Privacy Policy

Last updated: 2026-05-19

Pocket Buddha is designed to respect your privacy. This document explains what data the app handles and how.

The short version

  • We have no servers. Pocket Buddha runs entirely on your device.
  • We do not collect, store, or transmit your conversations or personal information.
  • We do not track you. No analytics, no advertising, no telemetry.
  • Your Anthropic API key is stored encrypted on your device.
  • When you send a message, it is transmitted directly from your device to Anthropic’s servers, using your own API key. Anthropic processes that message under their own privacy policy.

What stays on your device

The following data lives only on your device and is never sent to us or any third party (except as noted):

  • Your Anthropic API key (encrypted via your operating system’s secure storage)
  • All your conversations with Pocket Buddha
  • Your bookmarked teachings
  • Your practice streak history
  • Your preferences (tradition, notification time)

If you delete the app or clear its storage, all of this data is destroyed.

What is sent to Anthropic

When you send a message in the app, the following is sent directly from your device to Anthropic’s API:

  • The text of your message
  • Recent conversation context (the back-and-forth needed for Buddha to respond coherently)
  • The system prompt instructing the model how to respond
  • Your Anthropic API key, for authentication

Anthropic’s handling of this data is governed by Anthropic’s privacy policy, which you should review separately at https://www.anthropic.com/legal/privacy.

We have no access to and no control over Anthropic’s processing.

Notifications

If you enable Daily Wisdom notifications, the scheduling happens locally on your device. The notification content (a Buddhist quote and source) does not transmit any personal data.

Children

Pocket Buddha is not directed at children under 13. The app discusses themes including suffering, death, and impermanence which require adult-level discernment. By using the app you confirm you are at least 13 years old; users under 18 should have parental consent.

Crisis content

If you are in crisis, please use the Crisis Resources section of the app or contact emergency services in your country. Pocket Buddha is not a crisis intervention tool.

Changes to this policy

If we make material changes, we will update this document and the “Last updated” date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

Contact

Questions about privacy? Email the maintainer at daclauson@protonmail.com.