Privacy Policy

Last Updated: March 1, 2026

1. Our Privacy Commitment

StartDesk (startdesk.app) puts user privacy first. Our core philosophy is "Privacy First," minimizing data collection and using end-to-end encryption to protect your information.

2. Data Collection

We adhere to the principle of data minimization. StartDesk is designed as a local-first application. Most of your data (such as quick links, notes, and preferences) is stored locally on your device and never transmitted to our servers.

If you choose to create an account and enable cloud sync, encrypted snapshots of your data are stored in our managed cloud data platform so your desk can be restored across devices.

We may collect limited data for the following purposes:

  • Usage Data: Anonymous analytics to help us understand how the app is used (e.g., page views).
  • Device Data: Browser type and version, time zone setting, and operating system for compatibility testing.
  • Billing Data: Subscription and payment status from our payment processors (Stripe and/or PayPal), limited to what is needed to operate your Pro plan.

3. How We Use Your Data

We collect data solely to:

  • Provide and maintain the service.
  • Improve and optimize the user experience.
  • Detect and prevent technical issues.

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Local Storage & Cloud Sync

StartDesk uses your browser's IndexedDB/local storage to save your configuration and daily state. This data stays on your device and is entirely under your control. Clearing your browser cache will delete this data.

When cloud sync is enabled, encrypted copies of this data are stored under your account in our cloud service so we can restore your desk on new devices. Encryption keys are derived on the client; the raw contents of your notes and links are not stored in plain text.

5. Third-Party Services

We rely on a small set of infrastructure and billing providers to run StartDesk:

  • Cloud Identity & Data Platform: Account authentication and encrypted cloud sync storage.
  • Payment Providers: Processing subscription payments and managing billing status.
  • Cloud Hosting Provider: Hosting the web application and serving static assets.

Our service may also contain links to other sites that are not operated by us. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that third party's site.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights under data protection laws. Since we primarily store data locally on your device, you can exercise these rights by directly clearing your browser data.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
privacy@startdesk.app