Skip to content Skip to footer
Install for Google Chrome Install for Safari Install for Firefox Install for Microsoft Edge
Close

OpenTranscribe Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 11th 2026
Last Updated: July 5th 2026

1. Introduction

OpenTranscribe is a browser extension for Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, published by Genea Research, a Canadian company (referred to in this policy as “we,” “our,” and “us”). It transcribes handwritten and scanned documents using an AI model of your choice. This Privacy Policy explains how OpenTranscribe handles your data. The short version: we do not collect, store, or have access to any of your data.

2. Information We Collect

OpenTranscribe does not collect any personal information or user data. There are no accounts, no user registration, and no tracking inside the extension. Specifically, we do not collect:

  • Personal information such as your name, email, or address
  • Your documents or images
  • Your transcriptions
  • Your API keys
  • Usage analytics or telemetry
  • Browsing history
  • Any other user data

3. Local Processing and Storage

OpenTranscribe runs entirely in your browser, and everything it creates is stored on your own computer:

  • Your transcription batches are saved to a working directory that you choose on your own computer.
  • Your API keys are stored in your browser’s local storage. They never leave your device except when sent directly to the AI provider you select.
  • Lightweight metadata, such as directory references, is stored in your browser.

4. Information That Leaves Your Device

Direct communication with your AI provider. When you transcribe documents, your images are sent directly from your browser to the AI provider you have chosen. OpenTranscribe does not relay, intercept, or store these communications, and we have no servers that process or store your data. If you choose a local or self hosted model (for example one running on your own computer), your images are processed entirely on your device and are not sent to any third party.

Model catalogue updates. A few times a day the extension downloads a small model catalogue file from our server. This lists the available models and their pricing. It is a one way download. No documents, transcriptions, API keys, or usage information are sent. As with any web request, our server may record standard technical information such as your IP address and browser version in its logs.

5. Third-Party AI Providers

To use OpenTranscribe with a hosted model, you provide your own API key from one of the supported AI providers. When you process documents, your images are sent directly to the provider you select, and you are subject to that provider’s terms of service and privacy policy. The supported providers and their privacy policies are:

We encourage you to review the privacy policy of your chosen provider before using their services. If you prefer that no images reach a third party, you can use a local or self hosted model instead.

Separately from the extension, our website at genea.ca uses standard website analytics, and the browser stores you install from may collect their own installation and usage data under the Google Privacy Policy (Chrome Web Store) and the Microsoft Privacy Statement (Microsoft Edge Add-ons).

6. How We Use and Share Your Information

Because we do not collect any of your data, we do not store it on any servers, share it with third parties, sell it, use it for advertising, or use it to train AI models. Your documents, transcriptions, and API keys remain entirely under your control on your own device.

7. Data Security

Your API keys are stored locally in your browser and are only transmitted directly to your chosen AI provider over encrypted HTTPS connections. Because all data remains on your device, its security also depends on the security of your own computer and browser.

8. Data Retention

Your documents, transcriptions, and settings remain on your device until you remove them. We retain nothing, because we never receive any of your data.

9. Permissions

OpenTranscribe requests only the access it needs to function:

  • File system access: to read your document images and save transcriptions to the working directory you choose. Files are only accessed when you explicitly select them or grant folder access, and you can revoke that access at any time.
  • Storage: to save your preferences and API keys locally in your browser.

No data accessed through these permissions is transmitted to us.

10. Children’s Privacy

OpenTranscribe is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect any information from children.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date above.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.genea.ca

By using OpenTranscribe, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.