Welcome to Talking Stories!

This Privacy Policy describes how Cem Adiloglu ("we", "us", "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use the Talking Stories mobile application and related services (the "Services").

We are committed to protecting your privacy. We process your information only as described in this Privacy Policy to provide you with personalized AI character conversations while keeping your data safe.

Important:

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your conversation content for advertising purposes.

If you have questions, please contact us at support@talkingstories.app.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide

Account Information

Email address
Password (encrypted)
Authentication data from Google or Apple Sign-In (if used)

Profile Information

Username (optional)
Profile preferences

Messages and Content

Text messages you send and receive through the Services
Characters you create
Chat history and conversation data

Purchases and Transactions

Records of in-app purchases (energy packs)
Transaction history
Payment processing is handled by Apple/Google; we do not store payment card details

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device Information

Device type, model, and operating system
Unique device identifiers
Language settings

Usage Information

Features you use
Time spent in the app
Interaction patterns
Error logs and performance data

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Providing the Services

Creating and managing your account
Enabling conversations with AI characters
Personalizing your experience based on your preferences
Processing purchases and managing your energy balance
Syncing your data across devices

2.2 Improving the Services

Analyzing usage patterns to improve features
Fixing bugs and technical issues
Developing new features

2.3 Safety and Security

Preventing fraud and abuse
Enforcing our Terms of Use
Protecting users from harmful content

2.4 Communications

Responding to your support requests
Sending important service updates
Marketing communications (only with your consent, and you can opt out anytime)

3. AI and Conversation Data

3.1 How AI Works

When you send a message, it is processed by our AI system to generate character responses. This processing is essential to provide the core functionality of the Services.

3.2 What We Do With Conversation Data

We use it to: Provide personalized conversations, improve AI responses, and ensure safety
We do NOT: Sell conversation data, use it for advertising, or share it with third parties for marketing

3.3 AI Training

Your conversations may be used in anonymized, aggregated form to improve our AI systems. Individual conversations are not shared externally.

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in these circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

We work with trusted service providers who help us operate the Services:

Supabase (database and authentication)
Google Cloud (AI processing)
Apple/Google (payment processing, app distribution)

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information.

4.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or to:

Comply with legal obligations
Protect our rights and safety
Prevent fraud or illegal activity

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Retention

5.1 Active Accounts

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Services.

5.2 Account Deletion

When you delete your account:

Your data is immediately marked as deleted and becomes inaccessible
After 30 days, your data is permanently and irreversibly deleted from our systems
This 30-day period allows for account recovery if deletion was accidental

5.3 Backup Retention

Backup copies may be retained for up to 90 days for disaster recovery purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

All data is encrypted in transit (TLS/SSL)
Data at rest is encrypted
Access controls and authentication
Regular security assessments

While we take reasonable precautions, no system is 100% secure. We will notify you if a data breach affects your information.

7. International Data Transfers

Our Services are operated globally. Your information may be processed in:

Turkey (where we are based)
European Union (Supabase servers)
United States (Google Cloud AI services)

When transferring data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable laws.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

8.1 Access

Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

8.2 Correction

Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.

8.3 Deletion

Request deletion of your personal information. You can delete your account directly in the app under Account settings.

8.4 Data Portability

Request your data in a portable format.

8.5 Withdraw Consent

Withdraw consent for processing where consent is the legal basis.

8.6 Object to Processing

Object to certain types of processing, including direct marketing.

8.7 Lodge a Complaint

File a complaint with a data protection authority.

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@talkingstories.app.

9. Children's Privacy

The Services are not intended for individuals under 17 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 17.

If you believe someone under 17 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. We will promptly delete such information.

10. Cookies and Tracking

The mobile app does not use cookies. We use standard mobile analytics to understand app usage and improve the Services.

11. Third-Party Links

The Services may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

Posting the updated policy in the app
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending you a notification (for material changes)

Your continued use of the Services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at support@talkingstories.app.