1. Our Philosophy on Privacy & Free Speech

We believe in your right to communicate freely and privately. Our platform is designed for genuine dialogue without pre-emptive monitoring or censorship. We don't store your chat content, as conversations are peer-to-peer. This commitment to privacy means your discussions are yours. However, "private from us" doesn’t mean "invisible to your chat partner." Interactions on FreeYap are with real people, and we encourage responsible communication, understanding that real conversations have real participants and potential real-world social dynamics.

2. Information We Collect

• Information You Provide: You may optionally provide "topics" for chat. This is used for matchmaking and is not stored long-term in a way that is personally identifiable beyond ephemeral queue data. We do not require user accounts.
• Log Data: Like most websites, our servers automatically log standard data provided by your browser (e.g., IP address, browser type, pages visited, time of visit). This is used for site operation, security, and basic analytics.
• Matchmaking & Signaling Data (Firebase Firestore): We use Firebase to temporarily store session identifiers and signaling messages (offers, answers, ICE candidates) to connect you with a chat partner. This data is transient, essential for establishing the peer-to-peer connection, and subject to automated cleanup.
• WebRTC Data: Your chat media (video, audio) is streamed directly peer-to-peer using WebRTC. We do not see or store this content. WebRTC inherently involves exchanging IP addresses between peers. We use TURN servers which can help mask your IP from your chat partner, but for maximum anonymity, consider using a VPN (see Section 6).
• Google Analytics & Google Ads: We use Google Analytics to understand website traffic and Google Ads to support our free service. These services may use cookies and collect data (like your IP address, browsing behavior) according to Google's Privacy Policy. You can learn more about how Google uses data and how to control your information here and manage your ad settings here.
• Information Upon User Report: If you submit a report about another user for *serious illegal use of the FreeYap platform* (as defined in our Terms of Service), we collect the IP addresses of the involved parties. This data is collected *only* in response to a user-initiated report concerning serious violations to investigate the claim and take appropriate action, which may include cooperation with law enforcement if warranted and legally required.

3. How We Use Information

• To operate, maintain, and improve FreeYap.
• To facilitate matchmaking and establish chat connections.
• For website analytics and to understand usage patterns (via Google Analytics).
• To display advertisements that help keep FreeYap free (via Google Ads).
• To investigate user-submitted reports of serious misuse and illegal platform use (as defined in our Terms of Service).
• We reiterate: We do not use your chat content for any purpose, as we do not monitor or store it.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

• We do not sell your personal information.
• We share information with service providers like Firebase (for matchmaking/signaling) and Google (for analytics/ads) as necessary for them to provide their services. These providers have their own privacy policies.
• We may disclose information if required by law (e.g., a valid warrant for specific, serious crimes as outlined in our Terms of Service).
• We do not share your IP address or chat content with your chat partner beyond what is inherent in a direct WebRTC connection (which we attempt to mitigate with TURN servers).

5. Data Security & User Responsibility

We use HTTPS for secure connections to our website, and WebRTC provides end-to-end encryption for your chats between you and your partner. We also utilize TURN server technology which can assist in masking your IP address from your chat partner.

While we take reasonable measures to protect information, no online service is 100% secure. You use FreeYap at your own risk.

Important: FreeYap does not prevent you or your chat partner from taking screenshots or recordings of your conversation using your own device's capabilities. Be mindful of what you share and how you interact, as conversations are with real people.

6. Enhancing Your Anonymity

While we strive to provide a private platform, for the highest level of anonymity, we recommend using a reputable VPN service when connecting to FreeYap. This can further obscure your IP address from all parties, including us and your chat partners.

7. Data Retention

Log data is retained for a limited period for security and operational needs. Matchmaking and signaling data is transient and subject to automated cleanup after its purpose is served. Data collected as part of a user-initiated report concerning serious illegal platform use is retained as long as necessary for investigation or legal requirements.

8. Children's Privacy

FreeYap is strictly for individuals aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If we become aware of such a case, we will take steps to delete the information.

9. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review it periodically.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at info@freeyap.com.