🤖 Desktop Buddy

Effective Date: May 9, 2025
Last Updated: May 9, 2025

PayneBrain ("we", "us", "our") built Desktop Buddy as a paid application. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect (spoiler: almost none) and how we handle your data.

1. Information We Collect

We do not collect any personal information. Desktop Buddy stores all of your preferences, settings, character data, and game progress locally on your Mac using macOS UserDefaults. This data never leaves your device and is not accessible to us.

2. OpenAI API (AI Chat Feature)

Desktop Buddy includes an optional AI Chat feature that connects to OpenAI's API. To use this feature:

• You must provide your own OpenAI API key.
• Your messages are sent directly from your Mac to OpenAI's servers. They do not pass through our servers.
• We never see, store, or have access to your API key, messages, or chat history.
• OpenAI's own privacy policy governs their handling of your data: openai.com/privacy

3. Calendar Access

Desktop Buddy may request permission to read your calendar events to display upcoming reminders. This data is:

• Read-only — Desktop Buddy never modifies your calendar.
• Processed entirely on your device — calendar data is never transmitted off your Mac.
• Optional — you can deny calendar access and all other features work normally.

4. Microphone Access

Desktop Buddy may request microphone access for the optional voice chat feature. Audio is:

• Processed locally on your Mac using macOS built-in Speech Recognition.
• Never recorded, stored, or transmitted to our servers.
• Optional — you can deny microphone access and use text chat instead.

5. In-App Purchases

Desktop Buddy offers in-app purchases (character credits and an "Unlock All Characters" option). All purchases are handled entirely by Apple through the App Store. We do not collect or store any payment or billing information.

6. Analytics & Tracking

Desktop Buddy does not include any analytics SDKs, tracking pixels, advertising frameworks, or third-party data collection tools. We do not track your usage, behavior, or activity in any way.

7. Children's Privacy

Desktop Buddy does not knowingly collect information from children under 13. The app does not require account creation or any personal information to function.

8. Data Storage & Security

All app data is stored locally on your Mac in macOS UserDefaults and is protected by your Mac's built-in security (FileVault, Keychain, etc.). Since we don't collect data, there is nothing to breach.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Desktop Buddy, contact us at:

Email: support@paynebrain.com