Privacy Policy

Last Updated: September 14, 2026

Welcome to VocalMate ("we", "our", or "us"), a voice-first social communication platform developed by Kotala Digital. We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy notice, please contact us at vocalmate.mobile@gmail.com.

                Summary: VocalMate is a social communication app that lets users connect through voice prompts, audio messages, and nearby discovery. We only collect the minimal information necessary to operate the service. We do not sell your personal data or voice recordings to third parties.
            

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you register and use VocalMate:

Account & Profile Information: When you sign up via Google Sign-In or phone authentication, we receive basic authentication details (email address, phone number, or unique user identifier). You may also provide a display name, bio, and profile photos.
Voice Recordings & Audio Content: To enable voice-first communication, you may record and upload audio prompts, voice introductions, and voice messages. We store these audio files to deliver them to your connections within the app. You retain ownership of audio content you create.
Microphone Access: With your explicit device permission, we access your microphone solely when you choose to record audio within the app.
Location Information: With your permission, we collect your approximate location to power the "Nearby" discovery feature, enabling you to find people in your vicinity. Your exact coordinates are never shared with other users.
Device & Notification Data: We collect push notification tokens (via Firebase Cloud Messaging) to deliver real-time alerts about new messages and interactions. You can disable notifications anytime in your device settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

To create and manage your user account.
To display your voice prompts and profile to other users.
To calculate approximate distance for nearby user discovery.
To facilitate direct messaging and voice interactions between users.
To send push notifications regarding messages and system updates.
To detect and prevent fraudulent, abusive, or harmful behavior within the community.

3. User-Generated Content

VocalMate allows users to create and share audio content, voice prompts, and messages within the platform. Users are solely responsible for the content they create and share. We do not pre-screen or pre-moderate all user-generated content; however, we provide in-app reporting tools and respond to reported violations promptly.

Content involving the sexual exploitation of minors (CSAM/CSAE) is strictly prohibited. See our Child Safety Policy for full details.

4. Third-Party Services & Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We share information only with trusted third-party providers necessary to operate our infrastructure:

Backend & Database: Supabase (secure cloud database, authentication, and encrypted media storage).
Push Notifications: Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (to deliver push alerts to your device).
Legal Compliance: If required by law, subpoena, or government request, or to protect the safety and security of our users and the public.

5. Data Retention & Account Deletion

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

In-App Deletion: You can delete your account directly from the Settings screen within the VocalMate app.
Email Request: You can also request complete deletion of your account, voice recordings, and associated data by emailing vocalmate.mobile@gmail.com with the subject line "Account Deletion Request". Requests are fulfilled within 30 days.

6. Security of Your Information

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures, including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and secure database access rules. However, no electronic transmission over the internet can be guaranteed 100% secure.

7. Children's Privacy

VocalMate is strictly intended for individuals who are at least 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from or allow access to children under 18. If we discover a user is under 18, we will immediately deactivate their account and delete their data. See our Child Safety Policy for full details.

8. Contact Us

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

Kotala Digital
Email: vocalmate.mobile@gmail.com