Hillnote Logo
Privacy & Data Protection

Privacy Policy

How we protect your data and respect your privacy in Hillnote.

Effective Date: June 9, 2025

Hillnote ("us", "we", or "our") operates the Hillnote desktop application and cloud sync service (the "Service"). This page explains how we collect, use, and handle your data when you use Hillnote.

Your privacy is important to us. We believe in local-first, privacy-respecting productivity tools.

1. Definitions

Service

The Hillnote text editor application and optional cloud sync service.

Personal Data

Data that can identify an individual, such as email address or username.

Usage Data

Data collected automatically related to usage of the app (e.g., sync timestamps, feature toggles).

Cookies

Small files stored on a user's device; currently not used in the desktop app.

Data Controller

The developer of Hillnote.

User

Anyone using the Hillnote app or cloud service.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Data (Only if you opt into sync)

  • Email address (used to authenticate cloud sync)
  • Username or display name (if provided)

Local Usage Data

Stored only on your device. Hillnote does not collect local document content, history, or editing behavior.

Sync Usage Data (Optional)

If you opt into the sync service, metadata such as last modified time, sync success/failure, and encrypted content versioning may be processed.

Premium Model Data (Optional)

When using premium AI models (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini), your queries and content may be processed on their servers. This data may be used for model training according to their respective privacy policies.

3. How We Use Data

We use the collected data to:

  • Provide and improve the sync feature
  • Communicate updates or bug notices
  • Analyze crash logs (anonymously, and only if you opt-in)
  • Route premium model queries to their respective services when you choose to use them
4. Data Retention

Synced data is retained only as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the service. You can delete it at any time.

5. Data Storage and Transfers
  • All synced data is stored securely on servers located in Singapore.
  • Encryption is used in transit and at rest. Document contents are never read or shared.
6. Data Breach Protocol

In the event of a data breach affecting synced user data, we will notify affected users via email within 72 hours.

7. Your Rights

If you reside in the EU or similar jurisdictions:

  • You may request access, deletion, or correction of your data by emailing hello@hillnote.com
  • You can withdraw consent to sync at any time by disabling the sync feature in-app
8. Legal Basis (GDPR)

We rely on your consent and our legitimate interest to provide and improve the sync service as the legal basis for processing data.

9. Children's Privacy

Hillnote does not knowingly collect data from children under the age of 18. If you believe this has occurred, contact us to remove the data.

10. Third Parties

We do not use advertising SDKs or third-party analytics libraries. Sync data is stored securely using privacy-compliant cloud services.

11. Changes to This Policy

You will be notified of material changes through the app interface. Your continued use constitutes agreement to updated policies.

12. Legal Jurisdiction and Dispute Resolution

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by the laws of India. Any disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of courts located in Bangalore, India.

13. Contact

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy:

7. Premium Model Data Handling

When you choose to use premium AI models: