Privacy Policy

1. Information Collection and Storage

1.1 Clipboard Data

PastePaw monitors and stores your clipboard history to provide its core functionality. This includes:

• Text content you copy
• Images you copy
• Source application information (app name and icon)
• Timestamps of when items were copied

All clipboard data is stored exclusively on your local device in a SQLite database. This data never leaves your computer and is not transmitted to any server, cloud service, or third party.

1.2 Application Settings

Your application preferences and settings (such as hotkey configurations, theme preferences, folder organizations, and ignored applications) are stored locally on your device.

2. Data We Do NOT Collect

PastePaw does NOT collect, store, or transmit:

• Your clipboard content or history
• Personal identification information
• Usage patterns or behavior tracking
• Keystroke logging or screen monitoring
• File system access beyond the app's data storage

3. Third-Party Services

3.1 AI Features (Optional)

If you choose to use PastePaw's AI features (such as summarize, translate, or explain code), the following applies:

• You must provide your own API key from a third-party AI provider (OpenAI, DeepSeek, or compatible services)
• When you activate an AI feature, the selected clipboard content is sent to your chosen AI provider for processing
• This data transmission only occurs when you explicitly trigger an AI action
• The use of your data by the AI provider is governed by their privacy policy, not ours
• You can disable or avoid using AI features entirely if you prefer not to share any content with third parties

3.2 Update Checks (macOS Direct Download Version)

The direct download version of PastePaw may periodically check for updates by connecting to GitHub's servers. This check only transmits:

• Your current app version number
• Your macOS version (for compatibility verification)

Note: The Mac App Store version does not perform update checks as updates are managed by Apple.

3.3 International Data Transfers

If you use the optional AI features, your selected clipboard content may be transmitted to AI provider servers located outside your country of residence (e.g., the United States or China, depending on the provider). By using these features, you acknowledge and consent to this transfer. The processing of your data by these providers is subject to their respective privacy policies.

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• All data is stored in a local SQLite database on your device
• File permissions restrict access to your clipboard history to the PastePaw application only
• No network transmission of clipboard data (except when you explicitly use AI features)
• App sandbox on macOS ensures PastePaw cannot access files or data outside its designated container

5. Application Exceptions (Ignored Apps)

You can configure PastePaw to exclude specific applications from clipboard monitoring (such as password managers, banking apps, or other sensitive software). When content is copied from an ignored application:

• The clipboard content is NOT stored in PastePaw's history
• The source app detection checks your configured ignore list before recording
• Your ignore list is stored locally and never transmitted

6. Data Retention and Deletion

You have complete control over your clipboard history:

• You can delete individual clipboard items at any time
• You can clear your entire clipboard history from the app settings
• Uninstalling PastePaw removes all stored clipboard data from your device
• No clipboard data is retained on any external server

7. Permissions Required

PastePaw requires the following macOS permissions to function:

• Clipboard Access: To monitor and read clipboard content
• Accessibility (Optional): Required only if you want to use the auto-paste feature. This permission allows PastePaw to simulate keyboard input (Cmd+V) to paste content into other applications. You can use PastePaw without this permission by manually pasting.
• Full Disk Access (NOT Required): PastePaw does NOT require or request Full Disk Access

8. Children's Privacy

PastePaw does not knowingly collect any personal information from children. The app does not have user accounts, profiles, or any data collection mechanisms.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your data:

• Access and Portability: Since all data is stored locally on your device, you have direct access to it at all times.
• Deletion: You can delete individual clipboard items or clear your entire history from within the app at any time.
• Opt-Out: You can disable AI features to prevent any data from being sent to third-party providers. You can also configure ignored applications to exclude sensitive apps from clipboard monitoring.

Because PastePaw does not collect or store personal data on any server, most data subject requests under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) are fulfilled automatically by the app's local-only design. If you have additional requests, please contact us.

10. Consent

By downloading, installing, and using PastePaw, you consent to this Privacy Policy. If you use the optional AI features, you further consent to the transmission of selected content to your chosen third-party AI provider. You may withdraw consent at any time by discontinuing use of the app or disabling AI features.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated through the app or on our website.

12. Open Source Transparency

PastePaw is open source software. You can review the complete source code on GitHub to verify our privacy practices:

https://github.com/XueshiQiao/PastePaw

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or PastePaw's privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: qiaoxueshi@gmail.com
• GitHub Issues: https://github.com/XueshiQiao/PastePaw/issues
• Support Page: PastePaw Support