Your data stays yours

The short version

Cue is local-first. By default, speech recognition happens entirely on your device. When you choose a cloud transcription mode, your audio is sent to the provider for processing only — it is not stored or used for training. We do not collect your transcriptions or any personally identifiable information. We do not track how you use the app. We do not sell your data. Period.

Who we are

Cue is a voice-to-text application. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use our app and visit our website.

What we do NOT collect

Let's be explicit about what we never touch:

• Audio recordings — In local mode, your voice data is processed entirely on your device. When using cloud transcription, audio is streamed to the provider for real-time processing but is never stored by us or retained by the provider beyond the transcription session.
• Transcriptions — The text generated from your speech stays on your device. We never see it, regardless of which transcription mode you use.
• Keystrokes or screen content — We have zero access to what you type or what's on your screen.
• Usage analytics or telemetry — We do not track which features you use, how often you use them, or any behavioral data.
• Cookies or tracking pixels — Our website does not use cookies, tracking pixels, or similar surveillance technologies.

What we collect

We collect the bare minimum needed to operate the service:

• Email address — Only if you voluntarily provide it (e.g., to download the app or subscribe to updates). Used solely for delivering the download link and product updates.
• Payment information — Processed entirely by our third-party payment processor. We never store your credit card number, billing address, or other payment details on our servers.
• License validation — A minimal, anonymous check to verify your license is active. No personal data is associated with this request.

AI and your data

This is important: Your data is never used to train AI models. When Cue uses on-device speech recognition, the processing happens locally using models that run on your device.

When you select a cloud transcription mode, your audio is streamed to the provider solely for real-time transcription. It is not stored, logged, or used for model training — by us or by the provider. You always choose which mode to use, and Cue clearly indicates when cloud processing is active.

If you use optional cloud-based AI features (such as text correction or formatting), the text is sent to the relevant AI provider for processing only. It is not stored, logged, or used for training.

Local-first architecture

Cue is built on a local-first philosophy. By default, speech recognition runs entirely on your device using on-device models. No internet connection is required for local transcription.

For users who want higher accuracy or additional language support, Cue offers optional cloud transcription modes. When using these modes:

• Audio is streamed in real time and discarded after processing.
• No audio is stored on any server — ours or the provider's.
• You are always in control of which mode is active.
• Cue clearly labels cloud modes so there are no surprises.

Opt-in data sharing

We may offer you the option to voluntarily share recordings or transcriptions to help us improve Cue — for example, through an explicit consent prompt within the app. This is entirely optional and works as follows:

• Explicit consent — We will always ask for your clear, informed permission before any data leaves your device for improvement purposes. This consent is requested through an in-app prompt that explains exactly what will be shared.
• Granular control — You choose what to share on a case-by-case basis. Consent for one recording does not apply to others.
• Revocable at any time — You can withdraw your consent and request deletion of any previously shared data at any point.
• Anonymized — Any shared data is stripped of identifying information before it is used for analysis.
• Never sold — Shared data is used solely to improve Cue. It is never sold to or shared with third parties.

If you never opt in, Cue works exactly the same. This feature does not affect your experience in any way.

Third-party services

We use a small number of third-party services, each with strict privacy standards:

• Payment processing — To securely handle transactions. We never see or store your payment details.
• Email delivery — To send download links and product updates if you opt in. You can unsubscribe at any time.

We do not share, sell, or transfer your personal information to any other third parties.

Data retention

Since we don't collect personal data during normal app usage, there is nothing to retain. If you provided an email address, you can request its deletion at any time by contacting us.

Your rights

Regardless of where you live, we believe everyone deserves strong privacy protections. You have the right to:

• Know what data we have about you (spoiler: almost nothing).
• Request deletion of any data we do hold.
• Opt out of any communications at any time.
• Use Cue without providing any personal information.

We comply with GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable data protection regulations — though our minimal data collection means most provisions don't apply in practice.

Children's privacy

Cue is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children.

Changes to this policy

If we ever change our core privacy commitments — specifically our guarantees about local processing, no data collection, and no AI training — we will provide advance notice before any changes take effect. Minor clarifications may be made without notice.

Contact us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, reach out to us at privacy@cue.app.