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 anonymous chat and social discovery 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 between 18-100 years)
• Gender: Your gender identity
• Country: Your country of residence
• Bio: A short description about yourself
• Profile Picture: An image you upload to represent yourself
• Privacy Settings: Your preferences for hiding age/location

1.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use Anon, we automatically collect certain information:

Device Information:

• Device type, model, and manufacturer
• Operating system and version (iOS)
• Unique device identifiers
• Device language and region settings
• Screen size and resolution

Network and Connection Information:

• IP address
• Mobile carrier
• Connection type (WiFi, cellular)
• Time zone

Usage and Activity Data:

• Last seen timestamp
• Online/offline status
• User activity heartbeat (periodic active status checks)
• Features used and interactions within the App
• Time spent on the App
• Crash reports and error logs
• Performance metrics

Push Notification Data:

• Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) tokens
• Notification preferences
• Notification delivery status

1.3 User-Generated Content

We collect and store content you create and share through the App:

• Messages: Text messages sent in conversations
• Media: Images, videos, and voice messages shared in chats
• User Interactions: Blocking actions, reports, and preferences

1.4 Information from Third-Party Services

When you use third-party authentication methods, we may receive information from:

• Sign in with Apple: Apple ID, email address (if you choose to share it), and verification token
• Firebase/Google Services: Analytics data, crash reports, and performance metrics

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Provide and Maintain the Service

• Create and manage your account
• Authenticate your identity
• Enable messaging and communication features
• Store and deliver your messages and media
• Display your profile to other users according to your privacy settings
• Show your online/offline status

2.2 User Matching and Discovery

• Allow other users to discover and connect with you
• Apply filters based on age, gender, and country preferences
• Show relevant user suggestions

2.3 Push Notifications

• Send you notifications about new messages
• Notify you of relevant account activity
• Deliver important service updates

2.4 Safety and Security

• Monitor and prevent fraud, abuse, and violations of our Terms
• Process user reports and enforce our policies
• Enable blocking functionality
• Detect and prevent spam and malicious activity
• Investigate security incidents
• Comply with legal obligations

2.5 Service Improvement and Analytics

• Understand how users interact with the App
• Analyze usage patterns and trends
• Improve App performance and fix bugs
• Develop new features and functionality
• Conduct research and analytics

2.6 Communication with Users

• Respond to your inquiries and support requests
• Send important service announcements
• Notify you of policy changes
• Request feedback or participation in surveys

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 Public Profile Information

The following information is visible to other users of Anon:

• Username
• Age (unless hidden in privacy settings)
• Gender (if provided)
• Country/Location (unless hidden in privacy settings)
• Bio (if provided)
• Profile picture (if provided)
• Online/offline status
• Last seen (when offline)
• Verification badge status (if applicable)

3.2 Messages and Conversations

Messages, images, videos, and voice messages you send are shared with the recipients of those messages. Once sent, the recipient has access to this content.

3.3 Third-Party Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App:

Firebase/Google Services:

• Firebase Authentication: Account creation and authentication
• Cloud Firestore: Database storage for user data, messages, and content
• Cloud Storage: Storage for images, videos, and voice messages
• Firebase Cloud Messaging: Push notification delivery
• Firebase Analytics: Usage analytics and insights
• Crashlytics: Crash reporting and diagnostics

Firebase is governed by Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy

Apple Services:

• Sign in with Apple: Authentication services

Apple's Privacy Policy: https://www.apple.com/privacy/

3.4 Legal Compliance and Safety

We may disclose your information when required by law or when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations, court orders, or government requests
• Enforce our Terms of Service or other policies
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of Anon, our users, or the public
• Prevent fraud, security issues, or technical problems
• Respond to emergencies involving danger of death or serious physical injury

3.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, sale of assets, or bankruptcy, your information may be transferred to the successor entity. We will notify you of any such change and any choices you may have.

3.6 Aggregated and De-Identified Data

We may share aggregated or de-identified information that cannot reasonably be used to identify you for research, analytics, marketing, or other purposes.

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Data Storage

Your data is stored using Firebase/Google Cloud Platform services:

• Cloud Firestore: Stores user profiles, messages, and application data
• Cloud Storage: Stores uploaded media files (images, videos, audio)
• Server Locations: Data may be processed and stored in multiple countries where Firebase/Google operates data centers

4.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/TLS
• Encryption of data at rest on Firebase servers
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Access controls and authentication requirements
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Monitoring for suspicious activity

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.

4.3 Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Messages: Retained until deleted by you or when your account is deleted
• Media Files: Retained in Cloud Storage until deleted
• Logs and Analytics: Typically retained for 90 days to 2 years
• Legal Compliance: Some data may be retained longer if required by law
• Backup Copies: May persist in backup systems for up to 60 days after deletion

5. Your Rights and Controls

5.1 Privacy Settings

You can control your privacy through in-app settings:

• Hide Age: Prevent other users from seeing your age
• Hide Location: Prevent other users from seeing your country
• Profile Visibility: Control what information appears on your profile
• Online Status: Control visibility of your online/offline status

5.2 Blocking Users

You can block other users at any time. Blocked users cannot send you messages, view your profile, or see your online status.

5.3 Reporting Inappropriate Content

You can report users or content that violate our Terms of Service or community guidelines. We review all reports and take appropriate action.

5.4 Access to Your Data

You can access and view most of your personal information directly through the App settings. If you need a copy of your data, please contact us at the email below.

5.5 Data Correction

You can update or correct your profile information at any time through the App's profile settings.

5.6 Account Deletion

You can delete your account at any time through the App settings. When you delete your account:

• Your profile information will be removed
• Your messages will be deleted from our active systems
• Your uploaded media will be removed from Cloud Storage
• Some data may be retained in backups for up to 60 days
• Certain data may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes

5.7 Data Portability

Where applicable under privacy laws (such as GDPR), you have the right to request a copy of your data in a structured, commonly used format. Contact us to request data portability.

5.8 Right to Object

You have the right to object to certain processing of your data. If you wish to object, please contact us with your specific concerns.

5.9 Marketing Communications

We do not currently send marketing communications. If this changes, you will have the option to opt out of such communications.

6. Anonymous Users

6.1 How Anonymous Accounts Work

Anonymous or guest accounts allow you to use Anon without providing personal identification information. These accounts are identified by a unique device identifier and your chosen username.

6.2 Data Collected from Anonymous Users

Even with anonymous accounts, we collect:

• Username
• Device information and identifiers
• IP address
• Usage data and activity
• Messages and content you create
• Any optional profile information you choose to provide

6.3 Limitations of Anonymity

Important: While anonymous accounts do not require personal identification, true anonymity cannot be guaranteed because:

• We collect device identifiers and IP addresses
• Your behavior and usage patterns may be identifiable
• Information you voluntarily share may reveal your identity
• Law enforcement may request identifying information
• Security incidents may require identity verification

We may take steps to identify anonymous users who violate our Terms of Service or engage in illegal activity.

7. Children's Privacy

Anon is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under 18 years of age. If we discover that we have collected personal information from a person under 18, we will delete that information immediately.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 18 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at the contact information below.

8. Third-Party Services and Links

8.1 Third-Party Services

Anon uses the following third-party services:

8.2 Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

9. International Data Transfers

Anon is available globally. Your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States and other countries where Firebase/Google Cloud Platform operates data centers.

These countries may have data protection laws different from your country. By using Anon, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data is protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9.1 GDPR Compliance (European Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Rights related to automated decision-making

Our legal basis for processing your data includes: your consent, performance of a contract, compliance with legal obligations, and our legitimate interests in providing and improving the Service.

9.2 CCPA Compliance (California Users)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know whether personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell your information)
• Right to request deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

10. Push Notifications

10.1 How Notifications Work

We use Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) to send push notifications to your device. When you install Anon and grant notification permissions, we collect your FCM device token to send you notifications about:

• New messages
• User activity (when someone views your profile, etc.)
• Important account updates
• Service announcements

10.2 Managing Notifications

You can control push notifications through:

• In-App Settings: Configure which types of notifications you want to receive
• iOS Settings: Go to Settings > Notifications > Anon to manage system-level notification permissions

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Anon is a native mobile application and does not use traditional browser cookies. However, we use similar technologies:

• Local Storage: Data stored locally on your device for app functionality
• Analytics SDKs: Firebase Analytics to understand app usage
• Device Identifiers: Unique identifiers for your device
• Session Tracking: To maintain your logged-in state

These technologies help us provide, protect, and improve the Service, and deliver a personalized experience.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Posting a notice in the Application
• Sending a notification through the App or via email (for registered users)

Your continued use of Anon after changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

13.1 Data Protection Officer

For privacy-related inquiries, especially from users in the European Economic Area, you may contact our Data Protection Officer at the email address above with "DPO" in the subject line.

13.2 Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the EEA and believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection supervisory authority.