Comma
Privacy Policy
Effective date: October 8, 2026 · Applies to Comma for iPhone, iPad, Android and related online services
Comma is provided by Pengchao (beijing) Technology Co., Ltd. This policy explains how we handle your information. Recordings and history are stored on your device. Online recognition is on by default and sends audio through Comma's server to Doubao / Volcengine or Alibaba Cloud Qwen when used. You can select on-device recognition under Recognition Engine in Settings so subsequent recognition runs on your device.
Information we process
Account and installation
- Installation ID: a random identifier generated on first launch, used to identify this installation and grant initial free quota.
- Account: you can stay anonymous; if you sign in with Apple or Google we receive the account identifier from that platform, and with your consent possibly your name and email.
- Device and runtime: platform (iOS/Android), device model, OS version, app version, locale, time zone, and request IP address (for security and troubleshooting).
Audio and text
- Audio: online recording sends audio while you speak; imports and retries upload audio in chunks. Audio, recognition language, custom vocabulary and optional recognition prompts pass through Comma's server to Doubao / Volcengine (ByteDance) or Alibaba Cloud Qwen to generate text. Comma does not write recognition audio to its database or permanent files. The provider's processing and retention are governed by its policies and service terms; we do not promise that no data is retained anywhere in the provider's processing chain.
- Transcripts: online transcripts and segments are encrypted in the production database for up to 30 days for recognition history, feedback support and troubleshooting, then automatically cleared. The latest response is also cached in memory for up to one hour for retry deduplication.
- On-device content: recordings, transcripts, translations and history live on your device and can be deleted in the app at any time. Deleting the app removes them.
- Offline mode: with on-device recognition, audio never leaves your phone.
Usage and diagnostics
- Quota and usage: seconds consumed per recognition, status, latency and error codes, used for billing and quality.
- The first release is free and includes a first 10-minute online trial, with no purchases or subscriptions. The production service does not add quota or create orders through simulated purchases.
Feedback and support
Only when you submit feedback, we collect your message, up to three images you select, platform, package identifier, app version, associated account identifier and submission time. Images are compressed, EXIF metadata is removed, and access requires authentication. Do not include unrelated sensitive information. When you email support, we process the email address and content you provide.
How we use information
- To provide recognition, free trial quota, sign-in and feedback;
- To keep the service secure (abuse prevention, troubleshooting) and measure quality;
- To reply when you contact support.
We do not sell personal information and do not use it for cross-app advertising. The app contains no third-party ad SDKs.
Sharing
- Sign-in providers: Apple and Google, only when you choose to sign in, only to verify identity.
- Cloud and recognition: Comma's production backend and database run on Tencent Cloud in Silicon Valley, United States. Online recognition uses Doubao / Volcengine or Alibaba Cloud Qwen at openspeech.bytedance.com and dashscope.aliyuncs.com, currently in China regions. See the Volcengine Privacy Policy. Online features transmit and process relevant data between infrastructure in the United States and China. Provider processing and retention follow the applicable service terms.
- Model downloads: the configured model hosting service receives download requests and network IP addresses. Downloading requires a connection; recognition with downloaded on-device models does not upload recognition audio.
- Legal: only when required by law or valid legal process.
Retention and deletion
- Server-side: account, installation, quota, usage and feedback (including images) are retained while the account exists to provide service and handle feedback.
- Audio and transcripts: Comma does not retain original recognition audio. Online transcripts and segments are encrypted and retained for up to 30 days, then automatically cleared; response caches for retry deduplication last up to one hour. The provider's data handling rules apply separately.
- Storage and cleanup: the active database keeps only the account identifiers, sessions, quota, usage and feedback images needed to provide the Service. Your local history remains under your control. Backups and necessary security audit records rotate on the usual schedule.
Children
Comma is intended for users aged 13 and older and is not directed at children. Minors should obtain a guardian's permission where required by local law. Contact support if you identify a child account that does not meet these requirements.
Security and choices
App connections use HTTPS / WSS encryption. Online recognition, third-party sign-in and feedback are optional. You can select on-device recognition, delete local history, delete your server account, or email us to request access, correction or deletion. We do not request advertising tracking permission, sell personal information or use cross-app advertising tracking.
Changes
We may update this policy as the service or legal requirements change; the effective date on this page will be updated. Material changes will be highlighted in the app or on this page.
Contact
For privacy questions or requests, contact Pengchao (beijing) Technology Co., Ltd at support@getpyckl.com or see the support page.