Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026

Introduction

Audistill is built on a simple principle: your data stays on your machine. We are a local-first macOS desktop application that processes audio entirely on-device. This Privacy Policy explains what data exists, where it lives, and the limited circumstances under which any data leaves your Mac.

Data We Collect

Locally stored (never leaves your device):

  • Audio files you import (stored in the app's support directory)
  • Temporary audio from Recording Sessions (deleted after the Transcript is stored)
  • Transcripts generated by on-device transcription
  • Tabs, episodes, and library metadata
  • Recipes (custom processing templates)
  • Generated documents (summaries, show notes, etc.)
  • Application settings and preferences

Cloud opt-in (only when you choose):

  • Transcribed text sent to OpenRouter for AI features (summaries, chat, web search, and recipe execution) — only when you initiate an AI action
  • Your OpenRouter API key is used to authenticate directly with their service — we never see or store it on our servers

What we never collect:

  • Audio files are never transmitted anywhere — transcription runs entirely on-device via Parakeet TDT (ONNX)
  • No telemetry, analytics, or usage tracking
  • No crash reports sent without explicit consent
  • No advertising identifiers or tracking pixels

Data Storage

All application data is stored locally on your Mac:

  • Database:SQLite database in the app's Application Support directory for transcripts, metadata, and library structure
  • API keys:Stored in the macOS Keychain, protected by your system's security (including Touch ID / password)
  • Audio files:Imported audio is stored in the app's support directory. Recording Session audio is temporary and deleted after its Transcript is stored
  • Settings:Stored in the app's local preferences

We operate no servers that store your data. There is no “Audistill cloud.”

Data Retention

You have full control over retained Library data. Imported audio and stored Library data persist until you choose to delete them. Recording Session audio is the exception: it is temporary and automatically deleted after its Transcript is stored. You can:

  • Delete individual episodes, transcripts, or generated documents at any time
  • Remove your entire library
  • Uninstall the app to remove all associated data

Third-Party Services

Audistill integrates with one category of third-party service: LLM providers for AI features.

OpenRouter

When you use AI features (summaries, chat, web search, recipe execution), transcribed text is sent directly from your Mac to OpenRouter. OpenRouter then routes requests to the model you select. This connection is made using your own OpenRouter API key — Audistill acts as a client, not a proxy.

  • Only text is sent — never audio
  • Requests go directly from your Mac to the provider's API
  • We do not intercept, log, or store these requests
  • Each provider has their own privacy policy (e.g., OpenRouter Privacy Policy)

If you do not configure an OpenRouter API key or do not use AI features, no data ever leaves your machine.

Your Privacy Rights

Because your data is stored locally, you have inherent control:

  • Access: All your data is in local files you can browse directly
  • Delete: Remove any or all data from within the app or by deleting files
  • Export: Your transcripts and documents are accessible as standard files
  • Edit: Modify any transcript or generated content directly
  • Opt-out of cloud:Simply don't add an API key — the app works for transcription without any cloud connection

There is no account to delete and no server-side data to request removal of.

Data Security

Audistill relies on your Mac's built-in security mechanisms:

  • API keys are stored in the macOS Keychain (hardware-backed encryption on Apple Silicon)
  • Application data benefits from FileVault disk encryption if enabled
  • The app is sandboxed and signed with Apple notarization
  • No network connections are made except to OpenRouter when you initiate AI actions

Children's Privacy

Audistill is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children. Since the app stores all data locally and has no account system, there is no mechanism for us to identify or collect data from any user, including children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be reflected on this page with an updated “Last updated” date. Since Audistill is open source, you can also review changes in the project's commit history.

Contact

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Audistill's data practices, contact us at info@audistill.com.