Privacy Policy
Last updated: October 12, 2025
Your privacy is fundamental to us. Selfoss is designed with privacy-first principles. This policy explains how Selfoss collects, uses, and protects your data—which is to say, we don't collect it at all unless you explicitly choose to use cloud-based AI features.
Core Privacy Principles
100% Local by Default
All transcripts, visualizations, and data remain on your device unless you opt into cloud AI features.
No Data Harvesting
We don't collect, analyze, or sell your meeting data. Ever.
No Analytics Tracking
No cookies, no trackers, no telemetry. Your usage patterns stay private.
You Own Your Data
Your data is stored in standard formats you can access, export, or delete anytime.
What Data We Collect
Desktop Application (Local Processing)
When using Selfoss with local LLMs (like Ollama):
- Zero data collection: All processing happens on your device. No data leaves your computer.
- Local storage: Data stored in a local database on your computer under your user profile.
- No internet required: Works completely offline for maximum privacy and security.
Cloud AI Features (Optional)
If you choose to use cloud-based AI providers (OpenAI, Google Gemini):
- Your API keys: You provide and manage your own API keys. We never see them.
- Direct transmission: Data goes directly from your device to the AI provider you selected.
- Third-party policies: Subject to the privacy policy of your chosen provider (OpenAI, Google, etc.).
- Opt-in only: You explicitly choose when to use cloud features. Default is always local.
How We Use Your Data
Since Selfoss processes data locally, we don't "use" your data at all. Your data is used by:
- →You: To generate visualizations, manage meetings, and organize insights.
- →Your chosen LLM: To process transcripts and create structured outputs (locally or via cloud).
- →Nobody else: We never see, access, or process your meeting data on our servers.
Data Security & Protection
🔐Local Encryption
Your local database can be encrypted using standard OS-level encryption (FileVault, BitLocker, LUKS).
🏢Enterprise Compliance
Selfoss is designed to meet GDPR, HIPAA, and attorney-client privilege requirements through local processing.
🚫No Breach Risk
Since we don't store your data on our servers, there's no central database to breach or compromise.
💾Backup Control
You control backups through your standard backup solution (Time Machine, Windows Backup, etc.).
Your Privacy Rights
✓ Right to Access
All your data is in standard formats you can access anytime via the app or file system.
✓ Right to Delete
Delete meetings, folders, or the entire database anytime through the app interface.
✓ Right to Export
Export all data in JSON, CSV, or other standard formats for portability.
✓ Right to Portability
Move your data between devices freely. No lock-in, no cloud dependency.
Software Updates & Licensing
When checking for updates, Selfoss may transmit:
- •Your current version number (to check for updates)
- •Your license key (to verify activation status)
- •Operating system type (to provide correct installer)
No meeting data or usage analytics are ever transmitted during updates.
Third-Party Services
OpenAI (Optional)
If you use OpenAI's API with your own key:
- • Data sent to OpenAI is subject to their privacy policy
- • We recommend reviewing OpenAI's data usage and retention policies
- • Consider using local Ollama models for maximum privacy
Google Gemini (Optional)
If you use Google Gemini API with your own key:
- • Data sent to Google is subject to their privacy policy
- • We recommend reviewing Google's data usage and retention policies
- • Consider using local Ollama models for maximum privacy
Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or for legal reasons. Material changes will be announced via email to license holders and posted on our website. Continued use of Selfoss after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
Questions About Privacy?
We're committed to transparency and protecting your privacy. If you have questions or concerns about how Selfoss handles your data, we're here to help.