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Bee Translate Privacy Policy

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Last updated: September 17, 2026

This policy applies to Bee Translate, a macOS app. It explains how on-device translation, online translation, permissions, and purchases handle data.

On-device translation and local storage

Apple’s Translation framework performs on-device translation. When language resources are required, the app asks you to start the download, which is handled by the system. On-device translation does not send the text being translated to the online translation services listed below.

Language preferences, keyboard shortcuts, and consent records for each provider are stored on your Mac. API keys you enter are stored in the macOS Keychain. While the app is running, translation results and recent translation history are held in memory. These in-memory records are cleared when the app quits. The current version does not write translation history to a database or sync it to the developer’s servers.

Online translation and API key validation

Online services are optional and require an API key that you provide. Before each provider is used for the first time, the app explains where data will be sent and asks for your explicit consent. Having an API key already stored does not constitute consent.

After you consent, online translation sends the text you enter or read from the clipboard after using a custom shortcut, the source and target languages, translation instructions, and your API key directly to the selected provider’s API. The provider also receives network request information such as your IP address. Comparison translation sends the text to each selected online provider for which you have granted consent.

When an API key is validated, the app sends the key to the corresponding provider. OpenAI validation also sends a fixed test phrase. Other providers may be queried for model, usage, or balance information. Validation does not read text from the input field or clipboard. The developer does not route these requests through its own server.

How each provider processes and retains data, and whether it uses data to improve its models, depends on the provider’s API terms, service plan, region, and your account settings. Bee Translate does not promise zero retention or that online services never use data for training:

For example, data use rules differ between Gemini’s unpaid and paid services. Review the terms that apply to your account before using an online service. Network requests may involve cross-border data transfers, and processing locations are determined by the provider.

Your choices and deletion

You may decline online services and continue using Apple on-device translation. In Settings → Translation Services, you can withdraw consent separately for each provider, preventing future translation and key-validation requests to that provider. Withdrawal does not recall data already sent. Requests to access or delete data already held by a provider must be made under that provider’s policies.

Clear an API key and save your changes to delete that key from Bee Translate. Quitting the app clears translation history and caches held in memory. Withdrawing consent does not automatically delete an API key, allowing you to decide whether to keep the configuration.

Clipboard and system permissions

You can copy text and use a custom keyboard shortcut to open the translation window. Bee Translate reads clipboard text and starts translation only after you trigger that shortcut. It does not require Input Monitoring or Accessibility permission. You can also click the menu bar icon and enter text manually. When you copy a translation, the app writes that translation to the system clipboard.

Purchases and diagnostics

Pro purchases, restoration, and transaction verification are handled by Apple StoreKit. The app reads transaction entitlements to determine whether Pro is unlocked. It does not ask you to provide payment card information or independently upload purchase records to the developer’s servers.

The current version does not include advertising, cross-app tracking, or third-party analytics SDKs. The app records translation status, timing, and errors in the macOS system log for diagnostics. These logs are not automatically uploaded to the developer’s servers. Online providers may retain request or diagnostic information under their own terms.

Contact and policy updates

For privacy questions, email support@huangyang.me. If data handling changes, this policy will be updated and new consent will be requested when required.