# Privacy Policy for MacWinlink **Effective Date:** August 25, 2026 **Last Updated:** August 25, 2026 **Version:** 1.1 --- ## Overview 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. --- ## Data Collection ### Information We Do NOT Collect MacWinlink does **NOT** collect, store, transmit, or share any of the following: - ❌ Your messages or message content - ❌ Your location data or GPS coordinates - ❌ Usage analytics or telemetry - ❌ Crash reports (unless you explicitly choose to send them) - ❌ Browsing history or app usage patterns - ❌ Device identifiers or advertising IDs - ❌ Contact lists or address books - ❌ Personal information beyond what you explicitly enter ### Information Stored Locally on Your Mac MacWinlink stores the following information **only on your local Mac** in standard macOS application directories: #### Required for Operation: - **Amateur Radio Callsign:** Your ham radio callsign is required to use Winlink - **Winlink Password:** Stored securely in macOS Keychain (encrypted by Apple) - **Station Configuration:** Your station name, grid square, and radio preferences #### User Content: - **Messages:** Drafts, sent messages, and received messages - **Attachments:** Files attached to messages - **Message Templates:** Custom templates you create #### Settings and History: - **Application Preferences:** UI settings, gateway preferences, transport configurations - **Session History:** Connection logs, session statistics (dates, gateways used, message counts) - **Radio Configurations:** Radio control settings, frequency presets, modem configurations #### Technical Data: - **Application Logs:** Diagnostic logs for troubleshooting (stored locally, never transmitted) - **Cached Data:** Temporary files for app performance **Important:** All data is stored locally on your Mac using standard macOS file system and security features. We never have access to this data. --- ## Third-Party Services 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: ### Winlink CMS Network - **Purpose:** Message delivery and retrieval for Winlink email - **Data Shared:** Your amateur radio callsign, messages you send/receive, session metadata - **Provider:** Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. - **Privacy Policy:** See [Winlink.org Privacy Policy](https://winlink.org) - **Control:** You control what messages you send and when you connect ### Winlink Web Services API - **Purpose:** Gateway discovery, account verification, system status - **Data Shared:** Your callsign for authentication, geographic location for gateway discovery - **Provider:** Amateur Radio Safety Foundation, Inc. - **Privacy Policy:** See [Winlink.org Privacy Policy](https://winlink.org) **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](https://winlink.org). ### Radio Equipment (Optional) - **Purpose:** Direct radio connections via VARA, ARDOP, or Packet Radio - **Data Shared:** Messages transmitted over amateur radio frequencies - **Important:** Radio transmissions are **PUBLIC** and can be received by anyone with appropriate equipment. Do not transmit sensitive or private information over amateur radio. --- ## How Your Information Is Used ### By MacWinlink (Locally) 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 ### By Winlink Services 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 --- ## Data Security ### Local Data Protection - **Keychain Storage:** Passwords stored in macOS Keychain using Apple's encryption - **File Permissions:** Message files protected by macOS file system permissions - **Sandboxing:** App runs in macOS sandbox for security isolation - **No Cloud Sync:** Data never automatically synced to iCloud or other cloud services ### Network Security - **Secure Connections:** Connections to Winlink CMS use secure authentication protocols - **Challenge-Response:** Password never transmitted in plain text (MD5 challenge-response) - **TLS Support:** Optional TLS encryption for telnet connections ### Best Practices - Keep macOS updated for security patches - Use a strong password for your Winlink account - Enable FileVault for full-disk encryption (recommended) - Regularly backup your Mac (messages are not backed up automatically) --- ## Your Rights and Choices You have complete control over your data: ### Access - All your data is stored in standard macOS directories - Messages: `~/Library/Application Support/MacWinlink/Messages/` - Settings: `~/Library/Preferences/com.yourname.MacWinlink.plist` - Session logs: `~/Library/Application Support/MacWinlink/Logs/` ### Deletion - **Delete Messages:** Remove individual messages or entire folders within the app - **Clear History:** Delete session history and logs from app preferences - **Remove Credentials:** Delete stored callsign and password from app settings - **Uninstall App:** Completely removes all app data from your Mac ### Export - Messages stored in standard format (can be exported manually) - Session history can be copied from app interface - Logs accessible as plain text files ### Opt-Out - You choose when to connect to Winlink (app never connects automatically) - You can disconnect at any time - No telemetry or analytics to opt out of (we don't collect any) --- ## Children's Privacy 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. --- ## International Users ### Amateur Radio Regulations 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. ### Data Storage Location 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. ### GDPR Compliance (EU Users) 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 --- ## Changes to This Privacy Policy 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 ### How We Notify You of Changes - Updated version posted in the app repository - "Last Updated" date revised at top of this document - Major changes announced in app release notes - Users encouraged to review policy periodically ### Your Continued Use 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. --- ## Open Source Transparency 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](https://github.com/ARSFI/MacWinlink) We believe in transparency. If you find any privacy concerns in the code, please report them via GitHub Issues. --- ## Third-Party Dependencies 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. --- ## Compliance 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) --- ## Contact Us ### Privacy Questions If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or how MacWinlink handles your data: **GitHub Issues:** [https://github.com/ARSFI/MacWinlink/issues](https://github.com/ARSFI/MacWinlink/issues) **Email:** [Your support email] **Expected Response Time:** 7 business days ### Data Requests 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 ### Security Issues 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 --- ## Disclaimer 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. --- ## Amateur Radio Considerations **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. --- ## Summary **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!*