1. Information We Collect
When you use Circlo, we collect information you provide directly and information generated through your use of the service.
- Account Information: Display name, username, email address, password (stored securely as a bcrypt hash), and optional bio and profile photo.
- Messages: Text messages, voice messages, images, files, and other media you send through the service.
- Usage Data: Login history (timestamps, IP addresses, browser information), device information, and interaction patterns within the app.
- Status Updates: Temporary status posts you choose to share.
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide, maintain, and improve the Circlo service
- To authenticate your account and ensure security
- To deliver messages, notifications, and media between users
- To detect and prevent spam, abuse, and security threats
- To comply with legal obligations
3. Data Storage & Security
Your data is stored on secure cloud infrastructure (Neon PostgreSQL). Messages and media are encrypted in transit using TLS. Passwords are hashed with bcrypt and are never stored in plaintext. We implement rate limiting, same-origin request guards, and session management to protect against unauthorized access.
4. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. Your information is only shared:
- With other users as part of the messaging service (your display name, username, and messages you send)
- When required by law or to protect the safety of our users
- With service providers who assist in operating the platform (hosting, email delivery)
5. Your Privacy Controls
Circlo provides built-in privacy settings that you control:
- Profile Visibility: Choose who can see your profile (everyone, contacts, or nobody).
- Last Seen: Control who can see when you were last active.
- Status Visibility: Control who sees your status updates.
- Who Can Message You: Restrict who can start conversations with you.
- Read Receipts: Toggle whether others see when you read messages.
- Typing Indicators: Toggle whether others see when you are typing.
- Block Users: Block specific users from contacting you.
6. Your Rights
- Download Your Data: You can export a copy of all your account data at any time from your profile settings.
- Delete Your Account: You can permanently delete your account and all associated data from your profile settings. This action cannot be undone.
- Report Abuse: You can report users or messages that violate our guidelines.
7. Data Retention
We retain your data for as long as your account is active. When you delete your account, all associated data (messages, media, profile information) is permanently removed. Some data may be retained temporarily for audit purposes as required by law.
8. Children's Privacy
Circlo is not intended for users under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the “Last updated” date.
10. Contact
If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us through the Circlo application.