Privacy Policy

Effective date: March 31, 2025

CleverEar ("the App") is a macOS application developed by CleverEar ("we", "us", "our"). We are committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains what data the App handles and how.

1. Data We Collect

We collect no personal data. CleverEar does not have servers, user accounts, analytics, crash reporting, or any form of telemetry. We do not know who you are, how you use the App, or what you record.

2. Data Stored on Your Device

The following data is created and stored locally on your Mac only:

• Audio recordings — saved in your Application Support directory
• Transcripts and summaries — saved as local files alongside recordings
• OpenAI API key — stored in the macOS Keychain, encrypted by the operating system
• User preferences — default language and settings, stored in standard macOS UserDefaults

None of this data is transmitted to us or any third party other than OpenAI as described below.

3. Third-Party Services

CleverEar connects directly to the OpenAI API to perform transcription (Whisper) and summarization (GPT-4o). When you process audio:

• Your audio file is uploaded directly to OpenAI's servers for transcription
• The resulting transcript may be sent to OpenAI for summarization, if you choose that option
• Your OpenAI API key is included in these requests for authentication

OpenAI's use of your data is governed by OpenAI's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. We encourage you to review those policies. CleverEar has no control over how OpenAI processes data sent through their API.

4. API Key Security

Your OpenAI API key is stored in the macOS Keychain, the same system-level encrypted vault used by Safari, Mail, and other Apple applications. The key is:

• Never stored in plain text on disk
• Never transmitted to anyone other than OpenAI
• Deletable at any time from the App's Settings

5. Audio Recording Permissions

CleverEar requests access to:

• Microphone — to record audio from your microphone. Granted through the standard macOS permission dialog.
• Screen Recording (optional) — required by macOS to capture system audio via ScreenCaptureKit. No screen content is captured; only the audio stream is used.

You can revoke these permissions at any time in System Settings > Privacy & Security.

6. Children's Privacy

CleverEar is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any data from children.

7. Data Retention

Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have full control over retention. You can delete recordings, transcripts, and your API key at any time through the App or by removing the App's Application Support directory.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at privacy@cleverear.app.