1. Introduction
Marmot-Apps ("we", "us", or "our") built MarmotVox as an AI-powered voice recording and transcription app for iPhone and iPad. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.
By using MarmotVox, you agree to the collection and use of information as described in this policy. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data responsibly.
2. Information We Collect
Information you create directly
- Voice recordings: Audio files you create in the app. These are stored locally on your device only.
- Recording titles and notes: Names or annotations you add to recordings, stored locally.
Information used automatically during AI features
- Audio data: When you request transcription, the audio segment is securely sent to our AI backend for processing. It is not retained after the response is returned.
- Transcription text: When you request a summary, mind map, key points, or action items, the transcribed text is sent to our AI backend for analysis.
Information we do NOT collect
- We do not collect your name, email address, or any account credentials.
- We do not use advertising SDKs, tracking identifiers, or analytics libraries.
- We do not access your contacts, photos library, location, or any other device data.
- We do not access the microphone except when you are actively recording in the app.
3. How We Use Your Information
Your recordings remain on your device at all times. AI features are strictly opt-in—no processing occurs without your explicit action:
- Transcription: Audio is sent for speech-to-text conversion when you tap "Transcribe".
- Summaries, key points, action items: Transcribed text is sent for AI analysis when you tap the respective buttons.
- Mind maps: Structured analysis data is used to generate a visual mind map, processed entirely from existing transcription.
No AI processing runs in the background or without your knowledge.
4. Third-Party Services & AI Data Sharing
Important: MarmotVox shares user data with a third-party AI provider. When you use AI-powered features, your data is transmitted to OpenAI (a third-party company) via our secure proxy server at marmot-api.fly.dev. No data is sent until you explicitly grant permission through the in-app AI consent dialog that appears before any AI feature is used for the first time.
What data is sent to the third party
- Audio recordings: When you tap "Transcribe", the audio file is sent to OpenAI's Whisper speech-to-text API for transcription.
- Transcription text: When you request summaries, key points, action items, mind maps, or AI chat responses, the transcribed text of your recording is sent to OpenAI's GPT API.
- No other personal data (name, email, device identifiers, contacts, photos, location, or browsing data) is ever sent to OpenAI or any other third party.
Who receives the data
- OpenAI, Inc. — The sole third-party recipient of your audio and text data, accessed via their API.
- Data is routed through our secure proxy server at marmot-api.fly.dev, which adds a privacy layer. The proxy does not log, store, or retain any of your data.
- No other third parties, advertisers, analytics providers, or data brokers receive your data.
How your permission is obtained
- On first launch, MarmotVox presents an AI consent dialog that clearly explains what data is sent, who receives it, and how it is handled.
- You must tap "Allow Cloud AI Features" to enable any data sharing. If you choose "Use Device Only", no data is ever sent to any third party.
- You can change your choice at any time in Settings > AI Privacy. Enabling "AI Privacy Mode" immediately stops all data sharing with OpenAI.
- No AI processing occurs in the background or without your explicit action (tapping a button like "Transcribe" or "Summarize").
How your data is handled by OpenAI
We use OpenAI's API under their Zero Data Retention (ZDR) policy. This means:
- Your audio and text data is processed ephemerally — it is not stored, logged, or retained by OpenAI after the response is returned.
- Your data is not used to train, improve, or fine-tune any AI models.
- For more information, see OpenAI's Privacy Policy.
Our Proxy Server (marmot-api.fly.dev)
We operate a server-side proxy to securely route AI requests. This proxy does not log, store, or retain your audio recordings or transcription data after each request is fulfilled. The proxy exists to protect our API credentials and to maintain a controlled privacy boundary between you and OpenAI.
Apple
Subscriptions are managed through Apple's App Store. Apple may collect purchase-related information in accordance with Apple's Privacy Policy.
5. Data Retention
All recordings, transcriptions, and AI-generated outputs are stored locally on your device. We do not retain any of this data on our servers. Our proxy server processes requests in real time and does not write your data to any persistent storage. When you delete a recording in the app, it is permanently removed from your device.
6. Security
All data transmitted between the app and our proxy is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS 1.2+. Local data on your device is protected by iOS's standard data protection. While no method of transmission is 100% secure, we follow industry best practices to protect your information in transit and at rest.
7. Children's Privacy
MarmotVox is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child under 13 has used AI features through the app, please contact us and we will take appropriate action.
8. Your Rights
Since all data is stored locally on your device, you retain full control at all times:
- Delete any recording at any time from within the app.
- Revoke microphone access in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Microphone → MarmotVox.
- Cancel your subscription at any time through iOS Settings → Apple ID → Subscriptions.
- Enable the "AI Privacy Mode" setting in the app to disable all AI feature requests.
If you are in the EU/EEA, you have additional rights under the GDPR, including the right to access, correct, or delete personal data. Please contact us to exercise these rights.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy and, where appropriate, through an in-app notice. Continued use of MarmotVox after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us: