Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

IONChat ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use the IONChat app and website (collectively, the "Services"). By using IONChat, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Your mobile phone number or email address (used to send a one-time verification code) and the @handle (username) you choose. We do not use passwords — sign-in is by one-time code.
• Profile Information: Display name, bio, profile photo, and other details you choose to share.
• Content: Posts, photos, videos, voice notes, and other content you create or share through IONChat.
• Contacts: With your permission, we may access your device contacts to help you find people you know on IONChat.
• Usage Data: Information about how you interact with the Services, such as feature usage, log data, and device information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide, maintain, and improve the Services
• Enable the feed and social functionality
• Send you service-related notifications and updates
• Protect the security and integrity of our platform
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Data Sharing

IONChat is a private network. We do not sell your personal information. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• With other IONChat users as you direct (e.g., posting content)
• With service providers who help us operate the Services (under strict confidentiality obligations)
• If required by law or to protect our rights, property, or safety

5. SMS / Text Message Communications

When you provide your mobile phone number to IONChat, you may receive SMS text messages from INFINITY ONE NETWORK LLC ("ION") for the purpose of account verification and identity authentication (one-time passcodes / OTPs).

Information Sharing for SMS: Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in consent data collected through IONChat are not shared, sold, or transferred to third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes under any circumstances. We share this information only with our SMS service provider (Twilio) solely to deliver the messages you have requested.

Message Frequency: Message frequency varies based on user activity. You may receive a message each time you sign up, log in, or perform an action requiring identity verification.

Message and Data Rates: Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.

Opt-Out: You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any message. For help, reply HELP. Opting out of SMS does not affect your ability to use the IONChat app, though it may disable SMS-based verification.

6. Child Safety and CSAM Reporting

IONChat has zero tolerance for child sexual abuse material ("CSAM") or any content that sexually exploits, endangers, or facilitates harm to minors. We comply with all applicable laws regarding the detection, prevention, and reporting of CSAM and child exploitation, including U.S. federal law.

Mandatory Reporting Under 18 U.S.C. § 2258A

As an electronic communication service provider operating in the United States, IONChat (operated by INFINITY ONE NETWORK LLC) is required by federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2258A to report apparent violations of certain federal child-sexual-exploitation statutes to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline ("NCMEC").

When we become aware of content on our platform that appears to constitute CSAM or other child-exploitation material, we will:

1. Preserve the content and associated user data as required by 18 U.S.C. § 2258A(h);
2. Submit a report to NCMEC's CyberTipline within the time required by law (generally as soon as reasonably possible);
3. Include in that report all information required or permitted under 18 U.S.C. § 2258A, which may include: the apparent content; user-identifying information (account email, phone, display name); IP address and geographic data; device and session metadata; relevant post context; and any other information NCMEC, law enforcement, or the statute requires;
4. Make the preserved data available to NCMEC and to law enforcement consistent with applicable law and valid legal process.

No Prior Notice to Users

To preserve the integrity of child-safety investigations and to comply with federal law — including the anti-disclosure provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 2258A(b)(4) — we will not notify any user whose content has been reported to NCMEC or whose data has been preserved in connection with a CyberTipline submission, and we may be prohibited from disclosing the existence of a report.

Account Termination

We may, at our sole discretion and without prior notice, immediately suspend or permanently terminate any account associated with apparent CSAM, child exploitation, or attempts to solicit, groom, or harm minors. Termination is independent of and does not preclude reporting to NCMEC and to law enforcement.

Cooperation with Law Enforcement

We will cooperate with valid legal process, including subpoenas, court orders, search warrants, and emergency disclosure requests. We may voluntarily disclose user data to law enforcement under the circumstances permitted by 18 U.S.C. § 2702, including in good-faith belief that an emergency involving danger of death or serious physical injury to a person requires disclosure.

User Reporting

You can report content you believe constitutes CSAM, child exploitation, or any other violation of our Community Guidelines directly within IONChat by tapping the "···" menu on any post and selecting Report post. Reports flagged as involving minors are prioritized and reviewed by our trust and safety team without delay.

You may also report suspected child exploitation directly to NCMEC at any time:

• Online: report.cybertip.org
• Phone: 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)

If a child is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement (911 in the United States).

Data Retention for Investigations

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Privacy Policy regarding data deletion, retention periods, or your right to request erasure, content and user data that is the subject of a CyberTipline report or that is preserved in connection with a pending law-enforcement matter will be retained for at least the period required by 18 U.S.C. § 2258A(h) — currently a minimum of 90 days following the report, extendable by NCMEC or law enforcement request — and longer if required by court order or other valid legal process.

Good-Faith Reporting Protections

IONChat and INFINITY ONE NETWORK LLC submit CyberTipline reports in reliance on the good-faith reporting protections of 18 U.S.C. § 2258B. Users acknowledge that good-faith reports made under this section, even if ultimately determined to be inaccurate, are protected from civil and criminal liability under federal law.

Designated Reporting Contact

Our designated child-safety reporting contact for CyberTipline correspondence, NCMEC inquiries, and law-enforcement requests related to this section is:

• Email: eric@ionchat.app

7. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit and at rest. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights

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

• Access, correct, or delete your personal information
• Export your data
• Restrict or object to certain processing activities
• Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact us at the email below.

9. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Services. You may delete your account at any time, which will initiate the deletion of your personal data in accordance with applicable laws.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

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

privacy@ionchat.app