Privacy Policy

1. Overview

Avera is a local-first research workspace. You can use the library, notebook, import tools, and CLI without signing in. When you choose to sign in, connect with teammates, or subscribe, selected data may be synced to our cloud services.

Our approach: your data stays yours.

2. Information we process

• Research library content you add — titles, authors, metadata, DOIs, attached PDFs, collections, and read status.
• Notebook notes and manuscripts you create, including Markdown content and links to library items.
• Systematic review data — screening decisions, extracted fields, and PRISMA workflow records.
• PDF annotations and highlights stored locally, and synced across devices when you use a subscribed account.
• References captured through the browser connector from pages you visit.
• Account information when you sign in (for example, name, email, and username via Google sign-in).
• Billing information processed by Stripe when you subscribe; we do not store full payment card numbers.
• MCP agent requests when you connect Cursor or Claude Desktop and grant access to local library, notes, screening, and writer data.
• Basic diagnostic or crash information if you choose to send it in a future release.

3. Local storage by default

Unless you sign in and use cloud features, your library, PDFs, private notes, and most workflow data remain on your computer. You can work offline for local library, notebook, import, and CLI workflows.

• Store library, PDFs, and private notes locally by default — no project folder to manage
• Work fully offline for local library, notebook, import, and terminal workflows via the bundled CLI
• Mark notes as private so they never sync to teammates
• Store open-access papers as metadata and DOI only in the cloud — PDF fetched on demand locally
• Upload user-provided PDFs to your own cloud storage when signed in and subscribed
• Keep AI provider API keys on your device when the assistant is enabled

4. Cloud sync and subscriptions

If you subscribe, manuscripts, screening data, team-shared notes, and related project data may be stored in cloud infrastructure to enable sync and collaboration. Open-access papers may be stored as metadata and DOI in the cloud while PDFs are fetched on demand to your device. User-provided PDFs you upload are stored in cloud storage associated with your account.

You can mark notes as private so they are not synced to teammates. Local library and notebook use continues when you are signed out or on the free tier.

5. Browser connector

The browser connector reads reference metadata from web pages you visit to help you save items to your library. It communicates with the desktop app through native messaging. Reference detection runs in your browser; imports are sent to your local app unless you use cloud sync features.

6. MCP integration

You can connect Avera to Cursor or Claude Desktop from Settings. Connected agents can search and import into your library, work with notes, run screening workflows, and draft or cite in Writer using data on your device. The same sign-in and subscription gates as the in-app experience apply. Agent traffic stays between your desktop app and the client you configure; review that client's privacy policy.

7. Teams and sharing

If you create teams or accept connection requests, profile information and content you choose to share may be visible to other members. You control what you share; private notes are excluded from team sync.

8. Third-party services

These services process data only as needed to provide their function. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

• Google — sign-in authentication.
• Stripe — subscription checkout and billing portal.
• Cursor or Claude Desktop — optional MCP agent integration.
• Infrastructure providers that host cloud sync when you subscribe.

9. How we use information

We do not sell your research library or personal notes to third parties.

• Provide and improve the application and its features.
• Sync data you choose to store in the cloud.
• Process subscriptions and manage your account.
• Enable collaboration within teams you join.
• Respond to support requests and fix bugs.
• Comply with legal obligations.

10. Your choices

• Use the app locally without an account.
• Mark notes as private to prevent team sync.
• Manage subscription and billing through the Stripe Customer Portal.
• Uninstall the application to remove local data from your device.
• Contact us to request deletion of cloud account data tied to your sign-in.

11. Security and retention

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect data in transit and at rest for cloud services. Local data security also depends on protections on your device. We retain account and cloud data while your account is active and as needed to provide the service or meet legal requirements.

12. Children

Avera is not directed at children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

13. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will post the revised policy on this page and update the last updated date. Continued use of the application after changes means you accept the updated policy.

14. Contact

Questions about this Privacy Policy or your data can be sent to the contact address listed on our website or in the Avera application settings.