Hauswache

Old iPhones as security cameras — directly between your devices, alarms in your own iCloud

Privacy policy

Last updated: 5 September 2026

Hauswache turns old iPhones into cameras and another iPhone or iPad into the hub. We run no server for this app, and there is no account or login. Live video and audio travel directly over your Wi-Fi between your devices and are encrypted with the pairing code. Alarms with a photo and a short clip are stored – if you use iCloud – in your own iCloud (private database of your Apple ID). We have no access to it and receive no data.

1. Data controller

We have not appointed a data protection officer or an EU representative because we do not reach the relevant thresholds. Please address all requests to the contact above.

2. What data we process

What we explicitly do not collect

• No account, no e-mail address, no phone number
• No advertising, no advertising ID, no analytics, no trackers
• No server of our own — images, audio and location never reach us
• No continuous recording; only photos and short clips of events are stored

3. Permissions on your device

The app requests only the following permissions. Each of them can be revoked at any time in your device settings; the app remains usable afterwards, with reduced functionality.

• Camera — On the camera: live image, detection, photo and clip for events. On the hub: only for scanning the pairing code.
• Microphone — On the camera: live audio and sound detection. On the hub: only while you hold the talk button.
• Local network — So that cameras and hub can find each other on Wi-Fi and connect directly.
• Location (always) — Only for automatic arming when you leave home, if you turn it on.
• Notifications — Alarms, low battery and camera offline.
• iCloud — Storing events and protection state in your private iCloud database.

4. Legal bases

We process personal data under the Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (revFADP). Where the GDPR applies, we rely on:

• Performance of a contract (Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR) — everything needed for the app to deliver the function you requested.
• Legitimate interests (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) — secure and stable operation, abuse prevention, troubleshooting.
• Consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR) — for anything you actively enable in this app: the camera (live image, detection, pairing code), the microphone (camera: audio and detection; hub: only while talking), the local network (direct connection of your devices), location (only for automatic arming) and notifications (alarms). Consent can be withdrawn at any time with effect for the future by revoking the permission in your system settings.
• Legal obligation (Art. 6(1)(c) GDPR) — in particular commercial and tax retention duties for payments.

5. Recipients and third parties

We do not sell data and do not disclose it for advertising purposes. Data is disclosed only to the following parties, and only where required for operation:

Authorities and courts receive data only where we are legally obliged to provide it.

Transfers abroad

Some of the recipients listed above process data outside Switzerland and the EEA, in particular in the United States. We base such transfers on the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses with the Swiss adaptations recognised by the FDPIC and, where applicable, on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. We will provide information on the safeguards in place on request.

6. Retention and deletion

We store nothing because we run no server for this app. Events (photo, clip, time) remain in your own iCloud until you delete them; live video and audio are not recorded. Pairing, masks, home location and settings are kept only on your devices and disappear on uninstall.

Step-by-step instructions are available at Delete data.

7. Children and young people

This app is not directed at children. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we learn that such data has been submitted without parental consent, we delete it without delay.

8. Data security

Wherever the app transmits data at all, connections are encrypted via HTTPS/TLS. On the server side we use access restrictions, tenant separation and regular backups. Nobody can, however, guarantee absolute security for data transmission over the internet.

9. Your rights

• Access to the personal data we process
• Rectification of inaccurate data
• Erasure or destruction of your data
• Restriction of and objection to processing
• Receiving or porting your data in a common format
• Withdrawal of consent with effect for the future

An informal message to info@babala.ch or a call to 076 792 63 50. We normally respond within 30 days. To verify your identity we may request suitable proof. You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (Switzerland: FDPIC; EU: your competent authority).

10. Changes to this policy

We may adapt this policy when the app or the legal framework changes. The version published on this page, with the date shown above, is the applicable one. We announce material changes inside the app.