Privacy Policy

1. Introduction and Scope

Welcome to Peerakeet, Inc. ("Peerakeet," "we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy ("Policy") explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information in connection with the Peerakeet mobile application, website, and any related services (collectively, the "Service").

By accessing, downloading, installing, or using the Service you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy. If you do not agree, uninstall the app and cease use immediately.

Peerakeet is a peer‑support platform that connects people dealing with addiction, substance use, and recovery through anonymous, one‑on‑one conversation. Peerakeet is not a healthcare provider, medical device, or crisis‑intervention service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

2.2 Information We Collect Automatically

We do not require or intentionally collect your real name, government ID, or precise GPS location.

3. How We Use Information

Purpose Legal Basis (GDPR) Examples
Provide & secure the Service Contract performance account authentication, peer matching, chat, journaling
Safety & moderation Legitimate interest crisis‑language detection, content review, user reports
Improve & develop features Legitimate interest analytics, A/B testing, debugging
Compliance & legal obligations Legal obligation responding to lawful requests, enforcing Terms
Optional features (future surveys, marketing) Consent only if you opt in

3.1 Crisis Detection & Safety

We use automated analysis (including OpenAI's Moderation API and sentiment analysis) to detect potential crisis situations in chat messages. This helps us provide appropriate support resources and emergency contact information when needed.

4. Cookies & Similar Technologies

Our website uses only essential cookies and Firebase SDK‑level analytics. We do not use third‑party advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser; the site will still function, but some analytics will be lost.

4.1 Firebase Services

We use Google Firebase for:

5. "Do Not Track" Signals

We do not track users across third‑party websites and therefore do not respond to Do‑Not‑Track (DNT) signals.

6. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We never sell or rent personal data. We disclose data only:

  1. To Service Providers – e.g., Google Firebase (hosting, authentication, storage, analytics), OpenAI (moderation analysis).
  2. For Safety & Moderation – trusted contractors bound by confidentiality.
  3. For Legal Reasons – court orders, subpoenas, or imminent threats to life or safety.
  4. With Your Consent – if you explicitly direct us to share data.
  5. As Aggregated/Anonymized Analytics – statistics that cannot identify you.

6.1 Third-Party Services

7. International Transfers

Your data is processed in the United States and where our providers operate. By using the Service you consent to the transfer of your information to those jurisdictions, which may have data‑protection laws different from those in your country.

8. Data Retention

Data Category Retention Period
Account data Life of account + 90 days
Chat & journal content Until deleted by you or account deletion; logs retained up to 180 days for safety/legal
Audio recordings Until deleted by you or account deletion
Mood check-ins Until deleted by you or account deletion
Profile interactions Until deleted by you or account deletion
Analytics 24 months, then aggregated/anonymized
Legal records As required by applicable law

8.1 Account Deletion

When you delete your account, we permanently remove:

9. Security

We employ HTTPS/TLS in transit, AES‑256 at rest (Firebase), secure authentication, access controls, and periodic audits. No method of storage or transmission is 100% secure; you use the Service at your own risk.

9.1 Data Protection Measures

10. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on where you live, you may have:

You can exercise most rights in‑app through the Settings menu. For other requests email info@peerakeet.com with the subject line "Privacy Request." We may need to verify your identity.

10.1 In-App Data Management

11. Children’s Privacy

Peerakeet is intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 or 18. Parents who believe we have inadvertently collected such data should contact us at info@peerakeet.com for deletion.

12. U.S. State Privacy Laws

Residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia have additional rights to know, delete, correct, and opt out of certain data uses. We honour these rights. Submit requests as described in Section 10. We do not sell personal data as defined by these laws.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy. Material changes will be announced via in‑app notification or email at least 15 days before they take effect. The "Last Updated" date will change accordingly. Continued use after that date constitutes acceptance.

14. Contact Us

Peerakeet, Inc.
Email: info@peerakeet.com

15. Emergency Resources

Peerakeet is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in crisis, dial 988 (U.S.), 911, or your local emergency number, or text HOME to 741741.

15.1 Crisis Detection Disclaimer

Our automated crisis detection system may identify concerning language in messages and provide emergency resources. However, this is not a substitute for professional crisis intervention or emergency services.

16. Audio Recording & Voice Features

16.1 Microphone Permission

16.2 Audio Processing

16.3 Audio Retention

17. Medical Disclaimer

Peerakeet is a peer‑support and informational platform only. Nothing in the Service—including chats, journals, articles, or prompts—constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition, medication, or treatment plan. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or hear on Peerakeet. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.

Thank you for trusting Peerakeet. Your privacy matters to us.