Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

Overview

Waffler is a free, open-source desktop app with no servers and no backend. It runs entirely on your machine. This policy explains what data we collect (virtually nothing) and how the app works.

Audio & Transcription Data

Waffler does not collect, store, or process your audio or transcription data. When you use Waffler, your audio is sent directly from your device to your chosen transcription provider (Groq or OpenAI) using your own API key. After transcription, the text is cleaned up by your chosen AI provider (Groq or OpenAI) — again under your own key. We never see any of it. Your transcription history is saved locally on your device only, in ~/.waffler-hosted/history.json.

API Keys

Your API keys (Groq or OpenAI) are stored locally on your device only, in ~/.waffler-hosted/.env. They are never transmitted to us. All API calls go directly from the Waffler app on your machine to the provider's servers — we are not in the middle.

Account Data

No account is required to download or use Waffler. Waffler is free and open source — there are no purchases, subscriptions, or license keys. We do not collect or store any personal data.

Website Analytics

This website uses Cloudflare Web Analytics, which is a privacy-respecting analytics tool that does not use cookies or collect personal data. It provides aggregate traffic data only.

Data We Don't Collect

  • Audio recordings
  • Transcription text
  • Your API key
  • Usage patterns or analytics from the desktop app
  • Personal information of any kind
  • Cookies on this website

How Each Provider Handles Your Data

Waffler connects directly to your chosen API provider for transcription. Since you bring your own API key, how your audio data is handled depends on which provider you use:

Groq

Groq does not use API input data to train their models. Audio sent via the API is processed for transcription and not retained beyond what's needed to complete the request. This makes Groq the more privacy-friendly option.

Groq Privacy Policy →

OpenAI

OpenAI's data retention and training policies vary by plan and API tier. As of April 2026, data sent through the API is retained for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring and is not used for model training by default. However, policies may change — check their current terms.

OpenAI Privacy Policy →

Bottom line: Waffler gives you the choice. If data privacy is your top concern, Groq is the recommended provider. Either way, Waffler itself never sees, stores, or has access to your audio — it goes straight from your device to the provider.

Contact

If you have questions about this privacy policy, get in touch at hello@wafflerai.com.