Privacy & Security
Privacy isn't a feature in Sythoria — it's the foundation. Here's exactly how your data is handled, where it goes, and where it doesn't.
API keys stay local
Your API keys are stored exclusively in your operating system's secure credential store or keychain (e.g., macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Manager, or Linux Secret Service). They are:
- Never sent to Sythoria's servers for storage
- Never included in analytics, logs, or error reports
- Never shared with third parties
- Only used to authenticate directly with your chosen AI provider
When you send a message, your API key is retrieved from your local keychain and included in the direct request to the AI provider's API — that's how authentication works. The key is never stored on any Sythoria infrastructure.
No server-side storage
Sythoria is a desktop application that connects directly to the AI provider APIs from your machine. We do not run any middleman servers or proxies to handle your requests. We do not:
- Store your conversations on any server
- Log your prompts or responses
- Retain any personal data or usage history
Conversations exist only in the desktop application's local state. Closing the application, clearing the application's storage, or using "Clear All Chats" removes them entirely.
Zero telemetry
Sythoria does not collect any usage data, analytics, or tracking information. There are no:
- Analytics scripts (no Google Analytics, no Plausible, nothing)
- Tracking cookies
- Error reporting services that phone home
- Session recordings or fingerprinting
Comparison with other tools
| Feature | Sythoria | Typical chat UI |
|---|---|---|
| API keys stay local | Yes | Often stored server-side |
| No account required | Yes | Usually requires signup |
| Zero telemetry | Yes | Analytics by default |
| No server-side data | Yes | Conversations stored on servers |
| Open source | Yes | Usually proprietary |
Open source verification
Sythoria is fully open source. You don't have to take our word for any of this — audit every line of code yourself:
Local models for maximum privacy
For absolute privacy, use Sythoria with Ollama or any local model server. With local models:
- No data leaves your machine
- No API key is needed
- No network connection required (after model download)
See the Ollama setup guide to get started with local models.
Desktop app security
The desktop version of Sythoria is designed with maximum privacy guarantees:
- API keys, search keys, and MCP secrets are stored securely in your OS-level credential vault (e.g., macOS Keychain, Windows Credential Manager, or Linux Secret Service)
- No additional telemetry is added
- No OS-level data collection beyond what the app needs to function
