Effective Date: June 23, 2025

1. Introduction

At StellarChat, we prioritize your privacy. This policy explains what personal data we collect, how and why we use it—including when we upload it to our servers—and your rights regarding it.

2. Information We Collect

a. Personal Information

Registration Details:
Name, email, phone number, and profile picture.

Location Data:
To show nearby users in the “Nearby” section, we use your device’s location only when you enable this feature.

Note: Location is only uploaded when you enable “Nearby” features and agree to the request shown inside the app before system permissions are requested.
We do not access your location or upload it to our servers unless you have granted explicit permission through an in-app prompt and allowed system-level access.

Contacts (optional):
When granted permission, we access your device’s contact list to help you discover which friends are on StellarChat.

Note: We only access and upload your contacts after showing a clear in-app prompt explaining the purpose.
No data is accessed or uploaded unless you explicitly agree to it through a consent dialog.

Media / Photos (optional):
You can upload photos or videos to chats, posts (Flicks/Channels), or your profile.

Note: Photos or videos you choose to send are uploaded securely to our servers.
We only access your photo library or camera after you choose media and grant explicit permission. No media is collected in the background or without your action.

b. Usage Data

We collect information on how you interact with the app, including app usage behavior, features accessed, timestamps, and session duration to improve your experience.

c. Device & Connectivity Data

We may collect device type, OS version, device identifiers, IP address, and crash logs for diagnostics and performance monitoring.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Deliver and enhance StellarChat features (e.g., Nearby users, contact syncing).

• Personalize content and suggest relevant users or features.

• Send push notifications, security alerts, and support communications.

• Analyze user behavior to improve stability, security, and performance.
  
  

4. Data Upload & Your Consent

We are committed to transparency and user control. For any personal data that is uploaded to our servers, we follow this approach:

• You will see a clear, specific in-app prompt explaining what data will be uploaded and why.

• We will request your explicit consent via in-app confirmation before accessing or uploading data.

• We will not proceed unless you agree.

Examples:

• Contacts sync:

  “StellarChat wants to upload your contacts to match you with friends. Agree to proceed?”

• Location for Nearby:

  “To show nearby users, we’ll upload your location in the background when Nearby is enabled. Do you agree?”

• Photos/Videos:

  “The media you select will be uploaded to your profile or shared in chat. Are you sure you want to continue?”

We never access your personal data without a purpose or collect it without your permission.

5. Sharing & Third-Party Access

We do not sell your personal data.
We may share necessary data with third-party services (e.g., hosting, analytics, push notification providers) strictly under contract and only to perform essential services.

6. How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your data only for as long as it is necessary to:

• Maintain your account and allow functionality

• Fulfill legal or regulatory requirements

• Prevent misuse or fraud

You can request permanent deletion of your data by contacting us at support@stellarchat.io.

7. Security Measures

We apply strong technical and organizational safeguards to protect your data, including:

• Encryption in transit and at rest

• Secure authentication and token storage

• Access controls and periodic reviews

Still, no system is 100% secure. Please take care when sharing sensitive information.

8. Your Rights & Controls

You may have the following rights depending on your country or region:

• Access: View what personal data we have.

• Correction: Request edits to inaccurate data.

• Deletion: Ask us to erase your account and data.

• Restriction: Limit how we use your data.

• Portability: Receive a copy of your data in a structured format.

• Withdraw Consent: You can revoke permissions (e.g., location, contacts) at any time via app settings.

To exercise any right, please email us at support@stellarchat.io.

9. User-Generated Content & Safety

We value a respectful and safe platform for all users:

• Users must agree to our Terms & Conditions.

• Objectionable or abusive content is prohibited.

• In-app tools allow users to report and block others.

• Our moderation team reviews all reported content within 24 hours and may remove content or suspend accounts.

10. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for app analytics, functionality, and personalization. You can manage preferences in your browser or device settings.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Any changes will be reflected by updating the “Effective Date” at the top. Continued use of StellarChat means you accept those updates.

12. User Blocking

StellarChat provides a user blocking feature. If you encounter abusive, harassing, or unwanted interactions from another user, you may block them directly within the app. Once blocked, the user will not be able to send you messages or interact with you in any way on the platform.

We encourage users to use the block feature to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

13. Consent and Agreement

By continuing to use the StellarChat app, including during account creation or login, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agreed to these Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy. You will be required to confirm this agreement during your first use of the app.

14. Contact & Privacy Policy URL

Questions or concerns? Email us at support@stellarchat.io