Privacy Policy - 9 Cult Network

1. INTRODUCTION

Welcome to 9 Cult Network. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our peer-to-peer messaging application.

9 Cult Network is designed with privacy in mind, utilizing direct peer-to-peer connections for messaging while requiring minimal server interaction.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide

Username: You can provide a username or use the automatically generated one.
Messages: The content of messages you send in public channels or direct messages.

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

User ID: A randomly generated identifier created when you first use the application.
Connection Data: Technical information necessary to establish peer-to-peer connections.
Presence Information: Basic online status to show when you're available.

3. HOW WE STORE YOUR INFORMATION

3.1 Client-Side Storage

Local Storage: Your user ID, username, and message history are stored locally on your device using browser localStorage. This information remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers except as needed to facilitate connections.

3.2 Server-Side Storage

Temporary Signal Data: When establishing peer-to-peer connections, signal data is temporarily stored on our servers for a maximum of 60 seconds.
Presence Information: Online user information is stored temporarily on our servers for a maximum of 30 seconds to facilitate user discovery.
Debug Logs: Basic request information may be stored temporarily for debugging purposes.

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect to:

Generate a unique user identity for the chat service
Connect you with other users through WebRTC peer-to-peer technology
Deliver messages between connected users
Show which users are currently online
Maintain and improve the service

5. HOW INFORMATION IS SHARED

5.1 Peer-to-Peer Sharing

When you connect with another user, your username, user ID, and messages are shared directly with them through peer-to-peer connections.
Your recent public messages (up to 20) may be shared with new peers when they connect.

5.2 Third-Party Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties.
We may use STUN servers (like those provided by Google) to facilitate WebRTC connections, which may receive your IP address as part of standard WebRTC operations.

6. DATA RETENTION

Server-side data: Signal data is retained for a maximum of 60 seconds. Presence data is retained for a maximum of 30 seconds.
Client-side data: Message history is stored in your browser's localStorage until you clear it or it is overwritten. We limit storage to the most recent 100 messages per conversation.

7. YOUR CHOICES AND CONTROLS

You have the following controls over your data:

Change your username at any time
Clear localStorage through your browser settings to remove stored messages and user information
Disconnect from the service at any time by closing the browser tab

8. SECURITY

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information:

All communications with our server use HTTPS
Message content is transmitted directly between peers and does not pass through our servers
WebRTC connections between peers are encrypted

However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

9 Cult Network is not intended for use by children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

10. 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 Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

11. CONTACT US

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@9cult.com

By using Fuel Station Chat, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

9 Cult Network - PRIVACY POLICY