Privacy Policy

Overview

Dictate is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use our voice-powered productivity add-in.

As an experimental release, Dictate processes voice data locally on your device whenever possible, minimizing data transmission and protecting your privacy by design. Learn about our technology.

Information We Collect

Voice Data

When you use Dictate's speech recognition features, we process audio recordings of your voice. This data is primarily processed locally on your device to convert speech to text.

Usage Information

• Application usage statistics (frequency of use, feature utilization)
• Error logs and diagnostic information
• Language preferences and settings
• Performance metrics to improve service quality

Technical Information

• Device information (operating system, Office version)
• Network information (for translation services)
• Installation and configuration data

Information We Don't Collect

• Personal documents or their content
• Passwords or authentication credentials
• Financial or payment information
• Contact lists or personal communications

How We Use Information

Primary Uses

• Speech Recognition: Converting your voice to text within Office applications
• Translation Services: Providing real-time translation capabilities
• Service Improvement: Enhancing accuracy and performance
• Technical Support: Diagnosing and resolving issues

Analytics and Improvement

We use aggregated, anonymized usage data to understand how Dictate is used and to improve the service. This includes identifying common usage patterns, popular features, and areas for enhancement.

Legal Compliance

We may use information to comply with legal obligations, protect our rights, or respond to legal requests when required by law.

Data Storage & Security

Local Processing

Most voice processing occurs directly on your device using local speech recognition engines. This means your voice data typically doesn't leave your computer for basic dictation functions.

Cloud Services

Translation features require cloud processing to provide accurate, real-time translation across multiple languages. When using translation features:

• Voice data is transmitted securely using encryption
• Data is processed and immediately deleted from our servers
• No permanent storage of voice recordings occurs

Security Measures

• End-to-end encryption for data transmission
• Secure data centers with industry-standard protections
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Automatic data deletion policies

Voice Data Handling

Processing Principles

• Minimal Collection: We only process voice data necessary for functionality
• Purpose Limitation: Voice data is used solely for speech recognition and translation
• Temporary Processing: Voice recordings are not permanently stored
• User Control: You can disable features that require cloud processing

Retention Policy

Voice recordings used for translation are processed in real-time and immediately deleted. No voice recordings are retained on our servers beyond the time necessary for processing.

Opt-Out Options

You can disable cloud-based features and use only local speech recognition by adjusting your Dictate settings. This will limit translation capabilities but ensures all processing occurs on your device.

Third-Party Services

Translation Services

Dictate uses Microsoft Translator services for real-time translation capabilities. Voice data sent for translation is subject to Microsoft's privacy policies and is processed according to their data handling practices.

Analytics

We use anonymized analytics to understand usage patterns and improve the service. No personally identifiable information is included in analytics data.

No Data Selling

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information or voice data to third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.

Your Rights

Access and Control

• Access: Request information about data we have collected
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your data
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain types of data processing

Data Subject Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Union, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have specific rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to delete personal information.

Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of significant changes through:

• In-app notifications
• Email notifications (if provided)
• Updates on our website

Continued use of Dictate after policy updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns and will respond to inquiries within 30 days.