Introduction
At VeryClose, your privacy is our top priority. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share information when you use our mobile application and services. By using VeryClose, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Information We Collect
Information You Provide
- Account Information: Email address, display name, and authentication method (Google, Apple, email)
- Messages: Text messages and voice notes you send are encrypted end-to-end before leaving your device
- PIN/Password: Used locally to encrypt your private keys (never sent to our servers)
Information We Automatically Collect
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, app version
- Usage Data: App features used, crash reports (via Firebase Crashlytics)
- Message Metadata: Timestamps, sender/recipient IDs, message status (delivered, read)
What We DON'T Collect
- Message content (all messages are end-to-end encrypted)
- Voice note content (fully encrypted)
- Your contacts or phone number
- Location data
- Browsing history or other app usage
How We Use Your Information
- To Provide Our Service: Enable messaging, voice notes, and pairing functionality
- To Improve Our Service: Analyze usage patterns to fix bugs and develop new features
- To Communicate: Send service updates, security alerts, and support messages
- To Ensure Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security incidents
- Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms
End-to-End Encryption
All messages and voice notes are protected with end-to-end encryption using AES-256-GCM:
- Messages are encrypted on your device before being sent
- Only you and your partner have the keys to decrypt messages
- VeryClose servers cannot read your message content
- Keys are generated locally and stored encrypted on your device
- For multi-device support, your encrypted private key is backed up to Firebase
Data Storage and Retention
- Local Storage: Messages are stored locally on your device in an encrypted database
- Cloud Storage: Only encrypted message metadata is stored on Firebase servers
- Voice Messages: Stored encrypted in Firebase Storage
- Retention: Data is retained until you delete it or close your account
- Account Deletion: All data is permanently deleted when you close your account
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We only share data in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: Firebase/Google Cloud for infrastructure and analytics
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect rights and safety
- Business Transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or asset sale
Advertising
The free version of VeryClose may show a banner advertisement on the home screen, served by Google AdMob. We only request non-personalized ads — ads are not based on your behavior or interests. Ads are never shown inside your conversations, and your messages are never used for advertising in any way. To serve and measure these ads, Google may collect device identifiers (such as the advertising ID), IP address, and coarse device information; see Google's advertising policy for details. VeryClose Pro subscribers see no ads.
Your Rights and Choices
- Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Correction: Update or correct your information
- Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data
- Export: Export your messages and data
- Opt-Out: Disable push notifications in app settings
Children's Privacy
VeryClose is not intended for users under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will immediately delete it.
International Data Transfers
Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We use Firebase/Google Cloud Platform, which complies with international data protection standards including GDPR.
Security
We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including end-to-end encryption, secure data transmission (TLS), encrypted local storage, regular security audits, and secure authentication methods.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated via email or in-app notification.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Support: [email protected]
- Website: www.getveryclose.com/contact