PRIVACY POLICY – VOCAL ENGINE

Website and Desktop Application – Extended GDPR Version

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Vocal Engine ("we", "us", or "our") handles personal data and information in connection with the use of the Vocal Engine website and desktop software application.

Vocal Engine is designed with a privacy-first architecture. The desktop application operates locally on the user’s device without requiring accounts, logins, or cloud-based processing, and the website is intentionally built without tracking, analytics, or profiling technologies.

By accessing the website, downloading the software, or using Vocal Engine, you acknowledge and agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Data Controller (Art. 13 GDPR)

The data controller responsible for any data processing in connection with the Vocal Engine website is the operator of Vocal Engine. Contact information is provided via the official website.

We do not act as a data processor or data controller for any personal data processed by users within the Vocal Engine application. All processing activities performed within the software are initiated and controlled solely by the user. The developer has no access to such data and does not participate in its processing. Accordingly, users remain fully responsible for compliance with all applicable data protection laws when processing personal data using the software.

3. Scope of This Policy

This Privacy Policy applies to:

• the Vocal Engine website
• the Vocal Engine desktop application
• installation, updates, and downloads
• any related services or documentation

This policy does not apply to third-party services, tools, or websites that may be referenced or used by the user independently.

4. Privacy by Design and Default

Vocal Engine is built in accordance with the principle of data minimization (Art. 5 GDPR) and privacy by design (Art. 25 GDPR).

The software is intentionally designed to:

• avoid collection of personal data
• process data locally wherever possible
• eliminate unnecessary data transmission
• give full control to the user

5. No Account, No User Identification

Vocal Engine does not require account creation, registration, or login.

We do not:

• collect names, email addresses, or identity data
• create user profiles
• associate usage with individuals
• perform identity tracking

Users can access both the website and software anonymously.

6. Cookies and Analytics (Art. 6 GDPR)

The Vocal Engine website uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google LLC, to understand how visitors interact with the website and to improve functionality and performance.

Google Analytics uses cookies and similar technologies to collect information about website usage. These cookies may include identifiers such as:

• anonymous user identifiers (e.g. _ga)
• session identifiers (e.g. _gid)
• technical interaction data (e.g. pages visited, time spent)

These cookies are not strictly necessary for the operation of the website and are only activated after user consent, where required by applicable law.

Legal basis for processing is your consent (Art. 6(1)(a) GDPR), which can be withdrawn at any time.

7. Data Processing by Google Analytics

When Google Analytics is active, certain technical information may be transmitted to Google servers, including:

• IP address (processed in anonymized form where configured)
• device and browser information
• interaction data such as page views and usage patterns

Google acts as a data processor on our behalf. Data may be transferred to servers outside the European Union, including the United States.

We use Google Analytics with privacy-enhancing settings where possible, such as IP anonymization and limited data sharing.

For more information, please refer to Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

8. Consent and Opt-Out Options

Users have the option to accept or reject analytics cookies via the cookie consent mechanism implemented on the website.

You may also:

• withdraw your consent at any time
• disable cookies in your browser settings
• use browser extensions to block Google Analytics tracking

If you choose not to consent, no analytics cookies will be set and your usage will not be tracked.

9. Website Data Processing (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR)

When visiting the website, no personal data is actively collected by us. However, the hosting provider may automatically collect limited technical data through server logs, including:

• IP address
• browser type
• request timestamps
• requested pages

This processing is based on legitimate interest (Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR) for:

• maintaining system security
• preventing abuse
• ensuring technical stability

This data is not used for tracking or profiling. Server logs are managed by the hosting provider and may be processed in accordance with their own privacy policies and legal obligations. We do not combine this data with other data sources or use it for identification purposes.

10. Desktop Application – Local Processing

The Vocal Engine desktop application processes all data locally on the user’s device.

This includes:

• audio files
• voice recordings
• generated speech
• voice clones
• transcripts (e.g. Whisper)
• enhanced audio (e.g. DeepFilterNet)
• temporary processing files

No data is transmitted externally during normal operation.

11. No Data Collection or Transmission

Vocal Engine does not collect or transmit personal data.

We do NOT:

• upload audio files
• send generated outputs
• collect prompts or scripts
• monitor usage
• access user systems

All processing remains entirely under user control.

12. Installation and Network Activity

An internet connection is required during installation.

This may include:

• downloading AI models
• retrieving runtime components
• installing dependencies

After installation, the software can operate fully offline.

13. Third-Party Components

Vocal Engine uses third-party technologies, including:

• Qwen TTS
• OpenAI Whisper (local inference)
• DeepFilterNet
• FFmpeg
• PyTorch

These components are executed locally and do not transmit data externally by default. Users are responsible for compliance with applicable third-party licenses.

14. File Storage and Data Control

All data is stored locally on the user’s device.

Users have full control over:

• storage location
• file management
• deletion of data

The developer has no access to these files. Because all data is processed and stored locally, the developer cannot access, recover, restore, or delete user data. In the event of data loss, system failure, or corruption, recovery is solely the responsibility of the user.

15. Data Retention

We do not retain user data. All data remains on the user’s system until manually deleted. We do not intentionally collect or process special categories of personal data (Art. 9 GDPR). Any such processing is solely initiated by the user.

16. User Responsibility

Users are solely responsible for:

• lawful processing of personal data
• obtaining consent for voice recordings
• compliance with data protection laws
• securing their own systems

The developer cannot access, manage, or recover user data. Audio recordings and voice data processed using Vocal Engine may constitute personal data under applicable data protection laws, including biometric data where identifiable. Users are solely responsible for determining whether the data they process falls under such regulations and for ensuring lawful processing, including obtaining valid consent where required.

The use of Vocal Engine does not guarantee compliance with any data protection, privacy, or regulatory requirements. Users must independently assess whether their specific use case complies with applicable laws and obligations.

17. Data Security (Art. 32 GDPR)

Because all processing occurs locally, data security depends on the user’s environment.

Users are responsible for:

• device protection
• file security
• access control

We do not provide centralized security management.

18. Data Subject Rights (Art. 15–22 GDPR)

Users have the right to:

• access personal data
• rectification
• erasure
• restriction of processing
• data portability

Since Vocal Engine does not store personal data, these rights must be exercised locally by the user.

19. International Data Transfers

No cross-border data transfers occur within Vocal Engine. All processing remains local. Vocal Engine does not perform automated decision-making or profiling within the meaning of Art. 22 GDPR.

20. Children’s Privacy

Vocal Engine does not knowingly collect data from children.Because no personal data is collected, no specific child data processing occurs.

21. Changes to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated to reflect legal or technical changes. The latest version will always be available on the official website.

22. Contact

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us via the official website.

DOWNLOAD PAGE LEGAL NOTICE

By downloading Vocal Engine, you acknowledge that:

• the software is provided “as is” without warranties
• all generated content is your responsibility
• voice cloning may have legal implications
• you must obtain consent for voice usage
• the developer is not liable for misuse or damages
• the software does not collect or track data

Downloading constitutes acceptance of the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

FIRST LAUNCH ACCEPTANCE

Before using Vocal Engine, you confirm:

• you understand the risks of voice cloning
• you will comply with applicable laws
• you accept full responsibility for generated content
• you understand no data is collected or monitored

You must accept the Terms and Privacy Policy to continue.

PRIVACY SUMMARY

No accounts. No tracking. No cookies. All processing happens locally — your data never leaves your device.