Privacy Policy
This policy explains what information FriendChat ("we", "the service") uses when you use the website, why, and for how long. We collect as little as we can. There are no accounts, no sign-up and no advertising trackers.
1. Information we use
| Information | Why | How long |
|---|---|---|
| The name you enter, your gender and who you want to talk to | To match you and show your name and gender to the person you're chatting with | Kept only in the server's memory while you're connected; not saved |
| Your IP address | To apply bans, handle reports and limit abuse (for example too many skips or messages) | Normally only while you're connected. If you report someone or are reported, the IP addresses involved are saved for up to 24 hours. If you are banned, your IP address is saved until the ban ends. |
| Chat messages | Passed through the server to the other person and checked by an offensive-word filter | Not saved |
| Video and audio | To run the video call | Never recorded or saved by us |
| Report reason | Recorded in short-term server logs to help keep the service safe | Only in temporary server logs |
2. How video and audio travel
Video and audio go directly between your browser and the other person's browser (peer-to-peer). When a direct connection isn't possible, they pass through a relay ("TURN") server run by our provider, Metered, which forwards them without storing them. They are encrypted in transit.
Because a direct connection is used when possible, the other person's device may be able to see your IP address, which can reveal your approximate location (such as your city or internet provider). This is how peer-to-peer video works.
3. What the other person can see
The stranger you're matched with can see your video and hear your audio (unless you turn them off or use Blur me), your name, your gender and your chat messages. We cannot stop them from taking screenshots or recording their screen, so please don't show or share anything you want to keep private.
4. Stored on your device
Your browser remembers the name you entered and that you accepted these policies, so you don't have to enter them again. This is stored in your browser's local storage, not sent anywhere else, and you can remove it by clearing this site's data in your browser. We don't use cookies for tracking or advertising.
5. Camera and microphone
Your browser asks for your permission before FriendChat can use your camera and microphone. They are used only during a chat and are turned off when you press Stop or close the page.
6. Sharing
We don't sell your information or share it for advertising. Information may pass through the companies that host and run the service (our hosting provider and our TURN relay provider) only so the service can work. We may share information with authorities if the law requires it or to protect someone's safety.
7. Age
FriendChat is only for people aged 18 and over. We don't knowingly allow anyone under 18 to use it.
8. Your choices and rights
You can stop using the service at any time. Because we don't keep accounts or save your name, chat or video, there is usually nothing stored about you after you leave. Depending on where you live, you may have rights to ask what information we hold about you, or to have it corrected or deleted. To do this, contact us at the address below.
9. Changes
We may update this policy. When we make an important change, you will be asked to agree again before you can keep using the service.
10. Contact
For privacy questions or requests, contact us at [email protected].