Effective Date: August 25, 2026
Last Updated: August 25, 2026
Version: 1.1
MacWinlink is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how MacWinlink ("we", "our", or "the app") handles your information.
The short version: We don't collect, store, or transmit your data. Everything stays on your Mac.
MacWinlink does NOT collect, store, transmit, or share any of the following:
MacWinlink stores the following information only on your local Mac in standard macOS application directories:
Important: All data is stored locally on your Mac using standard macOS file system and security features. We never have access to this data.
MacWinlink connects to external services to provide its functionality. When you use these services, data is transmitted directly between your Mac and the service provider:
Important: We do not control these third-party services. When you use MacWinlink to connect to Winlink, you are subject to Winlink's terms of service and privacy policy. Please review their policies at https://winlink.org.
Your locally stored information is used to:
- Authenticate with Winlink CMS
- Compose, send, and receive messages
- Configure and control radio equipment
- Maintain session history for your reference
- Provide app functionality and user experience
When you connect to Winlink:
- Your callsign is used for authentication and message routing
- Your messages are transmitted through the Winlink network
- Session metadata is logged by Winlink servers
- See Winlink's privacy policy for details on their data handling
You have complete control over your data:
~/Library/Application Support/MacWinlink/Messages/~/Library/Preferences/com.yourname.MacWinlink.plist~/Library/Application Support/MacWinlink/Logs/Amateur radio licensing requires the operator to meet legal age requirements as determined by their country's telecommunications regulatory authority (e.g., FCC in the United States). While minors can obtain licenses in some jurisdictions, they must do so through the proper legal channels.
MacWinlink is not directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided information through MacWinlink, please contact us immediately.
Amateur radio is regulated differently in each country:
- United States: Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
- Canada: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISEDC)
- United Kingdom: Ofcom
- Other Countries: Check with your national telecommunications authority
You are responsible for complying with your country's amateur radio regulations when using MacWinlink.
All data is stored locally on your Mac, wherever you are located. When you connect to Winlink, your messages may be routed through servers in various countries as part of the Winlink network infrastructure.
For European Union users:
- Data Controller: You are the controller of your own data (stored locally)
- Data Processor: Winlink processes data when you use their services
- Legal Basis: Legitimate interest (amateur radio communications)
- Rights: You have full rights to access, modify, and delete your data at any time
- Contact: See "Contact Us" section below
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in:
- App features and functionality
- Legal requirements or regulations
- Industry best practices
- User feedback
Your continued use of MacWinlink after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy. If you don't agree with changes, please stop using the app and delete all data.
MacWinlink is open source software. You can:
- Review the complete source code on GitHub
- Verify data handling practices yourself
- Audit security implementations
- Contribute improvements
Repository: https://github.com/ARSFI/MacWinlink
We believe in transparency. If you find any privacy concerns in the code, please report them via GitHub Issues.
MacWinlink uses the following open source libraries:
- Swift Standard Library: Apple's standard library (built-in to macOS)
- RigControl: Ham radio control library (if used)
- Other dependencies listed in Package.swift
These libraries may have their own privacy implications. We've reviewed them and selected libraries that respect user privacy. See individual library licenses for details.
MacWinlink complies with:
- Apple App Store Guidelines: Data collection and privacy requirements
- Amateur Radio Regulations: FCC Part 97 (US) and equivalent international regulations
- GDPR: European Union data protection regulations (for EU users)
- CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act (for California users)
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how MacWinlink handles your data:
GitHub Issues: https://github.com/ARSFI/MacWinlink/issues
Email: [Your support email]
Expected Response Time: 7 business days
To exercise your data rights (access, deletion, export):
1. Your data is already fully accessible on your Mac (see "Your Rights" section above)
2. For questions about Winlink data, contact Winlink.org directly
3. For questions about app data handling, open a GitHub issue
If you discover a security vulnerability:
1. Do NOT post it publicly on GitHub
2. Email security details to: [Your security email]
3. Use GPG encryption if possible (key available on request)
4. We'll respond within 48 hours
MacWinlink is provided "as is" without warranty. While we take privacy seriously, we cannot guarantee:
- Security of data transmitted over amateur radio (public by nature)
- Privacy practices of Winlink or other third-party services
- Security of your Mac or network connection
- Compliance with all jurisdictions' privacy laws
You use MacWinlink at your own risk. Please review Winlink's terms and privacy policy before using their services.
Important Notice for Ham Radio Operators:
Amateur radio transmissions are PUBLIC by law:
- ❌ Do not transmit personally identifiable information
- ❌ Do not transmit financial information
- ❌ Do not transmit medical records
- ❌ Do not transmit business communications
- ❌ Do not encrypt messages (illegal under amateur radio rules)
Winlink is designed for:
- ✅ Non-commercial communications
- ✅ Emergency communications
- ✅ Personal messages to family/friends
- ✅ Weather reports and notices
- ✅ Amateur radio technical discussions
MacWinlink is a tool for legal amateur radio communications. You are responsible for complying with your amateur radio license terms and conditions.
What we collect: Nothing. All data stays on your Mac.
What we share: Nothing. We never see your data.
What you share: When you use Winlink, you share data with Winlink services per their policies.
Your control: Complete. You can access, modify, and delete all data at any time.
Questions? Open a GitHub issue or email us.
Last Updated: August 25, 2026
Version: 1.1
Effective Date: August 25, 2026
MacWinlink is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc., Winlink, or any amateur radio licensing authority. MacWinlink is independent open source software developed by and for the amateur radio community.
Amateur Radio and Ham Radio are trademarks of their respective owners.
73 and good luck with your communications!