1. Who we are
theChatStage operates a real-time chat and live-debate platform. This policy explains what personal data we collect, why we collect it, and your rights.
2. Data we collect
- Account data: email, display name, password hash (or Google OAuth identifier), age, country, gender.
- Profile media: avatar images you upload.
- Conversation data: chat messages, debate messages, uploaded audio and images.
- Ratings: ratings you give and receive across five dimensions.
- Technical data: IP address, browser type, session cookies, connection telemetry needed for real-time messaging.
3. How we use your data
- To provide the chat, queue, scheduling, and debate features.
- To match you with other users based on your filter preferences.
- To maintain reputation summaries derived from ratings.
- To secure the Service and investigate abuse reports.
- To communicate essential service notices.
4. Legal bases (GDPR)
We process personal data under the following bases: performance of a contract (to provide the Service you signed up for), legitimate interests (security, abuse prevention), consent (for optional features where applicable), and legal obligation.
5. Sharing
We do not sell personal data. We share data only with:
- Infrastructure providers that host the database, files, and servers under data-processing agreements.
- Google, if you choose to sign in with Google (Google receives minimal authentication data).
- Law enforcement when legally required.
Debate rooms are public and visible to anonymous viewers by design. Do not share sensitive information in debates.
6. Retention
Account data is retained while your account is active. When you delete your account, we remove or anonymize your profile, messages, and uploads within 30 days, except where retention is legally required.
7. Your rights
Depending on your jurisdiction (GDPR, CCPA, and similar laws) you have the right to access, correct, export, or delete your personal data, and to object to or restrict certain processing. To exercise these rights, contact privacy@chatstage.app.
8. Children
The Service is not directed to children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has provided us data, contact us and we will delete it.
9. Security
We use encryption in transit (HTTPS/WSS), hashed credentials, and access controls. No system is perfectly secure; please use a strong, unique password.
10. International transfers
Your data may be processed in countries other than your own. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.
11. Changes
We will post updates to this policy here and revise the "last updated" date. Material changes will be announced in-app or by email.
12. Contact
Privacy questions: privacy@chatstage.app