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Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters. Here's how NearWord handles your data.

Last updated: May 22, 2026

1. Introduction

NearWord is a desktop vocabulary lookup application, currently available for macOS. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about how we handle your data.

This Privacy Policy explains what information NearWord collects, how it's used, and what choices you have. By using NearWord, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Data We Collect

NearWord is designed with privacy in mind. Here's what data the application handles:

Data Stored Locally on Your Device

  • Lookup history — Words you look up, definitions, and local context saved by the desktop app
  • Application preferences — Your theme, OCR, dictionary, and AI settings

Data Processed by NearWord Services

  • Dictionary pack downloads — When the desktop app downloads a pack, it requests the catalog and pack artifact. Local dictionary lookup words are not sent to a dictionary provider
  • AI context requests — When using AI-powered explanations, the selected text, OCR context, and a cropped screenshot may be sent to AI service providers when needed for the explanation
  • Account and billing data — If you sign in or subscribe, we store account, session, and subscription information needed to provide those services

Data We Do NOT Collect

  • Plaintext account passwords
  • Location data
  • Full contents of documents you're reading
  • Browsing history or application usage outside of NearWord
  • Keystrokes or background screen recordings

3. How Data is Stored

Local-first architecture: Your lookup history and preferences are stored locally on your device. This means:

  • Your data stays on your device
  • You have full control over your information
  • No account or sign-up is required for core desktop lookup
  • The app works offline except for dictionary pack downloads and AI features

Account, session, and billing records are stored server-side when you create an account or subscribe to Pro.

No cloud history: Lookup history stays local to the desktop app. The web account is for login and billing.

4. Third-Party Services

NearWord integrates with the following third-party services to provide its features:

AI Services (Optional)

When you use the AI-powered contextual explanation feature, NearWord sends the selected text, OCR context, and, when needed, a cropped screenshot to AI service providers. This helps generate relevant Context explanations. Do not use AI Context on private content you do not want processed by these providers.

Account, Email, and Billing Services

NearWord uses service providers for account email delivery and subscription billing. These providers receive the minimum account and payment information needed to complete those flows.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your data. Period.

We may share data only in these limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: Dictionary and AI providers receive only the data necessary to provide their services (words and sentence context)
  • Account and billing providers: Email and payment providers receive the information needed for authentication, transactional email, checkout, and subscription management
  • Legal requirements: If required by law, we may disclose information to comply with legal processes

6. Your Rights

You have full control over your data:

  • Access: All your data is stored locally and can be viewed within the app
  • Backup: Back up local app data using your operating system's normal backup tools
  • Delete: Clear your lookup history from the desktop app or delete your web account
  • Opt-out: Disable optional features like AI Context at any time

Since your data is stored locally, deleting the NearWord application or its data folder will permanently remove all your information.

7. Children's Privacy

NearWord is not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Core desktop lookup can be used without an account; account and billing features are intended for users who can provide consent under applicable law.

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes:

  • The updated policy will be posted on this page
  • The "Last updated" date will be revised
  • For significant changes, we'll notify you through the application

We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your privacy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how NearWord handles your data, please contact us: