Privacy Policy

Last updated: 14 May 2026

Our promise

AudioWitness collects no data about you or your usage. We have no servers, no databases, no analytics, and no tracking. We do not know who our users are, how they use the app, or what they record. Your recordings, contacts, and settings exist only on your device and — if you choose — in your own Google Drive.

AudioWitness is a personal safety and evidence capture app. This policy explains what data the app handles, where it lives, and who can see it.

Data the app records

Audio recordings (AAC/M4A format)
Timestamp of each recording
GPS location at the time of recording (embedded in the audio file's metadata and stored alongside it)
Optional user-added tags (text labels at specific points in a recording)
Trusted contact details you add to the app (name, email address, phone number)

Where data is stored

Recordings and metadata are stored locally on your device. If you choose to connect your Google account, recordings are also backed up to a dedicated AudioWitness folder in your own Google Drive. AudioWitness never uploads your data to any server or third-party service operated by us. We have no servers, no databases, and no access to your recordings.

Sharing recordings

You control all sharing. When you share a recording — either manually via the Share button or automatically via Direct Send — the recording is delivered using:

SMS via your phone's standard SMS system. When Direct Send is enabled and a contact has SMS configured, this happens automatically when a recording finishes.
Email via your device's installed mail app (Gmail, Outlook, etc.). When you choose to send to an email contact, AudioWitness opens your mail app with the message pre-filled — you tap Send yourself. AudioWitness does not have permission to send emails on your behalf.
Google Drive sharing links included in the SMS or email body when your Google account is connected.

The recipient receives a link to the file on your Google Drive and, where applicable, a structured JSON file containing the recording's metadata (timestamp, GPS, tags). AudioWitness does not see, store, or proxy any of this data — it travels directly from your device to the recipient.

Google account permissions

If you connect your Google account, AudioWitness requests one permission:

Drive access (drive.file): Limited to files the app creates. AudioWitness cannot see or modify any other files in your Drive.

You can revoke this permission at any time from the app's Settings screen, or from your Google account permissions page.

Trusted contacts

Contact details you add are stored only on your device. AudioWitness does not transmit them anywhere unless you actively use them to share a recording.

Permissions the app requests

Microphone — to record audio
Location — to embed GPS in recordings
SMS send — for Direct Send via SMS to trusted contacts
Contacts (read) — to display profile pictures next to your trusted contacts. AudioWitness reads only your phone's contact list to match names you've added; it does not upload or share contact data.
Notifications — for service status and recording confirmations
Battery optimization exemption — to ensure the triple-press trigger works reliably while the screen is off (this is the app's core safety function)

Children's privacy

AudioWitness is not directed at children under 13 and does not knowingly collect data from them.

Changes to this policy

If the policy changes, the "Last updated" date at the top will reflect this. Material changes will be announced in the app.

Contact

Questions about this policy or the app: audiowitness.app@gmail.com