# Buzz privacy rating

Desktop app that transcribes and translates audio and video files or live microphone input offline using Whisper models. It can optionally use the OpenAI Whisper API instead.

## Summary

Buzz scores 87 out of 100 (grade B) on the dictation and transcription criteria. It meets 5 of 6 criteria: open source, no trackers or telemetry, no ads or data sales, runs on the device and no training on recordings. It does not meet independent audit.

- Website: https://buzzcaptions.com
- Source code: https://github.com/chidiwilliams/buzz
- License: MIT
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
- Home page trackers: Cloudflare Web Analytics (cookieless analytics)
- Category: [Dictation and transcription](https://privacyratings.com/speech-to-text/)
- Grade: B (87/100)

## Criteria

| Criterion | Answer | Note | Evidence |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Open source | Yes | MIT license. | https://github.com/chidiwilliams/buzz/blob/main/LICENSE |
| No trackers or telemetry | Yes | No telemetry or analytics in the source code. | https://github.com/chidiwilliams/buzz |
| No ads or data sales | Yes | Free open-source app, with a paid Mac App Store edition and no ads. | https://buzzcaptions.com |
| Independent audit | No | No independent audit is published. |  |
| Runs on the device | Yes | Transcription runs offline with local Whisper models; the OpenAI Whisper API is an optional alternative. | https://buzzcaptions.com |
| No training on recordings | Yes | Transcription is local by default, so recordings are not sent to the developer. | https://buzzcaptions.com |

Source: https://privacyratings.com/speech-to-text/buzz/
Edit: https://github.com/privacyratings/privacyratings.com/edit/main/ratings/speech-to-text/buzz.md