Cortex — Privacy Policy
Last updated 19 June 2026
Cortex is a private, local-first study app. This policy explains what happens to your data. The short version: Cortex has no account, no server, and the developer never receives your data.
What we collect
Nothing. Cortex does not collect, transmit, or store your personal data on any server operated by the developer. There is no Cortex account, no analytics, no tracking, and no advertising.
Where your data lives
- On your device. Your sources, notes, recordings, flashcards, and other content are stored locally on your device.
- Optional sync (your own server). If you enable sync, your data is sent to a server you control (your self-hosted “homelab”) over WebDAV. It does not pass through any service operated by the developer. Saved credentials are encrypted on your device before they are uploaded.
Third-party services you choose to connect
- AI features (bring your own key). AI chat, cheat sheets, quiz generation, and transcription assistance work only if you provide your own API key for a third-party AI provider (for example OpenRouter or Google). When you use these features, the content you choose to process is sent directly from your device to that provider under your own account and is governed by that provider’s privacy policy. The developer never sees this data.
- Optional integrations. If you connect Moodle or Google Calendar with your own credentials, data flows between your device and those services as needed to provide the feature.
Microphone
The microphone is used only to record lectures when you explicitly start a recording. Audio is processed for transcription (on your device or your own homelab Whisper server) and is not sent to the developer.
Children
Cortex is intended for general audiences and does not knowingly collect data from anyone.
Changes
If this policy changes, the “Last updated” date above will change accordingly.
Contact
Questions about privacy? Email aidanmcconnon210@gmail.com.