1. Introduction
Chat With Strangers ("we," "us," or "the Service") is an anonymous, browser-based chat platform that lets people have real-time conversations with strangers without creating an account. This Privacy Policy explains what information the Service actually handles, how it's used, and the choices available to you. It describes our current practices as implemented in the Service — not hypothetical or planned features.
2. Information We Handle
Nicknames and avatars
You choose a nickname when you open the Service. This nickname exists only in your browser's active session — it is not stored in a persistent database tied to your device, and it disappears when you close or refresh the page. An avatar image is generated automatically from your nickname using a third-party avatar-rendering service; it is not a photograph you upload, and no photo or image upload feature exists on the Service.
Chat messages
Messages you send are transmitted through Firebase Realtime Database, a cloud database service operated by Google, so the person or people you're chatting with can receive them in real time. A stored message includes the text you typed, a timestamp, your nickname at the time, and your generated avatar.
Matchmaking and queue information
When you look for someone to chat with, a temporary record containing your nickname, avatar, and a randomly generated identifier is placed in a matchmaking queue in Firebase Realtime Database so the Service can pair you with another person. This record is removed automatically once you're matched or once you stop looking.
Presence information
While you're using the Service, a record showing your nickname, avatar, general status (for example, searching, chatting, or idle), and current room is kept in Firebase Realtime Database so the Service can function correctly. This record is removed automatically when your browser session ends.
Activity records
The Service keeps a basic log of high-level events — such as joining, being matched, or disconnecting — associated with your nickname and a timestamp, for operational and safety purposes.
3. How Information Is Used
We use the information described above only to operate the Service: matching you with another participant, delivering your messages in real time, showing who is online, and maintaining basic operational logs. We do not use this information for advertising, profiling, or sale to third parties.
4. Firebase and Google Cloud Services
The Service is built on Firebase, a platform operated by Google. Firebase Realtime Database is used to store the information described above for as long as it's needed to operate the Service. We do not currently use Firebase Cloud Storage, or any other Firebase product, to store photographs, audio, or files.
5. Administrative Access
One authorized administrator account can access an internal dashboard to view operational information — such as who is currently online, active conversations, the matchmaking queue, and the activity log — and can end an active conversation if necessary. This access exists for safety, abuse-prevention, and operational purposes, and is restricted to a single authenticated account.
6. Data Retention
The Service does not currently include an automatic message-deletion or data-expiration system. Messages, and the record of a conversation, may remain in Firebase Realtime Database after a conversation ends, unless removed through infrastructure-level or manual processes that are not part of the Service's everyday operation. Matchmaking queue records and presence records are removed automatically when they are no longer needed — for example, once you're matched, or once your session ends.
8. Security
We take reasonable steps to protect the information the Service handles, including restricting administrative access to a single authenticated account. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Third-Party and Infrastructure Services
The Service relies on infrastructure and hosting providers, including Google/Firebase, to deliver and secure the website. These providers may automatically process standard technical information — such as IP address, browser type, and request timing — as a normal part of operating any website; this happens at the infrastructure level and is not something the Service's own code directly collects, reads, or stores. Avatars are generated using a third-party avatar-rendering service, which receives only the seed value used to generate the image (your nickname), not any other personal information.
10. Eligibility
The Service is intended for use by individuals aged 18 and older. By using the Service, you represent that you meet this age requirement. The Service does not currently include a technical age-verification process.
11. Your Privacy Choices
Because the Service does not require an account and does not persist your nickname beyond your session, there is no account to delete or profile to manage. If you have a specific question or concern about information handled by the Service, or wish to make a request regarding it, you can contact us using the details below.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in how the Service actually operates. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised date. Continued use of the Service after changes are posted means you accept the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
Questions about this Privacy Policy can be sent to: vsappstudio@gmail.com