Privacy Policy

Welcome to Anon. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our mobile application ("App", "Application", or "Service"). By using Anon, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

We are committed to protecting your privacy while providing a safe and engaging letter-writing and pen pal platform. This policy describes our data practices in detail to help you make informed decisions about your use of Anon.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account or use Anon, we may collect the following information:

Required Information:

• Username: A unique identifier you choose for your account
• Authentication Data: Depending on your sign-in method:
  • Anonymous/Guest: Device identifier
  • Sign in with Apple: Apple ID token and email (if shared)
  • Email sign-in: Email address and encrypted password

Optional Profile Information:

• Age: Your age (must be 18 years or older)
• Gender: Your gender identity
• Country: Your country of residence
• Avatar: Profile picture or avatar selection
• Bio: A brief description about yourself (optional)

1.2 Letter Content

• Letters: The content of letters you send and receive through the platform
• Delivery Information: Letter timestamps, delivery status, and read receipts
• Recipient Data: Information about who you send letters to and receive letters from

1.3 Usage Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• App Usage Data: Features used, time spent in the app, interaction patterns
• Coins and Credits: Your coin balance, earned coins, and coin usage history
• Ad Interactions: Whether you watch rewarded ads to earn coins
• Error Logs: Crash reports and performance data to improve app stability

1.4 Location Data

We collect country-level location information to calculate letter delivery times based on geographic distance. We do NOT collect precise GPS location data. You can hide your location in privacy settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Core Service Delivery

• Create and manage your account
• Enable letter writing and delivery between users
• Calculate realistic letter delivery times based on distance
• Match you with other users for pen pal connections
• Display user profiles and avatars
• Manage your coin balance and letter-sending credits

2.2 Safety and Security

• Prevent fraud, abuse, and spam
• Enforce our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
• Process user reports and handle blocking/reporting features
• Monitor for inappropriate content or behavior
• Verify user age to ensure compliance with age restrictions (18+)

2.3 App Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve features
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Develop new features based on user needs
• Optimize app performance and user experience

2.4 Advertising

• Display rewarded video ads to earn coins
• Show relevant advertisements through Google AdMob
• Measure ad performance and effectiveness

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 With Other Users

Your profile information (username, age, gender, country, avatar, bio) is visible to other users unless you enable privacy settings to hide specific information. Letter content is only visible to the sender and recipient.

3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with the following service providers:

• Firebase (Google): Authentication, database, cloud storage, and push notifications
• Google AdMob: Advertisement serving and rewarded video ads
• Apple: Sign in with Apple authentication
• Analytics Providers: App performance and usage analytics

3.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Anon, our users, or the public.

3.4 Business Transfers

If Anon is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

4. Data Storage and Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Data is stored securely using Firebase Firestore with encryption at rest and in transit
• Passwords are hashed and encrypted
• Authentication tokens are securely managed
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication for all API requests

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion
• Letters: Stored until manually deleted by users. Deleted letters are permanently removed from our systems
• Usage Data: Retained for up to 2 years for analytics and improvement purposes
• Backups: May be retained in backup systems for up to 90 days after deletion

6. Your Privacy Rights

6.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Update or correct your profile information
• Delete your account and associated data
• Export your letter history
• Control privacy settings (hide age, hide location)
• Block or report other users

6.2 Privacy Settings

Within the app, you can:

• Hide your age from other users
• Hide your country/location
• Block specific users from sending you letters
• Report inappropriate behavior

6.3 Account Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through the app settings. Upon deletion:

• Your profile will be permanently removed
• Your letters will be deleted from the system
• Your username will become available for reuse
• Some anonymized usage data may be retained for analytics

7. Children's Privacy

Anon is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we discover that a user under 18 has provided personal information, we will delete that information immediately. If you believe we have collected information from a minor, please contact us.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located outside your country of residence, including in the United States where our service providers (Firebase/Google) operate. By using Anon, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries that may have different data protection laws than your country.

9. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use the following technologies:

• Session Tokens: To maintain your login session
• Device Identifiers: For authentication and security
• Analytics Cookies: To understand app usage patterns
• Advertising IDs: For serving relevant ads through AdMob

10. Advertising and Monetization

Anon uses a coin-based system for sending letters:

• Users receive 5 free coins daily
• Each letter costs 1 coin to send
• Users can earn 2 additional coins by watching rewarded video ads
• Ad rewards are limited to once per day

Advertisements are served through Google AdMob and may use your advertising ID and usage information to show relevant ads. You can opt out of personalized advertising in your device settings.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending an in-app notification for material changes

Your continued use of Anon after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:

We will respond to your inquiry within 30 days.