Local storage and cloud processing are different
An app can store records on your phone while sending selected information to an AI service to answer a question. “Stored locally” does not, by itself, mean that every request runs locally. Look for an explanation of what leaves the device and which providers receive it.
For a simple scheduling task, an assistant might only need an event's time and duration, not its private notes or guest list. Start with the smallest amount of information that still makes the task useful.
Ask these questions before connecting
- Access: which categories of data can the app read, and can you choose them separately?
- Actions: is the connection read-only, or can it create, edit or delete information?
- Processing: which requests run on the device and which use external services?
- Retention: are prompts, files or conversation histories kept, and for how long?
- Training: what does the provider say about using your content to improve models?
- Control: where do you revoke access, export information or request deletion?
Test revocation with a small example
Try a non-sensitive task first. Inspect the result, then find the connection's settings and the device's permission controls. Understand the difference between disconnecting an account, deleting a conversation, and deleting the app's account.
Revoking future access does not necessarily remove copies already saved by a service. Likewise, deleting an app does not necessarily cancel an App Store subscription. Read the separate instructions for each action.
Understand backups and shared devices
A backup creates another copy of information. Check whether it is encrypted, where the decryption key is held and what happens if you lose access to the device or account. If several apps share an account, ask which information carries across them.
On a shared or borrowed device, consider what is visible in notifications and existing conversations. Privacy includes what people nearby can see, as well as what a remote service receives.
Where to find ELO AI's information
Start with the Life OS data guide for an explanation of AI consent, backups, export and deletion. The privacy policy provides the fuller description of data handling. For account controls, see the account guide.
This checklist explains what to examine; it is not an independent security certification. If the documented behavior and what the app shows do not agree, contact support before sharing more. You can learn how permissions relate to actions in our AI agent guide.