Effective Date: November 10, 2025•Last Updated: November 10, 2025
Overview
Arkem is an AI chat application for macOS that stores all your data locally on your Mac. We believe your conversations and memories belong to you.
Data Collection and Storage
What We Collect
None. Arkem does not collect, transmit, or store any of your data on external servers.
Where Your Data Lives
All conversations are stored locally in ~/Library/Application Support/Arkem/
All memories are extracted and stored locally on your Mac
All settings are stored in local macOS preferences
Your data never leaves your device
AI Processing
Foundation Models: All AI processing happens on-device using Apple's Foundation Models framework
No cloud processing: Your conversations are never sent to external servers
No training data: Your conversations are never used to train AI models
Services We Use
Sign in with Apple (Optional)
Used only for future feature licensing validation
We store only your Apple ID identifier
No personal data is shared with third parties
You can use Arkem without signing in during beta testing
Analytics and Tracking
None. We do not use any analytics or tracking services. No telemetry, no usage statistics, no third-party SDKs.
Beta Testing (TestFlight)
During beta testing via TestFlight:
Apple may collect crash logs and usage information
This information is shared with us to improve the app
Your name and email (from TestFlight) may be visible to us
We will not share this information with any third party
We use this data solely to fix bugs and improve Arkem
Future Features
We may add optional features in the future:
Cloud Sync (optional): Encrypted backup of your conversations to your personal iCloud
External AI Providers: Option to use OpenAI GPT or Anthropic Claude with your own API keys
Multi-Device Sync: Syncing between your Mac and iOS devices
Important: All future features involving cloud services will be clearly disclosed before implementation, entirely optional, and under your control.
Your Rights
You have complete control over your data:
Export: All data is stored in human-readable JSON format in ~/Library/Application Support/Arkem/
Delete: Simply delete the Arkem folder to remove all data
Backup: You can backup your data using Time Machine or any backup solution
Portability: Your data is in open JSON format, readable by any text editor
Children's Privacy
Arkem is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from children.
Changes to This Policy
We will update this policy if our data practices change. The "Last Updated" date will reflect any changes. Continued use of Arkem after changes constitutes acceptance.
Contact
Questions about privacy or Arkem's data practices?