Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 7, 2026

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

The short version: Your audio and transcriptions stay on your device. We don't train AI on your data. Period.

1. Information That Stays On Your Device

The following data is processed and stored entirely on your Mac and is never transmitted to our servers or any third party:

Data TypeDescriptionStorage Location
Audio recordingsVoice recordings captured during dictation or meeting recordingYour Mac (App Support folder)
TranscriptionsText generated from your audio Your Mac (App Support folder)

*AI-assisted (optional) features do send partial transcriptions to our AI providers (encrypted). They are NEVER used to train any model.
Speaker identificationVoice profiles used to identify speakersYour Mac only
AI modelsWhisper and other transcription modelsYour Mac (App Support folder)

We never have access to your audio files or transcription content.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 License and Account Information

When you purchase or activate Yakki, we collect:

  • License key
  • Email address (for license delivery)
  • Device identifier (anonymous hardware ID for license validation)
  • Purchase date and license type

Purpose: To validate your license and provide customer support.

Third party: License validation is processed by Polar (polar.sh). See their privacy policy.

2.2 Optional Analytics (Opt-In Only)

If you choose to enable analytics in Settings, we collect:

  • App version and macOS version
  • Feature usage statistics (e.g., "dictation started", "meeting recorded")
  • Performance metrics (e.g., transcription speed)
  • Error reports (crash logs without personal content)

We never collect: Audio content, transcription text, file names, or personal identifiers beyond anonymous session IDs.

Purpose: To improve Yakki's performance and features.

You can disable analytics at any time in Settings → Privacy → Analytics.

2.3 Lawful Basis for Processing (GDPR)

Data TypeLawful Basis
License DataContractual Necessity — We need this to deliver the app you purchased.
AnalyticsConsent — You must opt-in via Settings.
Support/InquiriesLegitimate Interest — Responding to your requests.

3. Optional Cloud Features

Yakki offers optional cloud-powered features. These are disabled by default and can be turned off entirely using "Only Local" mode in Settings.

3.1 Meeting Analysis (AI Summaries)

When you use the "Analyze Meeting" feature:

What's SentWhat's NOT Sent
Transcript text (for AI processing)Audio files
Speaker labels (e.g., "Speaker 1")Your name or identity
Any other files on your device

Third-party processor: OpenAI (via our secure proxy) or Microsoft Azure OpenAI.

Data retention: Transcript text is processed in real-time and not stored by our servers. Per OpenAI's data policies:

"OpenAI may securely retain API inputs and outputs for up to 30 days to provide the services and to identify abuse. After 30 days, API inputs and outputs are removed from our systems, unless we are legally required to retain them."

AI Training: Your data is never used to train AI models. Per OpenAI's API Data Usage Policy:

"By default, OpenAI does not use customer data submitted via the API to train our models."

3.2 Text Enhancement

When you use AI-powered text formatting:

  • Your transcribed text is sent to our AI provider for formatting
  • The formatted text is returned to your device
  • No content is stored after processing

3.3 "Only Local" Mode

You can disable all cloud features by enabling "Only Local" mode in Settings. When enabled:

  • All transcription remains 100% on-device
  • No data is sent to any cloud service
  • Meeting Analysis and AI formatting features are disabled
  • License validation still requires occasional internet connection

4. Data We Do NOT Collect

To be explicit, Yakki never collects:

  • Audio recordings or voice data
  • Transcription content or text
  • Meeting content or summaries
  • File names or document content
  • Keystrokes or screen content
  • Location data
  • Contacts or calendar data
  • Browsing history
  • Data from other applications

5. AI and Machine Learning

5.1 On-Device AI

Yakki uses on-device AI models for transcription. These models run entirely on your Mac, do not send data anywhere, do not learn or adapt from your usage, and are the same for all users.

5.2 Cloud AI (Optional Features)

When you use optional cloud features (Meeting Analysis, Text Enhancement):

  • Your content is processed by OpenAI or Microsoft Azure OpenAI
  • Your data is NOT used to train their AI models
  • OpenAI retains API data for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring, then deletes it
  • We do not store ANY of your content on our servers

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information:

  • Encryption in transit: All network communications use TLS 1.3
  • Local data: Stored in macOS-protected application containers
  • API security: Authenticated and signed requests to our services
  • No unnecessary data collection: We only collect what's essential

7. Data Retention

Data TypeRetention Period
License informationDuration of license + 30 days
Analytics (if enabled)90 days, then aggregated/anonymized
Cloud-processed contentNot retained (real-time processing only)
Local audio/transcriptionsUntil you delete them

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

8.1 All Users

  • Access: Request a copy of data we hold about you
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data
  • Opt-out: Disable analytics at any time
  • Local control: Delete local audio/transcriptions at any time

8.2 European Users (GDPR)

For users in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and United Kingdom (UK), under the GDPR you have rights including Access, Rectification, Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"), Restriction of Processing, Data Portability, and Right to Object. To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

8.3 California Users (CCPA/CPRA)

For residents of California: We do not sell your personal information. You have the Right to Know, Right to Delete, Right to Correct, and Right to Non-Discrimination. To exercise these rights, contact us at [email protected].

9. Third-Party Services

ServicePurposeData SharedPrivacy Policy
PolarLicense managementLicense key, email, device IDpolar.sh/legal/privacy
OpenAIAI processing (optional)Transcript text (retained 30 days)API Data Usage Policy
SparkleApp updatesApp version, macOS versionOpen source, no data collection
CloudflareAPI infrastructureRequest metadatacloudflare.com/privacy

10. Children's Privacy

Yakki is not intended for children under 13 (or 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect information from children.

11. International Data Transfers

Yakki operates globally. Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States. We rely on Adequacy Decisions and Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) to ensure your data remains protected.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on our website and updating the "Last updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices: