Privacy Policy for Chaddle

Sound Wear Inc. ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how the Chaddle mobile application (the "App") collects, uses, and shares your information.

Because of our unique decentralized architecture, we handle data differently than traditional messaging apps. Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices.

1. Information We Do NOT Collect

This is the most important section. Due to the way Chaddle is built:

We do not have access to or store your private message content (text, images, videos, files) on our servers.

We do not have access to or store your contact list on our servers.

We do not record your voice or video calls.

Your messages are shared directly between users' devices. We cannot read, intercept, or recover your messages.

2. Information We Collect (Minimal and Non-Content)

To provide the core functionality of the App, we do collect a limited amount of non-content information:

a) Information You Provide:

Profile Information: When you create an account, you may provide a username, display name, and a profile picture. This information is stored locally on your device and may be shared with other users you communicate with.

b) Information Collected Automatically:

Decentralized Network Identifiers: To facilitate connection between users, the App generates public cryptographic keys and identifiers. These are shared on a decentralized network to help your device find and connect with the devices of your contacts. These identifiers do not reveal your real-world identity or IP address by default.

Push Notification Token: To notify you of new messages when the App is not open, we use a push notification service (Apple Push Notification Service for iOS or Firebase Cloud Messaging for Android). We store a unique token assigned to your device by this service. This token is used only to deliver alerts and contains no message content.

Usage Data & Diagnostics: We may collect anonymous, aggregated data about how you interact with the App (e.g., feature usage, frequency of use). If you choose to share crash logs with us (via Apple or Google's services), this data helps us diagnose and fix problems. This data is not linked to your identity.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the minimal information we collect for the following purposes:

To enable direct messaging and calling between users.

To deliver push notifications about new messages and calls.

To maintain, troubleshoot, and improve the App's functionality and user experience.

To comply with legal obligations.

4. How We Share Your Information

We share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

With Other Chaddle Users: Your profile information (username, display name) and public identifiers are shared with users you choose to communicate with to enable messaging.

With Service Providers: We share your push notification token with Apple (APNs) or Google (FCM) solely for the purpose of sending you notifications. These providers are bound by their own privacy policies.

With The Decentralized Network: Public identifiers necessary for routing and connection are shared with the decentralized network, which is a public infrastructure.

For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to a valid legal request.

We do not sell your data to advertisers or third parties.

5. Data Storage and Security

Your Message Content: Your message history and media are stored only on your device and the devices of your recipients. We strongly encourage you to use a strong device password and to back up your device regularly, as we cannot recover lost messages.

Our Data: The non-content information we collect (push tokens, public keys) is stored on secure servers provided by our service providers (e.g., Google Firebase for Android). We use industry-standard measures to protect this data.

6. Your Choices

Push Notifications: You can manage push notifications through your device's settings.

Profile Information: You can edit or delete the profile information you provide within the App's settings.

Data Deletion: Deleting the App from your device will remove all local data, including your messages and profile. To request deletion of the non-content data we hold (e.g., your push token), please contact us at www.chaddle.app.

7. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with information, please contact us. If we learn we have collected information from a child under 13, we will delete that information.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Sound Wear Inc.
www.chaddle.app