Orca Privacy Policy
Last updated: September 9, 2026
Orca is developed by Paper Volcano Company LLC.
This Privacy Policy explains how Orca handles information when you use the Orca app.
Information stored on your device
Orca stores app data locally on your device, including:
Podcast subscriptions and feed URLs
Podcast and episode metadata
Playlists, queue items, and playback history
Playback positions and played status
Downloaded audio files
App preferences and audio-processing settings
Generated transcripts
Podcast feeds and directory searches
When you search for podcasts, Orca sends your search request to Apple’s podcast directory service.
When you subscribe to or refresh a podcast, Orca connects to the podcast’s feed and content servers. Those services may receive standard technical information such as your IP address, device information, and request details according to their own privacy policies.
Orca does not control how podcast publishers, hosting companies, Apple, or content-delivery networks handle information they receive.
Optional iCloud Sync
Orca offers optional iCloud Sync for users who want to keep selected podcast information synchronized across Apple devices.
If enabled, Orca may store the following in your private iCloud database:
Podcast subscriptions, titles, feed URLs, and website URLs
Episode identifiers and audio URLs
Played status
Playback positions
Downloaded audio, generated transcripts, and audio-analysis files remain on your device. If you enable iCloud Sync, Orca syncs only the library and playback metadata described above.
iCloud Sync uses Apple’s CloudKit service and requires an Apple Account with iCloud available. Orca does not receive your Apple Account password or payment information. Apple handles authentication and the operation of iCloud. Apple’s CloudKit documentation describes CloudKit as a service for storing app data in users’ private iCloud containers. Apple CloudKit documentation
You can disable iCloud Sync from Orca’s settings. Disabling sync does not automatically delete local data already stored on your device.
Notifications
If you enable new-episode notifications, Orca requests permission from iOS and creates notifications on your device after checking your subscribed podcast feeds.
Orca does not currently use its own notification server for new-episode alerts. You can disable notifications at any time in Orca or in iOS Settings.
Audio processing
Orca’s Shorten Silences and Speech Enhance features process audio locally on your device. Orca does not upload your audio for these features. Orca can optionally generate transcripts for downloaded podcast episodes. Transcription takes place on-device, and Orca does not upload the episode audio or generated transcript.
Purchases and tips
Orca offers an optional one-time tip through Apple’s in-app purchase system. Apple processes the transaction. Orca does not receive your payment card number or other payment credentials.
Analytics, advertising, and tracking
Orca does not currently include third-party advertising, behavioral tracking, or analytics SDKs. Orca does not sell personal information or share personal information with data brokers.
For Apple’s definition of App Store privacy disclosures and tracking, see App Privacy Details.
Information we receive when you contact us
If you contact Paper Volcano by email or another direct method, we receive the information you choose to provide, such as your email address, device details, and the contents of your message. We use that information only to respond to you, provide support, or investigate a reported problem.
Data retention and deletion
Orca’s local data remains on your device until you delete it within the app, remove downloaded content, or delete the Orca app.
Information stored through iCloud Sync is managed through your Apple Account and Apple’s iCloud services. You may disable iCloud Sync in Orca and manage iCloud storage through Apple’s device settings.
If you need help with a privacy request, contact us at:
Children’s privacy
Orca is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy when Orca’s features or data practices change. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date.
Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or Orca’s privacy practices, contact:
Paper Volcano
contact@papervolcano.net