Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

WhisperKey ("we," "our," or "the Application") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our macOS voice transcription application.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Audio Data

WhisperKey processes audio recordings for transcription purposes:

• Local Processing: When using WhisperKit models, all audio is processed entirely on your device. We do not have access to this audio data.
• Cloud Processing: When using cloud providers (Pro feature), audio is transmitted to your selected third-party service (OpenAI, Deepgram, or custom endpoints) according to their privacy policies.
• Temporary Storage: Audio files are temporarily stored on your device during processing and can be configured for automatic deletion (ephemeral mode).

2.2 License Information

For Pro users, we collect:

• License key for activation and validation
• Device identifier for license management (up to 3 devices per license)
• Activation timestamp and usage metrics

2.3 Usage Data

We may collect:

• Crash reports (if enabled in settings)
• Anonymous usage statistics through PostHog analytics
• Model download information
• Application performance metrics

2.4 User Preferences

Settings stored locally on your device:

• Transcription preferences (language, model selection)
• Keyboard shortcuts configuration
• Audio device preferences
• Vocabulary rules and custom terms
• API keys for third-party services (stored securely in macOS Keychain)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

• Provide and maintain the transcription service
• Validate Pro licenses and manage activations
• Improve application performance and fix bugs
• Send important updates about the service
• Provide customer support

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Local Storage

Most data is stored locally on your device:

• Audio recordings are stored temporarily in your system's temporary directory
• WhisperKit models are stored in ~/Library/Application Support/WhisperKey/Models/
• Preferences are stored in standard macOS preference locations
• Sensitive data (API keys, license keys) are stored in macOS Keychain

4.2 Cloud Storage

When using cloud transcription providers:

• Audio is transmitted using HTTPS encryption
• Data is processed according to the provider's security standards
• We do not store your audio on our servers

4.3 License Management

License validation is handled through Polar.sh's secure API:

• License keys are encrypted in transit
• Activation data is stored securely by Polar.sh
• Local license data is stored in macOS Keychain

5. Third-Party Services

WhisperKey integrates with several third-party services:

5.1 Transcription Providers (Pro Feature)

• OpenAI: When configured, audio is sent to OpenAI's Whisper API
• Deepgram: When configured, audio is sent to Deepgram's transcription API
• Custom Endpoints: Audio may be sent to user-configured compatible endpoints

Each provider has its own privacy policy and data handling practices. We recommend reviewing their policies before use.

5.2 Analytics and Monitoring

• PostHog: Anonymous usage analytics (can be disabled)
• Crash Reporting: Optional crash reports to improve stability

5.3 Payment Processing

• Polar.sh: Handles license purchases and management

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share data only:

• With third-party transcription providers you explicitly choose to use
• When required by law or legal process
• To protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• With your explicit consent

7. Your Rights and Controls

You have control over your data:

• Audio Data: Enable ephemeral mode to automatically delete audio files after processing
• Local Processing: Use WhisperKit models for complete on-device processing
• Clipboard: Configure clipboard restoration after paste operations
• Analytics: Disable crash reporting and analytics in settings
• API Keys: Manage and remove third-party API keys at any time
• Models: Delete downloaded models from the Model Management settings

8. Data Retention

We follow these retention practices:

• Audio Files: Deleted immediately after transcription (or kept based on your settings)
• Transcriptions: Not stored by the application after delivery
• License Data: Retained while your license is active
• Crash Reports: Retained for 90 days
• Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized data retained for service improvement

9. Children's Privacy

WhisperKey is not intended for use by children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

10. International Data Transfers

When using cloud transcription services, your audio data may be processed in different countries according to the provider's infrastructure. By using these features, you consent to such transfers.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through the application or via email (for Pro users). Your continued use of WhisperKey after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

12. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to request access to, deletion of, and information about the collection and use of personal information.

13. European Privacy Rights

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to access, rectify, erase, restrict processing, data portability, and object to processing of your personal data.

14. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or concerns, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@whisperkey.app
Support: support@whisperkey.app

15. Data Protection Officer

For GDPR-related inquiries, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@whisperkey.app