Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 15, 2025

Welcome to Sharky Chat. Your privacy is a matter of utmost importance to us. This Privacy Policy is designed to clearly outline how we collect, utilize, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use our chat application.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and continually improve our services and user experience. The information collected includes:

• Personal Identification Information: This includes your chosen **Username**, **Email Address**, **Profile Picture**, and any other details you voluntarily provide during registration or profile updates.
• Usage and Technical Data: Information detailing your interactions with Sharky Chat, such as **chat logs**, **device information** (e.g., model, operating system), **IP address**, and **activity timestamps**.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, personalize content, and enhance the overall user experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

The collected data is used for the following essential purposes:

• **Account Management:** To **authenticate** you and securely manage your user account.
• **Service Provision:** To facilitate **real-time messaging**, chatroom functionalities, and deliver core application features.
• **Personalization and Improvement:** To analyze usage patterns, enhance the application, and **personalize** your individual user experience.
• **Communication:** To send you important notices, updates regarding our services, or changes to our policies.
• **Security and Legal Compliance:** To ensure the security and integrity of our services, comply with legal obligations, and prevent potential fraudulent or illegal activities.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We are committed to protecting your data and **do not sell or rent your personal information** to third parties. Data may only be shared under the following limited circumstances:

• **With Your Explicit Consent:** We will share information when you specifically direct us to do so.
• **With Trusted Service Providers:** We engage reputable third-party vendors (e.g., hosting, analytics) who assist us in operating and improving Sharky Chat. These providers are bound by strict **confidentiality agreements**.
• **Legal Requirements:** If required by law, subpoena, or a lawful request from public authorities, we may disclose your information.

4. Data Security

We implement robust, industry-standard **security measures** (including encryption and access controls) to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. It is important to note, however, that no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is **100% secure**, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Choices and Data Rights

You maintain control over your personal information and have the following rights:

• **Access and Correction:** You may review, update, or correct your profile information within the application settings at any time.
• **Account Deletion:** You have the right to **delete your account**, which will result in the permanent removal of your personal data from our active systems, subject to certain legal obligations for record retention.
• **Notification Controls:** You can manage your preferences for application notifications within the settings.

6. Children’s Privacy

Sharky Chat is explicitly **not directed to children under 13 years of age**. We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from anyone under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13 without verifiable parental consent, we will take immediate steps to delete that information.

7. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any **significant changes** by posting the updated policy within the app or by sending an email notification. Your continued use of Sharky Chat after the effective date of the revised policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated terms.

8. Contact Us

Should you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or your rights, please contact us:

Email: support@sharkychat.com