Why this question matters
With mobile scanning now part of everyday work and study, millions of users trust apps to handle passports, invoices, contracts, and personal IDs. Understanding how safe CamScanner is—and whether your data stays private—is essential before uploading sensitive documents.
Quick summary: short answer for busy readers
CamScanner is generally safe today, especially after its major cleanup and security overhaul post-2019. It uses encryption, local processing for many tasks, and optional password protection. However, if you’re scanning extremely sensitive documents (like legal papers, passports, or bank forms), you should still take additional precautions or consider offline options.
What CamScanner does (features relevant to privacy)
Scanning, OCR, cloud sync, and sharing
CamScanner captures images, enhances them, extracts text via OCR, and allows syncing across devices. These processes may involve temporary cloud processing depending on your settings.
Password-protect, watermarking, and annotations
Users can lock PDFs with passwords, watermark scans, add notes, and control how documents are shared. These features add another layer of privacy for sensitive content.
The 2019 malware episode: what happened and why it matters today
Who discovered it and what was found
In 2019, cybersecurity researchers found a malicious advertising SDK inside CamScanner’s Android version. While the core app wasn’t infected, the third-party SDK injected unwanted behavior.
Google Play removal and the aftermath
Google removed CamScanner from the Play Store temporarily. The company quickly removed the harmful SDK and released a clean, audited version. Since then, the episode remains a reminder to monitor app updates carefully.
What CamScanner (the company) changed afterward
SDK removal, app updates, and public response
The suspicious SDK was eliminated. CamScanner published statements, performed audits, and implemented stricter vetting for future third-party integrations.
Recent security claims and certifications
Since the incident, CamScanner states compliance with international standards and highlights routine internal security testing to reassure users.
How CamScanner handles your data today (privacy policy overview)
What they collect
CamScanner may collect device information, usage data, crash logs, and documents you upload—depending on your settings and permissions.
How they use and share data
Data is used to improve service, sync your account across devices, and provide features like OCR. Sharing is limited to service providers and legal obligations.
Retention, access, and legal requests
Documents remain stored until you delete them. Users can request data access or removal. CamScanner complies with lawful requests when required.
Technical protections and features you can use
Local processing vs cloud processing
Some image enhancement and OCR tasks can happen locally on your device. Cloud OCR or sync is optional and can be disabled for better privacy.
Password protection, encryption in transit & at rest
Files are encrypted during upload, download, and storage. PDFs can be protected with user-generated passwords before sharing.
Account controls, two-factor auth, and device permissions
Adjusting permissions, enabling two-factor authentication, and revoking unused device access strengthens your security posture.
Risk assessment: when it’s safe and when it’s not
Low-risk use cases
Class notes, receipts, worksheets, printouts, invoices, and non-personal business documents are generally safe to scan.
High-risk use cases (IDs, passports, legal docs, banking info)
Documents containing biometric or financial information always carry higher risk—whether scanned with CamScanner or any cloud-connected app.
Alternative workflows for extra caution
Use offline scanning apps, desktop-only workflows, or scan in airplane mode and export manually to avoid cloud interaction.
Practical privacy-hardening steps (checklist)
Before scanning
• Disable cloud sync if you don’t need it
• Turn off OCR if processing sensitive content
• Review app permissions
During scanning and sharing
• Add PDF passwords
• Use watermarks
• Share via controlled channels, not public links
After scanning
• Delete unnecessary scans
• Empty cloud trash
• Revoke third-party access and old devices
Alternatives to CamScanner
Open-source and privacy-first scanners
Apps like OpenNoteScanner or Simple Scan offer transparency but fewer features.
Desktop-only workflows
Using offline desktop software (Adobe Acrobat offline mode, NAPS2, or local OCR tools) eliminates cloud exposure.
Final verdict: pragmatic recommendation
CamScanner is safe enough for everyday scanning and most work or academic tasks. For extremely sensitive documents, follow privacy-hardening steps or use offline alternatives. The app has significantly improved since 2019 and now provides multiple privacy features.
Conclusion
CamScanner remains one of the most capable mobile scanners available, offering strong security protections when configured correctly. Understanding how your data is processed—and using the privacy tools inside the app—ensures your documents stay secure.
5 FAQs
1. Is CamScanner safe now in 2025?
Yes, after the 2019 cleanup, the app is considered safe for most uses.
2. Does CamScanner store my documents?
Only if cloud sync is enabled. You can keep all processing local.
3. Can CamScanner see my scans?
Files are encrypted; access is limited and controlled by privacy policies.
4. What’s the safest way to share a scanned file?
Use password-protected PDFs and private channels like email or direct messaging.
5. Is CamScanner safe for passports and ID cards?
It’s safer than before, but offline scanning is still recommended for such sensitive documents.