For the site owner: replace the contact email and any services listed below (analytics, advertising) with the ones you actually use before publishing. This is a general template and not legal advice.
1. Introduction
Welcome to ChatIndia.in ("ChatIndia", "we", "us" or "our"). We run a free online chat community that lets adults talk by text, voice and video. This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected when you visit our website or use our chat rooms, how it is used, who may see it and what choices you have. By using the site you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the service.
We have tried to write this document in plain language. Chat rooms are public, real-time spaces, so privacy works differently here than on a private messaging app, and we want you to understand those differences before you start typing.
2. Information you give us
Nickname and chat messages
To chat you choose a nickname. You are not required to register an account, create a profile or provide your real name. Anything you type in a public room can be seen by everyone present in that room at the time, and may be copied, screenshotted or logged by other users. Please treat public messages as public.
Private messages
Private messages are sent directly to another user, but they are not guaranteed to be confidential. The recipient can share them, and chat software or operators may be able to access technical information about them if needed to deal with abuse or technical faults.
Voice and video
If you start voice or webcam chat, your browser asks for permission to use your microphone or camera. Access is granted by you and can be withdrawn at any time in your browser settings. Other participants may be able to see, hear or record what you transmit, and we cannot control what they do with it.
Messages you send us
If you contact us by email or through a contact form, we receive your email address and whatever details you include. We use this information only to reply and to investigate your report or request.
3. Information collected automatically
As with most websites and chat networks, certain technical data is processed when you connect. This can include your IP address, device and browser type, operating system, approximate location derived from the IP address, pages visited, the time and date of access, and the nickname you used. Chat servers typically display part of this connection information (often called a host mask) to channel operators so they can identify and block abusive users. Where possible we use masking or cloaking features to reduce exposure of your full IP address to ordinary members.
4. Cookies and similar technologies
Cookies are small files stored on your device. We may use them for basic site operation, to remember preferences, to measure traffic and to understand which pages are useful. Third-party services we use, such as analytics or advertising providers, may place their own cookies. You can control or delete cookies in your browser settings. Blocking some cookies may affect how parts of the website work, but the basic chat should still function.
5. How we use information
- To operate, maintain and secure the website and chat service.
- To enforce our Terms & Conditions, including investigating reports of abuse, spam, scams and illegal behaviour.
- To block users or networks that harm the community.
- To understand usage and improve performance, design and content.
- To respond to your questions and requests.
- To comply with legal obligations and valid requests from authorities.
We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your chat conversations to build advertising profiles about you.
6. Advertising and third-party services
The website may display advertisements or use third-party tools for analytics, hosting, content delivery and security. These providers may collect information such as your IP address, cookie identifiers and browsing activity on our site, according to their own privacy policies. We do not control those policies and encourage you to read them. Advertising partners may use data to show ads relevant to your interests, and most let you opt out through your browser or device settings.
The chat itself is delivered through an embedded web client and chat network. When you use it, the provider of that client or network may process connection data as part of running the service.
7. Who can see your information
We share information only in limited circumstances. Chat participants see what you write and your nickname. Channel operators and network administrators may see technical connection data. Service providers who host or secure our site may process data on our behalf. We may disclose information if required by law, court order or a lawful request from a government authority, or if we believe it is necessary to protect users, prevent fraud or respond to an emergency. If our service is ever transferred to a new owner, information may transfer with it, subject to this policy.
8. How long we keep data
Chat messages in public rooms are real-time and are not intended to be archived by us as a service, although moderators or the underlying chat network may keep limited logs for security and abuse handling. Technical logs and analytics data are retained only as long as reasonably needed for the purposes above, and are then deleted or anonymised. Emails you send us are kept while we handle your request and for a reasonable period afterwards.
9. Security
We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect the website, including secure connections where available and limited access to administrative tools. No system is perfectly secure, however, and public chat is inherently open. You are responsible for what you choose to reveal. Never share passwords, one-time passwords, bank details, Aadhaar or PAN numbers, or similar sensitive information in a chat room, even with someone who appears friendly or claims to be staff.
10. Children
ChatIndia is for adults only. You must be at least 18 years old to use the chat. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor has used the service, please contact us so we can take action, including removing the user and any related information we hold.
11. Your rights and choices
Depending on where you live, including under India's Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you may have rights relating to your personal data, such as the right to access information, ask for correction or erasure, withdraw consent and raise a grievance. You can also control cookies, deny camera and microphone permissions, change your nickname, or simply stop using the service. To make a request, write to us using the contact details below, and we will respond within a reasonable period.
12. Links to other websites
Our site or our users may post links to external websites. We do not control those sites and are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Be careful with links from strangers, and check the address before entering any personal information.
13. International visitors
Our servers or service providers may be located outside your country. By using the site you understand that information may be processed in locations whose data protection laws differ from those where you live.
14. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to the service or to legal requirements. The "last updated" date at the top shows when it was last revised. Continued use of the site after an update means you accept the revised policy, so please review it occasionally.
15. Contact us
If you have questions, concerns or requests about this Privacy Policy or your information, please reach us through our Contact page or by email at contact@chatindia.in. We will do our best to respond promptly and to resolve any issue fairly.