Question 1

What is zero-knowledge architecture and how does Scrub Metadata implement it?

Accepted Answer

Zero-knowledge architecture means we never see, store, or have access to your files. All metadata removal happens directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your files never leave your device, and we cannot access them even if we wanted to. You can verify this by opening your browser's Network tab while processing - you'll see zero file uploads.

Question 2

Is Scrub Metadata really 100% private?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. We use client-side processing exclusively, meaning your files are processed entirely within your browser. No data is uploaded to our servers, no analytics track your files, and no third parties have access. This is a fundamental architectural choice, not just a privacy setting.

Question 3

Can Scrub Metadata see my files or metadata?

Accepted Answer

No. It's technically impossible for us to see your files because they never leave your browser. The entire metadata removal process runs locally on your device. We don't have servers that process files - everything happens in your browser using WebAssembly and JavaScript.

Question 4

How can I verify that my files aren't being uploaded?

Accepted Answer

Open your browser's Developer Tools (F12), go to the Network tab, and process a file. You'll see no upload requests - only the initial page load. This proves that your files stay on your device. We encourage this verification as part of our transparency commitment.

Question 5

What file formats does Scrub Metadata support?

Accepted Answer

We support 50+ file formats including: Images (JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP, TIFF, HEIC, RAW formats), Documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX), Videos (MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV), Audio (MP3, WAV, FLAC), Archives (ZIP, RAR, 7Z), and Code files. Each format has specialized metadata removal algorithms.

Question 6

What types of metadata does Scrub Metadata remove?

Accepted Answer

We remove all hidden metadata including: EXIF data (camera settings, timestamps), GPS coordinates, device information, author/creator names, editing history, comments, thumbnails, software information, and any other embedded personal information. The specific metadata varies by file type.

Question 7

What's the maximum file size I can process?

Accepted Answer

Free tier: 20MB per file. Pro tier: 150MB per file. Enterprise tier: 500MB standard, 1GB via API (experimental). These limits exist because processing happens in your browser's memory. Larger files require more RAM on your device.

Question 8

Does metadata removal affect file quality?

Accepted Answer

No. We only remove metadata - the actual content (image quality, document formatting, video/audio quality) remains completely unchanged. The file size may decrease slightly due to removed metadata, but the visible/audible content is identical.

Question 9

Do I need an account to use Scrub Metadata?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to sign in with Google or GitHub to process files. This is required for all tiers (including Free) to track usage limits and prevent abuse. Your files remain completely private and are never uploaded - authentication only enables secure usage tracking.

Question 10

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal through our payment processor Paddle. Paddle handles all payment security and is PCI DSS compliant. We never see or store your payment information directly.

Question 11

Can I cancel my subscription anytime?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can cancel your subscription anytime from your account dashboard. You'll continue to have access until the end of your billing period. No cancellation fees, no questions asked. Your data (which is only account info, never files) can be deleted upon request.

Question 12

Is Scrub Metadata GDPR compliant?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we're fully GDPR compliant. We don't collect personal data from your files (they never leave your browser), we minimize account data collection, you can delete your account anytime, and we provide clear privacy policies. Our zero-knowledge architecture exceeds GDPR requirements.

Question 13

Is Scrub Metadata HIPAA compliant?

Accepted Answer

While we don't access any files (including medical files), our zero-knowledge architecture aligns with HIPAA's privacy requirements. Healthcare organizations can safely use our service because PHI never leaves their controlled environment. However, we don't sign BAAs as we never access, store, or transmit PHI.

Question 14

Can I use Scrub Metadata for commercial purposes?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all plans (including Free) allow commercial use. There are no restrictions on how you use the cleaned files. Many professionals and businesses use our service for client work, publications, and commercial projects.

Question 15

Who owns the files after processing?

Accepted Answer

You retain 100% ownership of your files. We don't claim any rights to files processed through our service. Since files never leave your device, there's no question of transfer of ownership or licensing. Your files remain entirely yours.

Question 16

Why is my file processing slowly?

Accepted Answer

Processing speed depends on your device's performance and the file size. Large files (especially videos) require more processing power. Try closing other browser tabs, ensuring you have sufficient RAM available, or processing smaller files. Pro tip: Chrome and Edge typically offer the best performance.

Question 17

What browsers does Scrub Metadata support?

Accepted Answer

We support all modern browsers: Chrome (recommended), Edge, Firefox, Safari, and Opera. For best performance, use the latest version. Internet Explorer is not supported. Mobile browsers work but desktop browsers provide better performance for large files.

Question 18

Can I process multiple files at once?

Accepted Answer

Free tier processes one file at a time. Pro and Enterprise tiers support batch processing - select multiple files and process them sequentially. This limitation exists to prevent browser memory issues on free tier.

Question 19

Why can't I process certain file types?

Accepted Answer

If a file type isn't processing, it may be: 1) Not in our supported formats list, 2) Corrupted or damaged, 3) DRM protected, or 4) Too large for your browser's memory. Check our supported formats list and try with a smaller file of the same type.

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