Data We Collect
Kaikou is a native macOS voice input app. We understand how sensitive voice data is, so privacy protection was a core design principle from day one. This app collects the following types of data:
| Data type | Purpose | Linked to identity | Used for tracking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voice audio | Speech recognition and text conversion; discarded immediately after on-device processing | No | No |
| Email address | Account registration (optionally shared via Sign in with Apple) | Yes | No |
| Phone number | Account registration and SMS verification-code sign-in | Yes | No |
| User identifier | Account identification and subscription-state sync | Yes | No |
| User-entered text | Sent to the third-party AI service of your choice for polishing or translation, with your authorization | No | No |
| Crash logs | In-app crash log collection, used to improve stability | No | No |
| User nickname | Account display name, optionally shared via Sign in with Apple | Yes | No |
| Subscription status & product tier | Records your current tier (Free/Pro/Ultra) to deliver the matching features | Yes | No |
| Subscription transaction info | App Store subscription transactions, used to validate subscription status | Yes | No |
Speech Recognition & Privacy
- Core promise: local first. The default engine is the offline SenseVoice model — your voice is processed on-device via sherpa-onnx with no network at all, and audio is never uploaded to any server.
- The Apple Speech framework. If you choose Apple Speech as the engine, macOS sends audio to Apple's servers for recognition while online. That process is governed by Apple's privacy policy — Kaikou does not participate, store, or transmit this data.
Third-Party Services
Kaikou may involve the following third-party services:
- Sign in with Apple. Authentication is handled by Apple directly; we only receive the user identifier Apple shares, plus your email address if you choose to share it.
- Tencent Cloud SMS. Verification codes are delivered via Tencent Cloud SMS; your phone number is used solely for code delivery.
- AI text polishing services. When you actively use AI polishing or translation, text is sent over an encrypted connection to the AI provider you choose (DeepSeek, Qwen, Zhipu GLM, etc.). Kaikou does not store the text you send. You can switch providers in Settings or turn AI features off entirely.
We require every third-party provider we share user data with to meet data-protection standards equal to or stricter than this policy. For each provider's own practices, refer to their respective privacy statements.
Data Storage & Security
- On-device storage: voice audio is discarded immediately after local processing and never retained. Authentication tokens are stored securely in the macOS Keychain.
- Server storage: account information (phone number, email, user identifier) is stored on our servers in mainland China. Authentication uses JWT tokens plus SMS verification codes — no passwords are ever stored — and all traffic is encrypted over HTTPS.
- Retention: account information (phone number, email, user identifier) is retained until you delete your account. After deletion, we complete full data erasure — including all personal data server-side — within 30 days. Voice audio is discarded immediately after on-device processing. Crash logs are retained no longer than 90 days.
- Sandbox security: the app runs inside the macOS App Sandbox with strictly limited file and network permissions.
- Data deletion: you can permanently delete your account and related data under in-app "Account Settings > Delete Account". Erasure completes within 30 days and cannot be undone.
Your Rights
Under applicable data-protection laws, you have the following rights:
- Access: you may learn what personal data we hold about you. View your registration info in the app's account settings, or request a copy of your data via support@17kaikou.com.
- Rectification: you may correct inaccurate personal data. Update your email and other details in account settings, or write to support@17kaikou.com for help.
- Erasure: you may request deletion of your personal data. Delete your account and all related data under "Account Settings > Delete Account" in the app, or make the request by email.
- Withdraw consent: you may withdraw previously given consent (microphone permission, AI authorization, etc.) at any time; withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of prior processing.
- Data portability: you may obtain a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used format. Contact support@17kaikou.com to make the request.
Subscriptions & Payments
Kaikou comes in three tiers: Basic (free), Pro, and Ultra. Pro and Ultra are App Store subscriptions, with all payment transactions handled by Apple — we never directly collect your credit card or payment information. Free users get 100 AI recognition credits per day (1 AI-enhanced recognition = 1 credit), reset at midnight with no rollover. Subscribing to Pro or Ultra unlocks unlimited AI credits and all advanced features. There is no free trial — billing starts from the first cycle. You can cancel anytime in System Settings and keep access until the period ends.
Children's Privacy
This app is not directed at children under 14, and we do not knowingly collect children's personal information. If we discover we have mistakenly collected a child's data, we will delete it immediately.
Policy Updates
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Updated versions are published on this site (17kaikou.com/privacy.html). Material changes will be announced via in-app notifications or on this website. Continued use of Kaikou means you accept the updated privacy policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions or suggestions about this privacy policy, reach us at:
- Email: support@17kaikou.com
- Website: 17kaikou.com