upon service stop.
- Calendar Historical Aggregates: Daily data usage counters are stored locally in Android's encrypted app storage.
- Immediate Deletion: You have full control to clear all session logs and statistics at any time via the ⚡ Hub -> Clear Logs button, or by clearing app data in Android Settings.
5. Transparent Device Permissions
NetTerm requests only permissions essential to its core networking and diagnostic functions:
| Permission |
Exact Purpose |
android.net.VpnService |
Creates the local loopback interface for real-time packet inspection and DNS sinkhole firewalling. |
POST_NOTIFICATIONS |
Required on Android 13+ to display the ongoing foreground service and real-time status bar internet speed meter. |
SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW |
Optional. Allows displaying the floating mini-terminal HUD over other apps when explicitly enabled by you. |
RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED |
Allows NetTerm to automatically restore the status bar speed indicator upon device reboot if enabled. |
QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES |
Used strictly on-device to map intercepted UID connection streams to user-friendly app names and icons. |
6. Advertising & Third-Party Services
NetTerm may display contextual banner or interstitial advertisements provided by Google AdMob to support ongoing independent software development.
Google AdMob operates in compliance with Google Play Developer Policies and may use anonymized advertising identifiers (Google Advertising ID) for ad delivery and fraud prevention in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy.
Authorized Digital Sellers (IAB app-ads.txt)
In accordance with the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) OpenRTB specifications, ToonCoder maintains official digital seller records at:
https://sushmitsingh.github.io/app-ads.txt
7. GDPR (Europe) & CCPA (California) Compliance
Because NetTerm does not collect, store, transmit, or sell personal data on remote servers:
- Right to Access: All data is viewable in real-time directly on your phone's screen.
- Right to Erasure (Forget): You can wipe all stored records instantly by clearing app data or uninstalling the app.
- No Sale of Data: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal or network information to any third party under any circumstance.
8. Children's Online Privacy Protection (COPPA)
NetTerm is a technical diagnostic utility intended for developers and general users. We do not knowingly solicit or collect data from children under the age of 13. Because our service collects zero personal information, no child's data is ever gathered or stored.
9. Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect technical enhancements or regulatory changes. Any modifications will be posted to this official URL with an updated Effective Date. Continued use of NetTerm constitutes your acknowledgment of the updated policy.