Privacy and AI
How Clio Processes Your Journal Data
Clio combines local journal storage with requested cloud processing. That distinction matters: your journal history can live on your iPhone while a specific insight or transcription still requires sending relevant content to a service.
Published and reviewed by Clio · Updated July 14, 2026
Short answer
Journal entries and conversation history are stored locally on your device. When you request an AI insight, the relevant content and context are sent to the Clio analysis service. When you request voice transcription, the audio is sent for third-party AI transcription.
Data flow at a glance
No short label can describe every stage, so the table separates storage from processing. It reflects the current shipped app and legal policy verified on July 14, 2026.
| Action | What stays on the device | What is sent |
|---|---|---|
| Write and save an entry | Journal entry and conversation history in local app storage | Nothing solely because the entry is saved |
| Request an AI insight | The saved entry remains in local history | Relevant entry content and context to https://api.getclio.app/analyze for processing |
| Request voice transcription | The resulting entry can be stored in local history | Audio to a third-party AI transcription service |
| Start basic journaling | Local journal use | No account registration is required for basic journaling |
| Buy a subscription | Subscription entitlement is available to the app | Purchase and billing are handled through Apple |
Local storage is not the same as on-device AI
Clio does not claim that all analysis runs on the phone. Local storage describes where the journal history is kept. Remote processing describes what happens after you actively request an AI feature.
This distinction is useful when comparing journal apps. Ask separately where the archive is stored, whether it syncs, what a requested AI feature sends, who processes it, and how account or billing information is handled.
What you can control
You choose whether to request an AI insight or transcription. Before using either feature, consider removing names, credentials, confidential work information, or details that are not necessary for the reflection.
You can use basic journaling without creating an account. You can also contact [email protected] with a privacy question or a request covered by the privacy policy.
- Use text instead of voice when audio processing is not appropriate.
- Request analysis only for the content you want processed.
- Avoid secrets, passwords, access tokens, and third-party confidential data.
- Check the current Apple purchase screen for localized subscription terms.
AI responses have limits
An AI response can be incomplete, incorrect, or based on a misunderstanding of the context. Treat it as a prompt for reflection, not a verified conclusion. Check factual claims and use qualified professionals for high-stakes advice.
Clio is a journal and thinking companion. It does not provide medical care, diagnosis, therapy, or crisis support.
Where the legal details live
This page is a plain-language summary, not a replacement for the Privacy Policy or Terms of Service. If there is a conflict, the current legal documents control. The website’s product-facts file is also used internally to keep marketing and structured data aligned with the shipped app.
The data flow should be reviewed whenever the analysis endpoint, transcription provider, account model, sync design, or subscription system changes.
Common questions
Does every saved entry go to the AI service?
Saving an entry and requesting an AI insight are separate actions. Relevant content is sent when an insight is requested.
Does Clio require an account?
Basic journaling does not require an account. Apple handles subscription purchases.
Are AI responses always correct?
No. They can be incomplete or wrong and should be treated as reflection prompts rather than professional advice.
Sources checked
Page facts were checked against these official pages on July 14, 2026. Products change; verify details before choosing.
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