Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 14, 2026

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

1. Introduction

HeyNeighborChat ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use the Service. By using HeyNeighborChat, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

Username
Email address
Login credentials
Date of birth (used for age verification only)
Age verification status
Neighborhood selections

Location Information

We request one-time access to your device's location during onboarding to suggest nearby neighborhoods. Your precise coordinates are never stored. Only the neighborhood name you select is saved to your account. Location access is optional — you may enter your neighborhood manually instead.

Usage Information

Messages sent
Login and session activity
Device and browser information
Referral and invite usage
Moderation actions taken on your account

Technical Information

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Device information
Cookies and analytics data

3. How We Use Information

We use the information we collect to:

Operate and maintain the Service
Verify that users meet the minimum age requirement of 18 years
Suggest relevant neighborhoods based on location during onboarding
Moderate content and behavior to maintain community safety
Prevent abuse, spam, and unauthorized access
Analyze platform activity to improve the Service
Investigate reports and security incidents
Communicate service updates and policy changes
Enforce our Terms of Service

4. Age Verification

HeyNeighborChat is intended exclusively for users 18 years of age or older. During signup, we collect your date of birth to verify eligibility. Date of birth is stored securely and used solely for age verification purposes. Users who do not meet the minimum age requirement are denied access to the Service. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If we become aware that a minor has accessed the Service, we will promptly disable the account and delete associated data.

5. Automated Content Moderation

All message content submitted to HeyNeighborChat is subject to automated moderation screening. This automated system reviews messages prior to or upon delivery to detect content that violates our community guidelines, including harassment, spam, and prohibited content. Messages may be flagged, logged, delayed, or blocked based on the results of this screening. Moderation records are retained for safety, abuse prevention, and platform integrity purposes.

Human moderators and administrators may also review flagged content, investigate abuse reports, and take action to enforce community rules. We reserve the right to preserve moderation records for as long as reasonably necessary.

6. Analytics and Operational Monitoring

HeyNeighborChat tracks operational metrics including daily active users, messages sent, session activity, referral signups, moderation activity, and platform performance. These analytics are used internally to improve and maintain the Service and are not sold or shared with advertisers.

7. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We may use cookies or similar technologies to:

Keep users signed in
Remember preferences
Improve platform functionality
Analyze traffic and usage patterns
Maintain security

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though parts of the Service may not function properly as a result.

8. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers: With third-party providers who assist in operating the platform, subject to confidentiality obligations
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
Safety and Security: To protect the rights, safety, or security of users, the platform, or the public
Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice provided to users
Abuse and Fraud: To investigate or prevent abuse, fraud, or illegal activity

9. Third-Party Service Providers

HeyNeighborChat relies on the following key third-party providers to operate the Service. These providers process certain user data according to their own privacy policies:

Supabase — database hosting, authentication, and backend infrastructure
Mapbox — one-time location lookup during neighborhood onboarding
Vercel — web hosting and content delivery

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these providers for more information about how they handle data.

10. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as reasonably necessary to operate the Service, maintain security, resolve disputes, enforce our policies, and comply with legal obligations. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting privacy@heyneighborchat.com. We may retain certain records, including moderation logs, for safety and legal compliance purposes even after account deletion.

11. Security

We take reasonable technical and organizational steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encrypted data transmission, row-level database security, and access controls. However, no system is completely secure and we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for protecting your own account credentials.

12. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:

Access the personal information we hold about you
Correct inaccuracies in your information
Request deletion of your information
Request a copy of your data in a portable format
Object to certain types of processing

Florida Residents: Under the Florida Information Protection Act (FIPA), you have the right to know what personal information we collect and to request deletion of that information. To exercise these rights, submit a request to privacy@heyneighborchat.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

California Residents: If you access the Service from California, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know, delete, and opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information. To exercise your rights, contact privacy@heyneighborchat.com.

13. Children's Privacy

HeyNeighborChat is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. Age verification is required at signup. If you believe a minor has accessed the Service, please contact us at privacy@heyneighborchat.com and we will take prompt action.

14. International Users

If you access the Service from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your country.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify users of material changes by updating the effective date at the top of this page. Continued use of the Service after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

16. Contact Information

For privacy-related inquiries, requests, or concerns, contact us at:

Email: privacy@heyneighborchat.com
Platform: heyneighborchat.com

Community Guidelines Summary

Be Neighborly

HeyNeighborChat is your digital front porch — a place to introduce yourself, chat with neighbors, share local information, broadcast community events, ask for help, and offer it. Please:

Treat others with respect
Keep conversations constructive and welcoming
Avoid harassment, hostility, or discrimination
Respect the privacy of your neighbors
Report abusive behavior using the tools provided
Help keep the community a place everyone feels comfortable

This platform is designed for real neighborhood connection — not outrage, spam, or harassment.