Privacy Policy

The Short Version

Redstrings is a local-first application. Your data stays on your computer. We don't collect it, we don't see it, and we don't want it.

What Data We Collect

Application Data (None)

All Redstrings project files are stored locally on your device. They never leave your computer unless you explicitly choose to share them. We have no servers that store your investigation boards, notes, or any content you create.

Purchase Information (Via App Stores)

When you purchase Redstrings Pro, the transaction is handled entirely by the platform's app store:

• Windows: Microsoft Store handles all payment processing
• macOS: Apple App Store handles all payment processing

We receive only the information necessary to verify your purchase status (entitlement). We do not receive your payment details, billing address, or other financial information. Your purchase is tied to your Microsoft or Apple account, not to any account with us.

AI Analysis Feature (Pro - Optional)

Redstrings Pro includes an optional AI analysis feature powered by Google's Gemini API. This feature uses a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) model:

• You provide your own Gemini API key from Google
• Your API key is stored locally on your device, never on our servers
• When you use AI analysis, your data is sent directly from your device to Google's API
• We never see, store, or have access to your API key or the data you analyze
• Google's privacy policy governs how they handle data sent to their API

You can remove your API key at any time from the app settings, and AI analysis is entirely optional—the app works fully without it.

Website Analytics (Minimal)

Our website may use privacy-respecting analytics (like Plausible or Fathom) that don't use cookies and don't track individuals. We use this to understand general traffic patterns, not to profile visitors.

What We Don't Do

• We don't require an account to use Redstrings
• We don't sync your data to the cloud
• We don't sell or share your information with third parties
• We don't use tracking cookies
• We don't collect telemetry about your usage patterns
• We don't show ads
• We don't store your Gemini API key on our servers
• We don't have access to your AI analysis content

Your Data, Your Control

Since all your data is stored locally in .redstrings project folders, you have complete control over it. You can:

• Back up your files however you choose
• Delete them at any time
• Move them between devices
• Keep them in version control
• Never connect to the internet while using Redstrings
• Export your data to JSON format at any time

Third-Party Services

App Store Platforms

When you download or purchase Redstrings through the Microsoft Store or Apple App Store, those platforms handle the transaction according to their respective privacy policies:

• Microsoft Privacy Statement
• Apple Privacy Policy

Google Gemini API (Optional)

If you choose to use the AI analysis feature with your own API key, your analysis requests are sent directly to Google. Google's handling of this data is governed by:

• Google Privacy Policy
• Gemini API Terms of Service

Data Security

Because your data never leaves your device (except when you explicitly use AI analysis), security is primarily in your hands. We recommend:

• Keeping your operating system and Redstrings updated
• Using your device's built-in encryption features
• Maintaining regular backups of important projects
• Keeping your Gemini API key confidential if you use AI features

Children's Privacy

Redstrings is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any personal information from children. Since we don't collect user data, this is largely a non-issue, but parents should supervise their children's use of any software.

Changes to This Policy

If we make significant changes to this privacy policy, we will notify users through the application or our website. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when the policy was last modified.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email us at [email protected].