Privacy Policy

Last updated: January 26, 2026

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

GhostTrace is built with privacy as the #1 priority. Unlike other Instagram tracking tools, we don't collect, store, or transmit your data anywhere.

What Data We Process

Short answer: None of your personal data.

GhostTrace processes Instagram data export files (followers_1.json and following.json) entirely in your browser. This means:

  • ✅ Your data never leaves your device
  • ✅ No files are uploaded to any server
  • ✅ No Instagram credentials are required
  • ✅ No API calls to Instagram or third parties
  • ✅ All processing happens locally in your browser

How It Works

GhostTrace uses Instagram's official data export feature, which is the only legal and safe way to access your follower data:

  1. You download your data from Instagram (using their official export tool)
  2. You select the JSON files on your device
  3. GhostTrace reads and analyzes the files in your browser using JavaScript
  4. Results are displayed to you and optionally stored in your browser's local storage (IndexedDB)

Data Storage

GhostTrace uses your browser's IndexedDB (local storage) to:

  • Save your previous snapshots for comparison (unfollowers detection)
  • Remember your theme preference (dark/light mode)
  • Store your whitelist if you use that feature

Important: This data never leaves your device. It's stored locally in your browser and you can clear it anytime by clearing your browser data.

No Third-Party Services

GhostTrace does not use:

  • ❌ Analytics or tracking scripts
  • ❌ Backend servers or databases
  • ❌ Third-party APIs
  • ❌ Cookies (except for local storage mentioned above)
  • ❌ Instagram's API

Instagram's Terms of Service

GhostTrace complies with Instagram's Terms of Service by:

  • ✅ Using only Instagram's official data export feature
  • ✅ Not accessing Instagram's API without permission
  • ✅ Not requiring your Instagram password or credentials
  • ✅ Not scraping or automating Instagram access

This is the only safe and legal way to track your Instagram followers.

Open Source & Transparency

GhostTrace is designed to be transparent. You can:

  • View the source code in your browser's developer tools
  • Verify that no network requests are made when processing your data
  • Use it completely offline after the first load

Your Rights

Since we don't collect any data, there's nothing to delete, export, or request. You have complete control:

  • All data is on your device
  • Clear browser data to remove all traces
  • Use in private/incognito mode for zero persistence

Changes to This Policy

If we ever change how GhostTrace works (which would require adding data collection), we will update this policy and the "Last updated" date. We are committed to maintaining privacy as our core principle.

Contact

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or GhostTrace's privacy practices, feel free to reach out.

🔒 Privacy Guarantee: Your Instagram data is yours and yours alone. We will never collect, store, or sell your data.