Audacity requires users’ personal data to be transferred to government agencies

Most recently, the developers of the popular audio processing software Audacity updated the user agreement, after which new clauses appeared in it. The document now mentions the ability to collect user data. Developers are primarily interested in the type of operating system, processor model, and IP address. It also mentions the possibility of obtaining information, which is necessary for law enforcement agencies, court proceedings and requests from the authorities, but at the same time the document does not specify which data will be transferred to third parties.

When studying the updated agreement, it becomes clear that the storage period of the user’s IP address in a hashed form is 1 year, after which the developers will delete this information. Company representatives clarify that the other data collected is not intended to identify Audacity users.

All information received will be stored on the company’s servers in the European Economic Area (EEA). The developers note that they are forced to transfer personal data of users to the head office in Russia or an external legal adviser in the United States. At the same time, the protection of personal data is guaranteed in the event that it is transferred outside the EEA.

Another important change in the Audacity user agreement is related to the introduction of restrictions on the use of the program. Now the audio editor is only available to users over 13 years old.