Privacy Policy
1. Who We Are
Spotlab ("we," "us," "our") is a software studio based in British Columbia, Canada. We make SFXScout and SoundMap — desktop applications for post-production professionals. Our website is spotlab.studio.
Questions about this policy: support@spotlab.studio
2. The Short Version
SFXScout collects no personal data. It runs entirely on your machine.
SoundMap processes screenplay content via third-party APIs using API keys you provide. We never see that content. We never store it.
Purchases are handled by Paddle, our payment processor, who acts as the Merchant of Record. We receive your email address after purchase so we can deliver your license and provide support. That's it.
3. SFXScout
SFXScout is a 100% offline application. It:
- Indexes audio files stored on your local drives
- Stores all data (file metadata, tags, search index) in a local SQLite database on your Mac
- Does not connect to the internet
- Does not transmit any data to Spotlab or any third party
- Does not collect crash reports, usage analytics, or telemetry of any kind
We have no visibility into how you use SFXScout or what files are in your library.
4. SoundMap
SoundMap connects to third-party APIs to generate sound design briefs. All API connections are made directly from your machine using API keys that you provide and control.
Anthropic (Claude API)
Screenplay text and scene descriptions you enter are sent to Anthropic's API to generate sound design briefs. This happens using your own Anthropic API key. Spotlab does not receive, store, or have access to this content. Anthropic's privacy policy governs their handling of this data: anthropic.com/privacy.
ElevenLabs
If you use the audio generation feature, sound descriptions are sent to ElevenLabs' API using your own ElevenLabs API key. Spotlab does not receive, store, or have access to this content. ElevenLabs' privacy policy governs their handling of this data: elevenlabs.io/privacy.
Your API keys are stored encrypted on your local machine (using macOS Keychain-backed encryption). They are never transmitted to Spotlab.
SoundMap does not collect crash reports, usage analytics, or telemetry.
5. Purchases
Purchases are processed by Paddle (Paddle.com Market Limited), who acts as the Merchant of Record for all Spotlab sales. When you purchase software from spotlab.studio, you are transacting with Paddle, not directly with Spotlab.
Paddle collects and processes:
- Your name and email address
- Payment information (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
- Billing address
- Transaction records
Paddle's privacy policy governs the collection and handling of this data: paddle.com/legal/privacy.
After a completed purchase, Paddle provides Spotlab with your name and email address so we can deliver your license key and respond to support requests. We do not receive your payment details.
We do not sell, rent, or share your email address with third parties for marketing purposes.
6. spotlab.studio Website
Our website is hosted on Netlify. We do not use tracking cookies, advertising pixels, or third-party analytics services on spotlab.studio. We do not build user profiles or track visitors across the web.
Netlify may collect standard server access logs (IP addresses, request timestamps) as part of normal web hosting operations. See netlify.com/privacy.
7. Data We Hold
After a purchase, the only personal data Spotlab holds is:
| Data | Source | Purpose | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name and email address | Paddle post-purchase | License delivery and support | Until you request deletion |
We do not hold payment details, physical addresses, or any data generated inside SFXScout or SoundMap.
8. Your Rights
You may request at any time:
- Access: a copy of any personal data we hold about you
- Deletion: removal of your email from our records (note: this may affect our ability to provide support or verify license ownership)
- Correction: updates to inaccurate information
To make a request, email support@spotlab.studio. We will respond within 30 days.
If you are located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or California, additional rights may apply under GDPR, UK GDPR, or CCPA respectively. Contact us to exercise those rights.
9. Children
Our software is intended for professional use and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
10. Changes to This Policy
If we materially change this policy, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top and post a notice on spotlab.studio. Continued use of our software or website after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Contact
Spotlab
Email: support@spotlab.studio
Website: spotlab.studio