What this covers
This Privacy Policy explains how Macaw handles information when you use the Macaw desktop app, macaw.live, support, billing, and optional cloud features.
Local-first voice data
Macaw’s local dictation, local audio uploads, and local meeting transcription are processed on your Mac. The app stores local transcripts, meeting notes, downloaded models, and settings in your Macaw application data and macOS Keychain. Macaw does not operate a general cloud archive of your local recordings.
Optional cloud processing
When you choose Cloud Transcription, Macaw securely sends the selected audio to our transcription provider, AssemblyAI, through a short-lived private upload URL. Uploaded cloud audio is encrypted in storage and automatically deleted within one day. Cloud transcripts are returned to your app and remain in your local Macaw archive. When you use AI Polish, selected text or meeting transcript content is sent to the managed AI provider solely to generate the requested polish or summary.
Account, license, and payment data
Macaw stores a device identifier, activation status, add-on entitlement, and cloud-minute usage to provide licenses and prevent abuse. Payments are handled by Dodo Payments. We do not receive or store full payment card details.
Information we do not sell
We do not sell your personal information, voice recordings, transcripts, or meeting notes. We do not use your audio or transcripts to train Macaw models.
Security
Macaw uses TLS for network requests, macOS Keychain for local license credentials, private encrypted cloud storage for optional cloud audio, and server-side provider secrets. No security method is perfect; keep your Mac account and macOS permissions secure.
Retention and deletion
Local content stays on your Mac until you delete it or uninstall the app. Temporary cloud audio is deleted within one day. Billing and entitlement records are retained as needed for accounting, fraud prevention, and legal obligations. Contact us if you need help with a billing-data request.
Your choices
You can use local transcription without Cloud Transcription or AI Polish. You can revoke Microphone, Accessibility, or Screen & System Audio Recording permissions in macOS settings. Always obtain consent before recording or transcribing other people.
Contact
Questions or requests: hello@macaw.live.