01
What PesaScope reads
PesaScope reads incoming SMS messages sent from the MPESA sender ID, and — if you choose to import your history — the M-Pesa messages already in your inbox. It does not read messages from any other sender, and it does not read the contents of calls, other apps, or anything outside of SMS.
02
How it is processed
All parsing happens locally, on your device, using logic built into the app itself. PesaScope has no backend server and makes no network requests to transmit your messages or transaction data anywhere. The "Sync" option in Settings re-scans your device's SMS inbox for new M-Pesa messages — it does not sync to a cloud service or to any other device.
03
What is stored, and where
PesaScope stores parsed transaction data — amount, counterparty, date, transaction type, an auto-assigned category, and any note or category change you add — in a local database on your device. Budgets, categories, rules, and your budget-compliance history are stored the same way.
None of this data is copied to a server, an analytics service, or a third party. Uninstalling the app, or using the "Delete all data" option in Settings, removes it from the device.
04
Permissions PesaScope requests
SMS (read, and temporarily receive/default-SMS)
Required to detect and parse M-Pesa messages. Android treats this as a restricted permission for apps installed outside the Play Store, so you'll need to explicitly allow it during setup.
Notifications
Optional. Used only to alert you about new transactions or budget thresholds. You can disable this in Settings at any time.
Biometrics
Optional app-lock, handled entirely by your device's operating system. PesaScope never receives or stores your biometric data.
05
Exporting your data
The Export feature lets you generate a PDF or CSV of your transactions, budget compliance, or spending breakdown for a date range you choose. These files are created and saved on your device — PesaScope does not send them anywhere. What you do with an exported file afterward (share it, back it up, delete it) is up to you.
06
Deleting your data
Go to Settings → Delete all data to permanently remove everything PesaScope has stored on your device. Because nothing is stored elsewhere, this is also the complete process — there's no separate server copy to request deletion of.
07
Children's privacy
PesaScope is a personal finance tool intended for general audiences and is not directed at children. It does not knowingly collect data from children, and — as described above — does not collect or transmit personal data from anyone at all.
08
Changes to this policy
If this policy changes, the updated version will be posted on this page with a new effective date. Since PesaScope has no accounts or contact list, you won't be notified individually — check back here if you want to review the current version.
09
Contact
Questions about this policy or how PesaScope handles data: