BioDecode
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Privacy Policy

Last updated: February 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how DecodeLabs Ltd ("we", "us", "our") handles information in connection with BioDecode and the biodecode.io website.

The key point: BioDecode processes your genetic data entirely on your local machine. We never receive, access, store, or transmit your genomic data.

1. Who We Are

DecodeLabs Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales. We are the provider of BioDecode, a downloadable desktop application for genomic variant analysis.

Email: hello@biodecode.io

2. What Data the Software Processes

BioDecode processes VCF (Variant Call Format) files containing genomic variant data. This processing happens entirely on your local machine. Specifically:

  • Your VCF file is read and parsed locally.
  • Variants are matched against a ClinVar SQLite database stored locally on your machine.
  • Reports (HTML, JSON, Markdown) are generated and saved locally.
  • No genetic data is transmitted to our servers or any third party.
  • No internet connection is required for analysis.

We have no access to your genetic data, your VCF files, or the reports generated by the Software. We are not a data controller or processor of your genetic data.

3. What Data We Collect

We collect limited data through our website and payment process:

Data TypeSourcePurposeLawful Basis (GDPR)
Name, email address Purchase via Stripe Order fulfillment, download delivery Contract performance
Payment information Stripe Payment processing Contract performance
IP address, browser info Website visit Security, analytics Legitimate interest

We do not collect, store, or process any genetic data, VCF files, health information, or analysis results.

4. Payment Processing

Payments are processed by Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. Your payment information is handled directly by Stripe. We do not have access to your full credit card or payment details — only a transaction reference, your name, and email for order fulfillment.

Stripe's privacy policy applies to payment processing: stripe.com/privacy

5. Markdown Export & Third-Party AI Services

BioDecode includes a Markdown export feature that generates de-identified variant reports (containing only gene names, positions, and ClinVar classifications — no personally identifiable information). If you choose to share this Markdown file with a third-party AI service (such as ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini), you do so voluntarily and at your own discretion. We are not responsible for how those services handle data you share with them.

6. Cookies

Our website uses only essential cookies required for the website to function. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies. If we implement analytics in the future, we will update this policy and implement a cookie consent mechanism.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding the personal data we hold (purchase information):

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data.
  • Portability: Request your data in a portable format.
  • Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interest.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@biodecode.io.

For California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

You have the right to know what personal information we collect and how we use it, the right to request deletion, and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.

For UK/EU Residents (GDPR/UK GDPR)

Our lawful bases for processing are contract performance (purchase fulfillment) and legitimate interest (website security). You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority (in the UK: the Information Commissioner's Office at ico.org.uk).

8. Data Retention

Purchase records (name, email, transaction details) are retained for as long as required by applicable tax and accounting laws (typically 6 years in the UK). Website server logs are retained for 90 days.

9. Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect the limited personal data we hold. Since we do not store genetic data, there is no genetic data to breach.

10. Children

BioDecode is not intended for use by individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when changes were last made.

12. Contact

For privacy questions or to exercise your data rights:

DecodeLabs Ltd
Email: hello@biodecode.io

© 2026 DecodeLabs Ltd. All rights reserved.