Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

StrangerChat (“we”, “us”, or “our”) operates an anonymous, real-time chat platform accessible at strangerschats.com and any associated domains (“the Service”). This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how long we retain it, and what rights you have.

By using the Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Service.

This policy is incorporated by reference into our Terms and Conditions.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When entering the Service, you voluntarily provide the following self-declared information. We do not independently verify any of these fields:

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access the Service, certain technical data is collected automatically:

2.3 Session Data

When you are matched with another user, the following session data is created and temporarily stored:

• A unique session identifier
• Both users' self-declared nicknames, ages, genders, and preferences
• Hashed IP addresses of both users
• All messages exchanged during the session (text, image URLs, GIF URLs) with timestamps
• Message delivery and read receipts
• Emoji reactions on messages
• Session start time, end time, and disconnect reason

2.4 Consent Records

When you submit the entry form and begin chatting, we record a consent entry containing:

• Your visitor identifier and protected connection data
• Your browser user-agent
• Your self-declared nickname, age, and gender
• The version of the Terms and Conditions you accepted
• A timestamp of when you accepted

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data exclusively for the following purposes:

• Service delivery: Matching users, relaying messages in real time, and maintaining session continuity (including reconnection after network interruptions).
• Safety and moderation: Investigating user reports, enforcing our Terms and Conditions, and banning users who violate them.
• Aggregate analytics: Understanding usage patterns (total sessions, message counts, demographic breakdowns) in anonymised, aggregate form to improve the Service. No individual user is identifiable in analytics.
• Legal compliance: Responding to lawful requests from competent authorities, and complying with applicable data-protection and intermediary legislation.
• Operational reliability: Handling server restarts, session recovery, and uptime monitoring.

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, rent, trade, or commercially share your personal data with any third party. Information may be disclosed only in the following circumstances:

• To your chat partner: Your nickname and messages are visible to the stranger you are matched with. That is the core function of the Service. No other personal data (IP, age, device) is shared with your chat partner.
• Third-party service providers: We use Cloudinary for image hosting and external services for GIF search. When you upload an image, it is transmitted to Cloudinary under their privacy policy. GIF search queries are sent to the GIF provider. We do not share your identity with these providers.
• Law enforcement: We may disclose data in response to a lawful order, subpoena, or request from a government authority or court of competent jurisdiction, in accordance with applicable law.
• Safety: Reports involving child safety or criminal activity may be reported to the relevant authorities and designated child-protection organisations, as stated in our Terms and Conditions.

5. Data Retention

We do not maintain persistent user accounts, profiles, or identities. Once a session ends and data is purged, there is no way to associate you with past activity.

6. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical measures to protect your data:

• IP protection: Raw IP addresses are never stored. They are converted to a non-reversible form before storage.
• Encrypted connections: All communication between your browser and our servers is encrypted.
• Content filtering: All user-submitted content is filtered and sanitised before relay and storage.
• Access controls: Administrative access to session data is authenticated and restricted to authorised personnel.
• Minimal collection: We collect only the data necessary to operate the Service. We do not request email addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, or payment information.

No system is completely secure. While we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted over the internet.

7. Cookies and Local Storage

The Service uses minimal data stored in your browser:

• Browser storage — Visitor ID: A random identifier is generated and stored in your browser for analytics. This does not contain personal information and cannot be used to identify you.
• Session storage — Chat state: Your current chat session state is stored temporarily in your browser to allow reconnection if you accidentally refresh. This data is automatically cleared when you close the browser tab.
• Cookie — Admin authentication: If you access the admin dashboard, a secure cookie is set for session authentication. This does not apply to regular users.

We do not use tracking cookies, advertising cookies, or third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics). Your browsing activity on this Service is not tracked across other websites.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights with respect to your personal data:

• Right to access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to rectification: You may request correction of inaccurate data. Since all user-provided data is self-declared, you can correct it by re-entering the Service.
• Right to erasure: You may request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention obligations. Because we do not maintain user accounts, erasure applies to session data associated with your connection.
• Right to data portability: You may request your data in a structured, machine-readable format.
• Right to withdraw consent: You may stop using the Service at any time. You can clear your browser data to remove the visitor identifier.
• Right to lodge a complaint: You may lodge a complaint with the relevant data-protection authority in your jurisdiction.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at legal@strangerschats.com. We will respond within the timeframe required by applicable data-protection legislation.

9. Children's Privacy

The Service is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. Our age-gate requires users to confirm they are 18+ before proceeding. If we become aware that a minor has used the Service, we will take immediate steps to terminate their access and delete any associated data.

Any content involving minors in a sexual, abusive, or exploitative context will be reported to the relevant law-enforcement agencies and child-protection organisations without prior notice, as detailed in our Terms and Conditions.

10. Third-Party Links

The Service may contain links to external websites or services that are not operated by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third parties. This Privacy Policy applies only to data collected by StrangerChat.

11. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed and stored on servers located outside your country of residence. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your data to such jurisdictions. We take appropriate measures to ensure your data receives an adequate level of protection regardless of where it is processed.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will always be available at this page with the “Last updated” date reflecting the most recent revision. Your continued use of the Service after any revision constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

If a revision materially changes how we handle your data, we will make reasonable efforts to provide notice through the Service. It is your responsibility to review this policy periodically.

13. Grievance Officer

For privacy-related concerns or to exercise your data-protection rights, you may contact our Grievance Officer:

• Email: legal@strangerschats.com
• We acknowledge receipt within 48 hours and aim to resolve grievances within 30 days, as required by applicable rules.

14. Contact

For any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact:

• Email: legal@strangerschats.com