PRIVACY POLICY

Last Updated: March 22, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to Verbalyze ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application Verbalyze (the "App").

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect the following personal information:

• Account Information: Email address used for authentication.
• User Profile: Optional information you provide such as username and full name.

2.2 Chat Data

We may collect the following chat data:

• Conversation Content: Messages you exchange with AI companions within the App.
• Session Information: Data about your chat sessions, including timestamps and session titles.

2.3 Usage Information

We may collect the following usage information:

• Device Information: Information about your mobile device, including device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers.
• App Usage: Information about how you use the App, including features accessed and time spent.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect information in the following ways:

• Directly from You: Information you provide when creating an account, setting up your profile, or using the chat feature.
• Automatically: Information collected automatically through your use of the App.

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To Provide the Service: To create and maintain your account, provide the chat functionality, and deliver the features of the App.
• To Improve the Service: To understand how users interact with the App and improve its functionality and user experience.
• To Communicate with You: To respond to your inquiries and provide support.
• To Ensure Security: To protect the App and our users from fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access.

5. Data Security and Storage

5.1 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• Encryption: All chat messages are encrypted using AES encryption before being stored in our database.
• Secure Authentication: User authentication is handled through Supabase with secure token storage.
• Secure Storage: On mobile devices, we use expo-secure-store to securely store sensitive information.
• Regular Security Audits: We conduct regular security assessments to ensure your data remains protected.

5.2 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the services. You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time through the App settings.

6. AI-Generated Content

6.1 Nature of AI Responses

The App uses artificial intelligence to generate responses in conversations:

• AI-generated content is created in real-time based on your inputs.
• Responses are for informational and educational purposes only.
• AI responses may occasionally be inaccurate, incomplete, or inappropriate.

6.2 AI Data Processing

Your conversation data is processed by AI models to generate responses:

• We use various AI providers as specified in the App settings, including DeepSeek and OpenRouter.
• These AI providers process your data temporarily to generate responses and do not retain or use your data for other purposes.
• All conversations with AI companions are encrypted before storage.

7. Advertising, Tracking, and Consent

7.1 Advertising

This app uses Google AdMob to display advertisements. The App includes the following ad formats:

• Banner Ads: Small advertisements displayed at the bottom of certain screens (Home and Companions screens).
• Interstitial Ads: Full-screen advertisements that may appear when you leave a chat session, subject to frequency limits (maximum once per session, only after 3 minutes of use).
• Rewarded Ads: Optional video advertisements you can choose to watch in exchange for access to certain features (e.g., The Guide companion finder).

No ads are displayed during active chat conversations to preserve the integrity of your therapeutic experience.

7.2 Data Collected by AdMob

Google AdMob may collect and use data to serve ads, including:

• Device Identifiers: Google Advertising ID (GAID) on Android or Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) on iOS.
• Coarse Location Data: Derived from your IP address for geo-targeted advertising.
• Usage Data: Ad views, clicks, interactions, and engagement metrics.
• Diagnostics: Crash logs and performance data related to ad serving.

7.3 Consent and Tracking Transparency

We respect your privacy choices and implement the following consent mechanisms:

• App Tracking Transparency (iOS): On iOS devices, we request your permission before accessing your device's advertising identifier (IDFA) through Apple's App Tracking Transparency framework. You can allow or deny this request, and change your preference at any time in your device settings.
• Google UMP Consent (GDPR): For users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and other applicable regions, we display Google's User Messaging Platform (UMP) consent form, allowing you to choose whether to receive personalized or non-personalized advertisements.
• Non-Personalized Ads: If you do not grant consent for personalized advertising, ads will still be shown but will not be based on your interests or browsing behavior.

7.4 Opting Out of Personalized Ads

You can opt out of personalized advertising at any time by:

• iOS: Settings → Privacy & Security → Tracking → Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
• Android: Settings → Google → Ads → Delete advertising ID or opt out of ad personalization
• In-App: Reset your privacy preferences in Settings → Reset Privacy Preferences, which will re-display the consent dialog

For more information about Google's privacy practices, please visit Google's Privacy Policy and Google's Advertising Policy.

8. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party service providers that help us operate the App (such as cloud storage providers, AI service providers, and advertising partners like Google AdMob). These partners process data only as necessary to provide their services and are bound by their own privacy policies.
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights or the safety of our users.

9. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can access your account information and chat history through the App.
• Correction: You can update your account information through the App settings.
• Deletion: You can delete your account and associated data through the App settings.
• Data Export: You can request an export of your data by contacting us.
• Opt-Out of Ads: You can disable personalized ads through device settings as described above.

10. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under the age of 13 (or higher depending on local regulations). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under the applicable age limit, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under the applicable age limit, please contact us at prengzi.redjon@gmail.com.

We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and similar regulations worldwide that are designed to protect children's privacy.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

prengzi.redjon@gmail.com

13. Disclaimer

Verbalyze is a private, AI-powered chat companion that supports personal growth and emotional wellbeing through secure conversations. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided may be inaccurate or incomplete and should not be used as a substitute for professional care.

Emergency Notice

If you're experiencing a crisis, DO NOT rely on this app. Instead, immediately:

• Call emergency services (112 in Europe)
• Contact your national crisis line
• Visit your nearest Accident & Emergency (A&E) department
• Contact your GP or a licensed mental health professional

Key Resources in Europe:

• Mental Health Europe: www.mhe-sme.org
• EUFAMI (Families & Support): www.eufami.org
• European Alliance Against Depression: www.eaad.net

Verbalyze is NOT a substitute for licensed professional help or emergency services.