VogChat Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 31, 2024
Effective Date: January 1, 2025

1. INTRODUCTION

VogChat ("we", "our", or the "Application") adopts user privacy as a fundamental principle. This Privacy Policy explains which data is collected, which data is not collected, how such data is processed, and the rights of users while using the VogChat service.

            Our Core Principle:

            VogChat NEVER records, stores, analyzes, or shares chat content with third parties.

2. INFORMATION COLLECTED

2.1. Information That Is Collected

VogChat operates under a minimum data principle.

During Chat Code Creation / Joining:

8-character randomly generated chat code
Secret word (stored only as a cryptographic, irreversible hash)

Technical Information:

Anonymized hash value of the IP address (raw IP is NEVER stored)
Connection timestamp
Mandatory technical metadata required for secure and stable service operation

2.2. Information That Is NEVER Collected

VogChat strictly does not collect, store, or retain the following data:

❌ Chat message content
❌ Sent photos or images
❌ Personal identifiers such as name, email, or phone number
❌ Location data
❌ Device fingerprinting
❌ Advertising or tracking data
❌ Raw IP addresses

3. USE OF INFORMATION

The limited technical data collected is used solely for the following purposes:

3.1. Service Provision

Chat code validation
Secret word matching verification
Real-time tracking of the number of users in the same chat

3.2. Security and Abuse Prevention

Prevention of spam and misuse
Rate limiting control
Closure of reported chats

⚠️ REPORTING AND PERMANENT TERMINATION

When a user clicks the "Report" option on the chat screen:

The related chat code is immediately and permanently closed
The same code can NEVER be reused
Since chat content is not stored, no content review is performed
The system acts solely to prevent abuse

This action cannot be reversed.
All responsibility arising from user actions, behavior, and shared content lies entirely with the user.

4. DATA RETENTION PERIODS

4.1. In-Memory Processing

Messages: NEVER stored
Photos: NEVER stored
Typing indicators: Transmitted instantly, not stored
Appointments: Stored temporarily in Redis with automatic deletion after 24 hours (contains only time and predefined phrase selection, no personal data)

4.2. Chat Codes

Retained only during the active chat session
Automatically deleted when all users leave
Reported chats are permanently closed

5. DATA SECURITY

5.1. Encryption

TLS/SSL (HTTPS & WSS)
Secret words: Argon2id
IP addresses: HMAC-SHA256 (anonymized)

5.2. Security Measures

DDoS protection
Automated abuse prevention
Restricted authorized access
Regular security updates

6. DATA SHARING

VogChat NEVER:

Sells user data
Rents user data
Uses data for advertising purposes

7. COOKIES AND LOCAL STORAGE

LocalStorage: Language and theme preferences (remain on the device, not sent to the server)
SessionStorage: Active chat information (deleted when the browser is closed)
Advertising cookies: NONE
Third-party tracking: NONE

8. USER RIGHTS

Under KVKK and GDPR:

✅ Right to information
✅ Right of access
✅ Right to erasure
✅ Right to object

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

VogChat is not intended for children under the age of 13.

Individuals under 13 must not use the service
No data is knowingly collected
If detected, all associated technical data is immediately deleted

This provision complies with KVKK and GDPR Article 8.

10. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Servers are located within the European Union. Data is not transferred outside the EU.

11. POLICY CHANGES

In case of significant changes:

An in-app notification is displayed
The "Last Updated" date is revised

12. CONTACT

Email: privacy@vogchat.com
Web: https://vogchat.com
Response Time: 72 hours

13. LEGAL BASIS

Turkey: Law No. 6698 (KVKK)
European Union: GDPR
United States: CCPA (where applicable)

14. SHORT SUMMARY

✅ Messages are not stored
✅ Photos are deleted instantly
✅ IP addresses are anonymized
✅ No advertising
✅ Chats are permanently closed upon report
✅ Minimum data – maximum privacy

VogChat
"Your privacy is our priority."