Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 16, 2025

1. Scope

This Privacy Policy describes how Shapeshifter Studios ("we", "us") handles information in the TranslateGPT iOS application and on this marketing website. TranslateGPT is designed around a Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) model: you control the OpenAI API key that powers translations and speech synthesis.

2. Core Principles

  • All translation content flows directly between your device and OpenAI using your own API key.
  • Shapeshifter Studios never sees, collects, or transmits your translation content, audio recordings, or API key.
  • Your OpenAI API key is stored only in the Apple iOS Keychain on your device.
  • We keep permissions to the minimum needed for translation functionality.

3. Information Processed On Your Device

TranslateGPT stores the following items locally on the device you use:

  • OpenAI API key: Encrypted and stored in iOS Keychain. It never leaves your device.
  • App preferences: Such as selected languages or voice options, saved in local app storage.

No copy of this information is transmitted to Shapeshifter Studios.

4. Translation & Audio Data

  • Audio capture only begins after you grant microphone permission and press the record control. Recording stops immediately when you release or tap stop.
  • Captured audio is sent directly to OpenAI using your API key. It is not uploaded to or routed through any Shapeshifter Studios infrastructure.
  • Transcribed or translated text returned from OpenAI is displayed within the app session and is not stored or transmitted to us.

5. Information We Do NOT Collect

When you use TranslateGPT we do not collect:

  • Translation audio or text content.
  • Your OpenAI API key or authentication credentials.
  • Personal identifiers such as name, email address, phone number, or location.
  • Device-specific information (device identifiers, IP address, installed apps).
  • Usage analytics, behavioral tracking, or advertising identifiers.
  • Crash logs or performance telemetry generated by the app.

6. Third-Party Providers

OpenAI

TranslateGPT integrates with OpenAI APIs using the API key you provide. Requests are sent from your device directly to OpenAI. OpenAI’s handling of that data is governed by their own terms and policies. Please review the OpenAI Privacy Policy to understand how they process and retain information.

Apple

All subscriptions and in-app purchases are handled through Apple. If you have opted in to share diagnostics and usage information with developers through Apple’s system settings, Apple may provide us with aggregated, de-identified crash diagnostics. We do not receive raw logs or data that can identify you, and we do not combine those diagnostics with any other information.

7. Diagnostics & Analytics

Shapeshifter Studios does not run third-party analytics, ad networks, or tracking SDKs inside TranslateGPT. We only receive the optional, anonymized diagnostics that Apple makes available when a user explicitly opts in via iOS settings.

8. Data Retention & Deletion

  • On-device data: Your API key, preferences, and any cached translations remain on your device until you delete them. Removing the app or resetting the app data clears this information.
  • Diagnostics from Apple: Aggregated crash analytics supplied by Apple may be retained within Apple’s developer portal for as long as Apple makes them available.

We do not maintain separate backups or archives of your data.

9. Your Controls

  • You can revoke microphone access at any time in iOS Settings > TranslateGPT.
  • You can delete your OpenAI API key within the app settings or by uninstalling the app.
  • To stop any Apple-provided diagnostics, disable “Share iPhone Analytics” and “Share with App Developers” in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security.
  • You remain responsible for managing your OpenAI account, including API usage data visible in your OpenAI dashboard.

10. Children’s Privacy

TranslateGPT is intended for individuals 13 years of age or older. We do not knowingly solicit or collect personal data from children under 13.

11. International Use

TranslateGPT may be used globally. Because your data does not transit our servers, any cross-border transfer occurs solely between your device and OpenAI’s infrastructure, subject to OpenAI’s terms.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may revise this Privacy Policy to reflect product, legal, or regulatory updates. When material changes occur we will post the revised policy here and note the effective date within the document.