Follow the dictation path
| Step | Privacy question | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Microphone | Who can record audio? | macOS microphone permission |
| Recognition | Where is speech processed? | On-device model, Apple setting, or cloud provider |
| Cleanup | Is text sent to an LLM? | Optional rewriting or polishing providers |
| Storage | Is audio or transcript history saved? | Retention, deletion, and sync behavior |
| Insertion | Where does final text go? | The destination app may sync it |
Where Gojo draws the line
Gojo's dictation feature uses a downloaded local model and inserts text into the active field. It does not require an API key or cloud transcription service for recognition. The final text still belongs to the destination app after insertion, so do not dictate confidential material into an app you would not type it into. Read Gojo's dictation architecture for implementation detail.
A quick privacy checklist
- Can the app work after setup with the network disabled?
- Does the app document local model behavior clearly?
- Can optional cloud cleanup be disabled?
- Does the app store audio clips, transcript history, or corrections?
- Does the app ask for permissions unrelated to the feature you use?
Sources and method
- Apple Dictation processing guidance checked September 8, 2026.
- Gojo local dictation and architecture pages checked September 8, 2026.
- Privacy claims here are workflow checks, not a legal review of vendor policies.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mac dictation private?
It depends on tool, setting, language, and workflow. Check the exact processing and storage path before dictating sensitive material.
Does local dictation mean no data leaves my Mac?
Not automatically. Recognition may be local, while cleanup, sync, analytics, or the destination app can still send text elsewhere.
Does Gojo dictation run locally?
Yes. Gojo uses a downloaded local model for dictation recognition and does not require an API key or cloud transcription service.
Want a local dictation workflow?
Try Gojo for three days.
Use local-model dictation in the apps where you already write, with the rest of your Mac controls nearby.
No account or card required. macOS 14+.