> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.char.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Timeline and privacy

> Choose when Char can use on-screen activity and what to exclude.

Timeline activity capture gives Char context from supported on-screen activity. You can pause it and exclude apps or websites.

## Pause capture

1. Open **Settings → Timeline**.
2. Turn on **Pause activity capture**.
3. Resume only when you want capture to continue.

The pause control is also available from the menu bar icon. Pausing capture controls future collection; it does not mean previously stored activity has been erased.

## Exclude an app

In **Settings → Timeline → Excluded apps**, add the app using the name shown in its menu bar. You can also choose from running apps when that list is available.

Char's settings describe built-in exclusions for password managers, Passwords, and Keychain Access. Still use the pause control before working with sensitive material if you are unsure how the current app or browser is handled.

## Exclude a website

In **Excluded websites**, add a domain such as `example.com`. The exclusion covers that domain and its subdomains.

Keep the starter exclusions unless you have a reason to remove them. When the exclusion list has entries, Char skips browser capture if it cannot verify the active domain.

Do not assume every browser's private mode is detectable. Explicitly pause capture when you need it stopped.

## Review permissions

Use the privacy and access controls in Settings and your operating system's permission settings to review screen, accessibility, microphone, and other access.

These controls serve different purposes:

| Control                     | What it changes                                            |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pause activity capture      | Whether activity capture is running                        |
| Excluded apps and websites  | Which sources capture should skip                          |
| Operating-system permission | Whether the operating system lets Char access a capability |
| App connection              | Which third-party account a connected tool can access      |

## Local notes and online features

The desktop app keeps local workspace data. Using hosted AI, connected apps, or cloud features can send the information needed for that feature outside your device. Local storage does not mean every AI request is processed offline.

See [Sync and cloud access](/sync-and-cloud-access) for the difference between device sync and external-agent access. Read the current [privacy policy](https://char.com/legal/privacy) for the service's policy.