Terms of service
Last updated October 27, 2026
The short version: Whimbrel is free, open-source software you run on your own computer, provided as is. You're responsible for how you use it, including getting consent before you record people. The optional sync service is provided on a best-effort basis and stores only encrypted copies of your data.
Who these terms are with
These terms cover the Whimbrel desktop and mobile apps, the website at whimbrelapp.com, and the optional sync service the apps use to keep your devices in step (together, "Whimbrel"). By using Whimbrel you agree to them. If you don't agree, don't use it.
The software
The Whimbrel apps are open source under the Apache License 2.0. That license governs your use, copying and modification of the source code. These terms add only what the license doesn't cover: the website, the sync service and how you use the apps.
Your data
What you capture with Whimbrel is yours. The apps store it on your own devices. If you turn on sync, it is encrypted on your device before upload and we can't read it. The privacy policy explains what we collect and how Google account data is handled.
Using Whimbrel responsibly
- Recording consent is your responsibility. Many places require the consent of everyone in a conversation before it is recorded or transcribed. Follow the laws that apply to you and to the people you meet with, and tell people when Whimbrel is capturing a meeting.
- Don't use Whimbrel to break the law, to access accounts or data you aren't authorised to access, or to harass or surveil anyone.
- Don't interfere with the sync service or the website: no attempts to reach other people's data, overload the service or get around its limits.
Accounts you connect
When you connect Google, Microsoft or another service, or use an AI provider with your own API key, your use of that service is also governed by its own terms and privacy policy. Whimbrel acts on your behalf with the access you grant, and it sends email or changes your calendar only after you approve that action.
AI output
Summaries, answers, briefings and drafts are generated by AI models and can be wrong or incomplete. Check anything important before you rely on it or send it.
The sync service
Sync is optional and free. We provide it on a best-effort basis, may change or limit it, and may suspend an account that breaks these terms. Keep your own backups: the copy on your devices is the primary one. You can stop syncing at any time and ask us to delete your sync account and its encrypted data.
No warranty
Whimbrel is provided "as is" and "as available", without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including fitness for a particular purpose, accuracy of transcripts or AI output, and uninterrupted or error-free operation.
Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent the law allows, we are not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for lost data, profits or business, arising from your use of Whimbrel. Where liability can't be excluded, it is limited to the amount you paid us for Whimbrel in the twelve months before the claim, which for the free product is zero.
Changes
We may update these terms. We'll change the date above, and email registered users about material changes. Using Whimbrel after a change means you accept the updated terms.
Contact
Questions about these terms: mike@futuremeanswered.com.