Quick Summary
Phonograph - Voice Recorder is built with a strict privacy-first architecture. The application is completely offline, does not request internet access permissions, and has absolutely zero access to external servers. Your voice recordings never leave your device.
Effective Date: June 9, 2026
This privacy policy governs your use of the software application Phonograph - Voice Recorder ("Application") for mobile devices, which was created by Sarath VJ ("we", "us", or "our") and is registered under the application package name com.svcj91.phonograph.
The Application is designed to provide high-quality audio recording and playback functionality while respecting and protecting your privacy. This policy explains what information is collected, how it is used, and how we protect your personal data.
1. Zero Data Collection & Offline Operation
Unlike standard modern apps, Phonograph is completely offline. The Application does not declare or request the android.permission.INTERNET permission in its Android Manifest. Because there is no internet access, the Application is technologically incapable of transmitting any information outside your device.
- No Personal Information: We do not collect, store, or share any personal identifiers, contact details, email addresses, names, or device identifiers.
- No Usage Analytics: We do not integrate any third-party SDKs, tracking pixels, cookies, or analytics libraries (such as Google Analytics or Firebase Analytics) that collect usage data.
- No Crash Telemetry: Crash logs are kept strictly internal to the Android operating system's default local mechanism (unless you explicitly choose to share them with Google Play console under standard Google settings).
2. Permissions Requested & Purpose
To deliver its core recording and playback features, the Application requires specific device permissions. These are prompted when they are first needed and can be managed in your Android settings at any time:
| Android Permission | Purpose & Usage | Privacy Impact |
|---|---|---|
android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO |
Allows the app to access the device microphone to capture sound and create your audio recordings. | High. The app only records when you explicitly tap the record button and displays visual indicators when active. |
android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS |
Allows the app to display a status notification in the notification drawer when recording is active. | Low. Used to provide you quick playback/stop controls and to show that a recording is running. |
android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICEand FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE |
Enables the recording service to run in the background. This ensures your recording is not abruptly cut off when you lock your screen or use another application. | Medium. Essential for normal recorder usage. A prominent active notification is shown while this service is running. |
3. Data Storage, Ownership, and Retention
All audio notes and recordings created using the Application are stored directly on your device's local memory using the official Android MediaStore API.
- Storage Path: Recordings are saved as
.m4afiles inside standard directories on your device:- On Android 12 (API 31) and above:
Recordings/VoiceNotesRecorder - On older Android versions:
Music/VoiceNotesRecorder
- On Android 12 (API 31) and above:
- Full Ownership: You retain complete ownership, possession, and control over all recordings. They are your files.
- Deletion & Modification: You can edit, rename, share, or delete any recording from within the Application or by using any standard File Manager app. When you delete a recording, it is permanently erased from your device's local storage. We have no way to restore deleted recordings because we do not keep backups.
4. Third-Party Services and SDKs
The Application relies on standard Android Platform Libraries, Jetpack Compose, Dagger Hilt (for dependency injection), and Jetpack Media3 ExoPlayer (for audio playback). None of these components collect or transmit any data outside the device. The app is completely free of advertising networks, marketing SDKs, and user tracking scripts.
5. Children's Privacy
We are fully committed to protecting the privacy of children. Because the Application does not collect, transmit, or share any personal information of any kind (and does not utilize any internet connection), it is fully compliant with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) children policies. The app is safe for users of all ages.
6. Security of Your Local Data
Because the app does not send any files over the network, your recordings are as secure as your physical mobile device. We recommend securing your device with a PIN, pattern, password, or biometric authentication to prevent unauthorized physical access to your local files.
7. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we decide to modify this policy, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this document. If we ever plan to introduce online sync or networking features that change our data practices, we will release an updated version of the app detailing those changes and request your explicit consent.
8. Contact Information
If you have any questions, feedback, or concerns regarding your privacy while using the Application, please contact the developer at:
Email Support: svcj91@gmail.com
Developer: Sarath VJ