Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 9th, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how VoiceLocal ("we," "us," "our") handles information when you use the VoiceLocal macOS application and its companion browser extension (together, the "Software").

We built VoiceLocal to be local-first. This policy is written to reflect that directly — most of what the Software does never leaves your device.

1. What We Collect

Audio and Speech Data

By default, all speech transcription happens entirely on your device, using a local speech recognition model. Your voice recordings and transcripts are never sent to us or to any third party during normal use, and audio is not stored persistently beyond what's needed to produce the transcript in memory.

Optional Cloud Formatting

VoiceLocal includes an optional feature that sends your transcribed text (not raw audio) to a third-party AI provider to clean up formatting, using an API key you provide yourself. This feature is off by default. If you turn it on, transcript text is transmitted to that provider under their own privacy policy and terms — we do not control or have visibility into how they store or use it. You can disable this feature at any time in Settings.

License and Payment Information

If you purchase a paid license, payment is processed by Stripe. We receive confirmation of your purchase and license status, but we do not receive or store your full payment card details — those are handled directly by Stripe under its own privacy policy.

Diagnostic Information

We may collect limited, non-content technical information (such as app version, operating system version, and crash reports) to help us fix bugs and improve reliability. This does not include your transcripts or audio.

2. System Permissions

VoiceLocal requests the following macOS permissions:

  • Microphone — required to capture audio for local transcription
  • Accessibility — required to insert transcribed text into the application you're using

These permissions are used only to provide the Software's core functionality. You can review or revoke them at any time in macOS System Settings → Privacy & Security.

3. How the Browser Extension Works

The VoiceLocal Chrome extension communicates with the VoiceLocal desktop app running on your Mac over a local connection (never leaving your device) to deliver transcribed text into your browser. The extension does not independently transmit your browsing activity or page content to us.

4. What We Don't Do

  • We do not sell your data.
  • We do not use your transcripts or audio to train AI models.
  • We do not share your transcripts with advertisers.
  • We do not track your browsing activity through the extension.

5. Data Retention

Since transcription happens locally and is not transmitted to us, we do not retain your transcripts or audio on our servers. Diagnostic/crash data, if collected, is retained only as long as necessary to diagnose and resolve issues.

6. Your Choices

  • You can disable cloud-based formatting at any time in Settings.
  • You can revoke Microphone or Accessibility permissions at any time in macOS System Settings (this will limit or disable core functionality).
  • You can uninstall the Software at any time, which removes it from your device.

7. Children's Privacy

VoiceLocal is not directed at children under 13 (or the applicable minimum age in your jurisdiction), and we do not knowingly collect information from children.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we'll update the "Last updated" date above and, where appropriate, provide additional notice.

9. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to support@voicelocalapp.com.