Privacy Policy

Introduction: Our Commitment to Privacy

Your privacy is the foundation of the Online Stranger service. Our core mission is to provide an instant, anonymous chatting experience without the burden of registration or invasive data collection. This policy explains what minimal data we collect, how we use it, and how we protect your anonymity.

1. Information We Do Not Collect

As an anonymous, no sign-up chat platform, we prioritize your privacy and security. We do not require, collect, or store any Personal Identifiable Information (PII) that could link a chat session back to you personally:

• No Registration Data: We do not require or store your name, email address, phone number, or physical address.
• No Persistent User Accounts: We do not create permanent user profiles, accounts, or identity records.
• No Precise Location: We do not track or store your precise geographic location. Any location-based matching uses only approximate, non-identifying regional information.
• No Tracking Across Sites: We do not use third-party tracking technologies to follow your activity outside our platform.

2. Limited Technical Data We Collect

To maintain service functionality, security, and reliability, we collect minimal, non-personal technical data:

2.1. Chat Session Data

• Temporary Session ID: A randomized, non-identifying session identifier is created to maintain your connection and enable features like Auto Reconnect. This ID is automatically deleted shortly after your chat session ends.
• Message Routing: Messages are transmitted through our servers for instant delivery. We do not permanently log or store the content of your private conversations.
• Session Features: We temporarily track connection status to power real-time features like Typing Indicators, Read Receipts, and Active User Counts. This data is ephemeral and deleted when the session ends.
• Approximate Region: We use your IP address only to derive approximate geographic region (e.g., country or state) for basic matching purposes. IP addresses are immediately anonymized and not stored.

2.2. Technical and Security Data

• Device Information: We collect basic, anonymized data about your browser type, device type, operating system, and screen resolution to optimize our Responsive UI and ensure compatibility.
• Security and Abuse Prevention: We may temporarily process technical data to detect and prevent spam, abuse, or violations of our Terms & Conditions. This may include rate limiting and automated moderation systems.

2.3. Aggregated Analytics

We collect aggregated, anonymized usage statistics (such as total number of chats, average session duration, and feature usage) to improve our Service. This data cannot be used to identify individual users.

3. Automated Systems and Content Moderation

To maintain service quality, safety, and availability, we employ automated systems that may:

• Monitor chat content for violations of our Terms & Conditions, including illegal content, harassment, or spam.
• Use automated tools to detect and prevent abuse, such as bots or malicious behavior.
• Facilitate matching and maintain service uptime through technology-powered systems.

These systems process data temporarily and do not create permanent records of your conversations, except where necessary to address violations or fulfill legal obligations.

4. Cookies and Similar Technologies

4.1. Cookies

We use minimal, essential cookies exclusively to:

• Maintain your temporary chat session.
• Enable real-time features like Auto Reconnect and Typing Indicators.
• Remember basic preferences during your session.

We do not use cookies for advertising, marketing, user profiling, or cross-site tracking.

4.2. Local Storage

Your browser may store temporary data locally to improve performance. This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers.

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

Your privacy is paramount. We do not share, sell, or rent any data we collect with third-party advertisers or marketing firms.

5.1. Service Providers

We may share minimal technical data with trusted service providers (such as hosting and infrastructure services) solely to operate the Service. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for service delivery.

5.2. Legal Requirements

We may disclose data if required by law, legal process, or to protect the safety of our users or the public. This includes cooperating with law enforcement in cases of illegal activity.

5.3. No External Links Tracking

If users share external links during chats, we are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party websites.

6. Data Retention and Deletion

• Session Data: Temporary session identifiers and connection data are automatically deleted shortly after your chat session ends.
• Message Content: We do not retain chat message content beyond the time necessary for delivery.
• Security and Moderation Logs: Data processed for abuse prevention or violation enforcement may be retained for a limited time as necessary to protect the Service and comply with legal obligations.

7. Your Rights and Controls

Because we collect minimal data and do not create user accounts, traditional data access or deletion requests may not apply. However:

• You can clear cookies and local storage through your browser settings at any time.
• You can exit any chat session immediately to end data collection.
• If you have privacy concerns or questions, contact us at contact@onlinestranger.com.

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we become aware that a minor has accessed the Service, we will take immediate steps to terminate their session and delete any associated data.

9. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed and stored in servers located in different countries. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of your data to jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your own.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our Service, technology, or legal obligations. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new effective date. Continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our commitment to absolute anonymity, please contact us at contact@onlinestranger.com.