Privacy Policy for locahl.app

Last Updated: 29 May 2026

1. Introduction

At locahl.app ("we," "our," or "us"), we respect your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information when you use the Locahl desktop application (Windows, macOS, and Linux), purchase a license on our website, or contact support. Locahl is built so your hosts file content stays on your device; we only collect the data needed to sell and enforce licenses, keep the app updated, and improve reliability.

2. Scope

This policy covers:

3. Information We Collect

3.1 License and account data

When you purchase or activate Locahl, we process:

  • Email address associated with your license.
  • License credentials and activation tokens.
  • A pseudonymous device identifier derived on your machine (not your raw hardware serial).
  • Active session identifiers to enforce one Device per Solo License.
  • Basic platform snapshot on session start (operating system, architecture, app version, locale) to support licensing and diagnostics.

3.2 Data stored on your device

The following stays on your Device unless you choose to export or share it:

  • Hosts file entries, environments, and application preferences.
  • Automatic backups created before applies.
  • Locally cached license state for offline use between validations.

3.3 Optional diagnostics

The desktop app may send anonymous technical events (for example app launch, update result, or license flow errors) through our servers to a logging provider. These events:

  • Do not include your email, hosts file content, or license key.
  • Use a salted, pseudonymous machine identifier separate from licensing where possible.
  • Are used to detect outages, abuse, and improve stability—not for advertising.

3.4 Website and checkout

When you use locahl.app:

  • Stripe processes payment and billing details when you buy a license; we receive purchase confirmation, email, and order metadata—not your full card number.
  • Our cookie banner stores your consent choice in your browser (local storage).
  • If you open support chat, Chatwoot may process messages and technical data according to its policy.
  • Standard server logs (IP address, user agent, requested pages) may be retained by our hosting provider for security and operations.

4. How We Use Information

We use the information above to:

5. Network Connections

The desktop app may connect to our services for license verification and periodic session heartbeats, optional anonymous diagnostics, and automatic updates when enabled. Hosts file content is not uploaded for normal editing. The website connects to payment and support providers as described in Section 3.4. You can use most editing features offline after activation, but online checks may be required periodically to validate your license.

6. Sharing and Processors

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only with service providers that help us run Locahl, under contracts that require appropriate protection, such as:

7. Security and Retention

7.1 Security measures

We use HTTPS for data in transit, access controls on our infrastructure, and minimization practices (for example hashing or pseudonymizing device identifiers where feasible). You are responsible for securing your Device and accounts.

7.2 Retention

We retain license and purchase records as long as needed to provide the Service, meet legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Inactive license sessions are removed on a rolling basis (typically within 24 hours of inactivity). Anonymous diagnostic events are retained according to our logging provider's settings. You may request deletion of license account data as described in Section 8.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location (including the EEA, UK, and Switzerland), you may have the right to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of your personal data, to object to certain processing, and to data portability. You may also lodge a complaint with your supervisory authority. To exercise your rights, email us; we may need to verify your identity. You can also uninstall the app and delete local data at any time.

  • Request access to or correction of license account data.
  • Request deletion of license account data (subject to legal retention needs).
  • Withdraw marketing communications where applicable.
  • Manage cookie consent via your browser and our banner on the website.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on locahl.app and update the "Last Updated" date. Material changes may be communicated by email or in the app where appropriate.

11. Contact

For privacy questions or requests, contact us at hi@locahl.app.