Privacy Policy

ListeningOwl is operated by [Operator name] ("we", "us"). This policy explains what personal data we collect, why, and the choices you have. It is written to meet India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

The short version

• You are anonymous to other users. They see only your nickname, avatar, city and interests.
• You are not anonymous to us. We store your email address and your messages.
• Moderators may read chats to keep people safe and enforce our rules.
• Chats are deleted after 90 days, unless they have been reported.

What we collect

• Account details: your email address and date of birth (to confirm you are 18 or older).
• Profile: nickname, generated avatar, interests, and your region, country and city.
• Messages: the chats you send and receive on ListeningOwl.
• Safety records: reports, blocks, warnings and appeals connected to your account.
• Technical details: device type, how you found us, and when you were last active. We use your internet address once to suggest your location.
• Notifications: if you turn them on, a technical address for your device so we can tell you when a friend messages you. Notifications show a nickname only, never the message.
• Friends: who you chose to stay connected with. Friends can see when you were last active.

Why we use it

• To create your account and match you with other people.
• To deliver your messages.
• To keep the community safe: filtering harmful messages, reviewing reports, and acting on rule-breaking.
• To understand how the service is used so we can improve it.

We rely on your consent, which you give when you create your account. We do not sell your data or show you advertising.

Who can see your data

• Other users: nickname, avatar, city, interests, and the messages you send them. Never your email or date of birth.
• Moderators: your nickname and chats, when reviewing for safety. Each time a moderator opens a chat, the reason is recorded. Moderators cannot see your email address.
• The owner of ListeningOwl: all account details, for administration and safety.
• Service providers: companies that host our database and website, send login emails, and help filter harmful messages. They process data only on our instructions.
• Authorities: where the law requires it.

How long we keep it

• Messages: 90 days, then deleted automatically, including in conversations with friends. Chats with an open report are kept until the report is resolved.
• Account and profile: until you delete your account.
• Safety records: as long as needed to prevent banned users from returning.

Your rights

• See and correct your profile at any time in Settings.
• Delete your account at any time in Settings.
• Withdraw your consent by deleting your account.
• Ask us for a copy of your data, or raise a complaint, by emailing [support email]. If you are not satisfied, you may complain to the Data Protection Board of India.

Age

ListeningOwl is only for people aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from anyone under 18, and we remove such accounts when we find them.

Changes and contact

We will tell you in the app if this policy changes in an important way. Questions: [support email].