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Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 24, 2026

Overview

Friend is a macOS application for meeting transcription and analysis. It is designed with privacy as a core principle. This policy explains what data the app handles and how.

Data Processing

Friend processes audio, transcription, and analysis data. By default, all processing happens locally on your Mac:

  • Audio recording: Captured from your microphone and/or system audio. Audio data is processed on-device and stored only on your local file system.
  • Transcription: Performed using Whisper models running locally on your Mac. No audio or transcript data is sent to external servers for transcription.
  • Analysis: When using on-device AI (Apple Intelligence) or self-hosted models (e.g., Ollama), all analysis stays on your machine. If you choose to configure a cloud-based AI provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, or Azure OpenAI), transcript excerpts are sent to the respective provider's API for processing. This is optional and requires your explicit configuration.

Data Storage

All meetings, transcripts, recordings, and analysis results are stored as files on your Mac in locations you control. Friend does not use cloud storage, sync services, or remote databases.

Data Collection

Friend does not collect, transmit, or store any personal data on external servers. There are no analytics, telemetry, crash reporting, or tracking services built into the application.

Third-Party Services

If you choose to configure a cloud-based AI provider for analysis or summarization, data is sent to that provider according to their own privacy policy:

  • OpenAI Privacy Policy
  • Anthropic Privacy Policy
  • Google Privacy Policy
  • Microsoft Privacy Statement (Azure OpenAI)

Using a cloud provider is entirely optional. Friend works fully offline with on-device models.

Microphone and Camera Access

Friend requests microphone access to record audio for transcription. Camera access is used solely to detect whether a video meeting is active; the camera feed is not recorded or stored. These permissions are managed through macOS system settings and can be revoked at any time.

Children's Privacy

Friend is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect data from children.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated revision date.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at the address listed on the imprint page.

© 2025 Christoph Gerdes. All rights reserved.
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