Privacy Policy — GekoNotes for macOS

1. Data Controller

The data controller for the GekoNotes for macOS application (Bundle ID: com.michelebruzza.GekoNotes) is:

• Developer: Michele Bruzza
• Support & Privacy Email: support@hubstiq.com
• Official Website: gekonotes.hubstiq.com

2. Data Handled and Local Storage

GekoNotes handles only the content and configurations you explicitly create inside the app:

• Note Content: Titles, plain and formatted rich text (Regular, Bold, Italic, Underline), lists (bullet, numbered, lettered), interactive checklist states (☐/☑), and customized SF Symbol icon assignments across all 36 slots.
• User Interface Preferences: Window position on your desktop, configured window size preset (Compact, Standard, Large, Custom), Frosted Glass background toggle (NSVisualEffectView), theme mode, and neon accent color.

All data is stored locally within the protected App Sandbox on your Mac.

3. iCloud Synchronization & Absence of Developer Servers

The app operates without proprietary server infrastructure:

• Native Apple iCloud: Bidirectional synchronization between your Mac and iOS devices occurs via Apple's native NSUbiquitousKeyValueStore. Data travels solely between your Mac and Apple iCloud servers, secured and encrypted under your personal Apple ID.
• No Middleman: No data ever passes through developer-owned servers or third-party databases.
• Offline Mode: You can turn off iCloud sync at any time in Settings > iCloud & Backup, keeping all notes strictly local to your Mac.

4. macOS System Security & Permissions

GekoNotes is designed to adhere to Apple's highest desktop security standards:

• App Sandbox: The app executes inside macOS's hardened App Sandbox, restricting file system access exclusively to the app container.
• Global Hotkey (⌃⌥G) without Accessibility Privileges: The global hotkey is registered using the native Carbon API (RegisterEventHotKey). This allows one-stroke activation without requiring the user to grant invasive Accessibility or Screen Recording permissions in macOS System Settings.
• Launch at Login: The auto-launch feature uses the transparent, sandboxed SMAppService API (macOS 13+), cleanly managed by the operating system.

5. Zero Tracking, Telemetry, and Advertising

• Zero Analytics: No third-party usage analytics, crash-tracking SDKs, or external logging tools.
• Zero Advertising: No ads, tracking cookies, or commercial profiling.
• Zero Telemetry: The app never transmits background usage telemetry.

6. Backup, Export, and Erasure

You maintain full control of your notes at all times:

• Export & Import JSON: Generate an open-standard .json archive containing all 36 notes and their assigned icons with one click for offline archiving or backup.
• Quick Erasure: Clear note text or entire note slots instantly via the toolbar trash action.

7. User Rights (GDPR & European Privacy)

In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR - EU Regulation 2016/679), you hold full rights to access, export, or permanently delete your data at any time via the application UI or your iCloud account settings.

8. Contact & Support

For inquiries regarding privacy, data protection, or app behavior, please contact:

✉️ support@hubstiq.com