LOCHAT PRIVACY POLICY

1. INTRODUCTION

This Privacy Policy explains how Lochat ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, stores, and protects information in connection with our mobile application ("App") that provides AI companionship services. We are committed to protecting your privacy and complying with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Lochat is designed with privacy as a core principle, operating without requiring user accounts and storing all conversation data locally on your device. By using our App, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

The primary information we collect is the content of your conversations with our AI characters. This includes all text inputs you provide and the AI responses generated during your interactions.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use Lochat, we may automatically collect certain technical information, including:

• Device information (model, operating system version, unique device identifiers)
• App usage data (features used, interaction patterns, session duration)
• Technical logs related to app performance and errors

This information is collected anonymously and in aggregate form, unless legally required otherwise, and does not identify you personally.

2.3 Information from In-App Purchases

When you make in-app purchases, the transaction is processed through the Apple App Store. We do not directly collect or store your payment information, which is handled by the respective app store in accordance with their privacy policies.

3. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain the Lochat service, including storing your conversation history locally on your device
• To improve and optimize the App's performance and user experience
• To develop new features and enhance AI character interactions
• To respond to technical issues and provide support
• To comply with legal obligations and protect our legitimate business interests

We will only use your personal information when the law allows us to. Most commonly, we will use your personal information in the following circumstances:

• Where we need to perform the contract we are about to enter into or have entered into with you
• Where it is necessary for our legitimate interests (or those of a third party) and your interests and fundamental rights do not override those interests
• Where we need to comply with a legal obligation

4. DATA STORAGE AND SECURITY

4.1 Local Storage

All conversation data is stored locally on your device. This means your conversations remain private and are not transmitted to our servers unless necessary for specific features you choose to use, or as required by law.

4.2 Encryption

Your locally stored data is protected by top-tier encryption to prevent unauthorized access. We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

4.3 Data Retention

Your conversation data remains on your device for as long as you have the App installed. You can delete your conversation history at any time through the App's settings. When you uninstall the App, your local data will be removed unless your device settings prevent this.

Anonymous usage data may be retained for a reasonable period to improve the service, but will not be linked to your identity.

5. INFORMATION SHARING AND DISCLOSURE

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

• With service providers who assist us in operating the App and providing the service, under strict confidentiality agreements
• To comply with legal obligations, such as responding to a court order, subpoena, or other legal process
• To protect our rights, property, or safety, or the rights, property, or safety of others
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, where your information would be transferred as part of the transaction

In all cases, we ensure that any third parties handling your information comply with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

6. YOUR DATA PROTECTION RIGHTS

Under UK and EU data protection laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: You have the right to request copies of your personal information
• Right to Rectification: You have the right to request that we correct any information you believe is inaccurate
• Right to Erasure: You have the right to request that we erase your personal information, under certain conditions
• Right to Restriction of Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information, under certain conditions
• Right to Object to Processing: You have the right to object to our processing of your personal information, under certain conditions

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the email address provided below. We will respond to your request within one month.

Please note that since most data is stored locally on your device, you can directly manage much of your information through the App's settings, including deleting conversation history.

7. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Lochat is not intended for use by children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

Parents or guardians who believe their child under 13 has used our App and provided personal information may contact us to request removal of that information.

8. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

The App may contain links to or integrate with third-party services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party services, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

In-app purchases are processed through the Apple App Store, which has its own privacy policy governing your transaction information.

9. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App and updating the "Effective Date" at the top of this policy.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the App after any modifications to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

10. CONTACT US

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at: aichatlochat2@outlook.com

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority, particularly in the UK or the country where you reside or work. The UK supervisory authority is the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).