A Mac window tool may need Screen Recording to create visual previews or read content that macOS protects. The permission name describes a system capability, not the product’s complete data lifecycle.
What macOS permission allows
Apple places screen access under System Settings > Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording on current versions. You decide which apps can use it and can later turn access off. Some versions use slightly different wording.
A window switcher can use the capability to generate thumbnails. AltTab, for example, states that without Screen Recording it can still switch windows but cannot show thumbnails. Another product may use the same permission differently, so do not transfer that conclusion automatically.
Ask four separate data questions
Check whether the app captures screen pixels, whether the preview remains only in memory, whether any image is written to disk, and whether any image or related metadata leaves the Mac. Also check retention, logs, crash reports, analytics, and user-created screenshots. Permission alone answers none of the storage or network questions.
Grant access deliberately
Read the current developer and privacy materials, install from a trusted source, test the feature, and revoke access if you no longer use it. Wallo’s current contract uses low-resolution previews in runtime memory and does not save them as video or upload them to the publisher or license provider. Its Privacy page is the authoritative Wallo-specific statement.