Privacy Policy
Last updated: 27 May 2026
The short version: Your research library, PDFs, notes, and AI prompts never reach our servers. They stay on your device, under your control. The only personal data we hold is the email address and name you intentionally give us, for example at checkout.
Your data stays on your device
Sciwand is a local-first desktop application. Your library, documents, PDFs, annotations, embeddings, notes, and the prompts you send to AI features are stored on your own computer and managed entirely by you. We do not upload, process, read, or retain any of it on our servers. We have no copy of your library and no ability to access it.
AI features
When you use an AI or embedding feature, the request goes directly from your device to the model provider you have configured (for example, your chosen chat or embedding service) using your own credentials. Sciwand's servers are not in that path; we neither see nor store those prompts, documents, or responses. Your use of a third-party provider is governed by that provider's own terms and privacy policy.
What we actually collect
We keep personal data only when you intentionally provide it:
- Email address and name: when you buy a license, request an educational discount, or subscribe to updates. We use these to deliver your license or discount code, provide support, and send messages you've asked for.
- Purchase details: payments are processed by Stripe. We never see or store your full card number; Stripe handles card data under its own privacy policy. We retain a record of the purchase (such as plan, date, and license key) tied to your email.
- Educational verification: if you request a student/faculty discount, we store the email address and its domain to issue and track the discount code.
Website analytics
Our website records anonymous, aggregate traffic so we can see which pages are popular. This is limited to a randomly generated, per-session identifier (stored only for the current browser session), the page path, and the referring page. We do not store your raw IP address (it is hashed on the server) and we do not use cross-site tracking or advertising cookies.
We also use a small number of first-party cookies that contain only random, opaque identifiers (no personal information). These help us recognise returning visitors so we can measure how well the site explains the product and improve it over time. They stay on your device for up to a year, are never shared with third parties, and you can clear them from your browser at any time without affecting your account.
Transactional and subscribed emails are sent via Amazon SES. Every marketing or newsletter email includes an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time.
Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We share the limited data above only with the service providers that make the product work, primarily Stripe (payments) and Amazon SES (email), and only as needed to deliver the service, or where required by law.
Retention & your rights
We keep the data described above for as long as needed to provide your license, support, and the communications you've opted into, and to meet legal or accounting obligations. You may ask us to access, correct, or delete your personal data at any time by emailing info@sciwand.com. Because your library and prompts never reach us, those are deleted simply by removing them on your own device.
Children
Sciwand is intended for researchers, students, and professionals and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from them.
Changes
We may update this policy as the product evolves. Material changes will be reflected here with a new "last updated" date.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email us at info@sciwand.com.