Peerakeet values your privacy and protects your information under HIPAA-aligned and FERPA-aware standards. This Privacy Policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, and how we protect it.
We collect:
We use information to:
Peerakeet uses Groq for AI moderation and Llama Guard for content screening. Both providers operate under signed Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) to meet HIPAA security requirements.
AI models process message text in real time to detect safety risks; the outputs are not used to train third-party models.
All data are stored on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) under an active BAA.
We apply encryption at rest and in transit, access logging, and role-based permissions.
Despite safeguards, no system is perfectly secure; use Peerakeet responsibly.
We do not sell or share personal data for advertising.
We may share data only:
You may request deletion or export of your data by emailing support@peerakeet.com.
We honor applicable rights under HIPAA, FERPA (when applicable), and state privacy laws.
We retain user data as long as your account is active or as required by law. Deleted accounts are purged within 30 days.
Peerakeet is for users 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.
We may revise this Privacy Policy as features evolve. Significant changes will be posted in-app and by email.
Welcome to Peerakeet, Inc. ("Peerakeet," "we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy ("Policy") explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information in connection with the Peerakeet mobile application, website, and any related services (collectively, the "Service").
By accessing, downloading, installing, or using the Service you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy. If you do not agree, uninstall the app and cease use immediately.
Peerakeet is a peer-support platform that connects people dealing with addiction, substance use, and recovery through anonymous, one-on-one conversation. Peerakeet is not a healthcare provider, medical device, or crisis-intervention service.
We do not require or intentionally collect your real name, government ID, or precise GPS location.
| Purpose | Legal Basis (GDPR) | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Provide & secure the Service | Contract performance | account authentication, peer matching, chat, journaling |
| Safety & moderation | Legitimate interest | crisis-language detection, content review, user reports |
| Improve & develop features | Legitimate interest | analytics, A/B testing, debugging |
| Compliance & legal obligations | Legal obligation | responding to lawful requests, enforcing Terms |
| Optional features (future surveys, marketing) | Consent | only if you opt in |
We use automated analysis (including OpenAI's Moderation API and sentiment analysis) to detect potential crisis situations in chat messages. This helps us provide appropriate support resources and emergency contact information when needed.
Our website uses only essential cookies and Firebase SDK-level analytics. We do not use third-party advertising cookies. You can disable cookies in your browser; the site will still function, but some analytics will be lost.
We use Google Firebase for:
We do not track users across third-party websites and therefore do not respond to Do-Not-Track (DNT) signals.
We never sell or rent personal data. We disclose data only:
OpenAI: We may send chat messages to OpenAI's Moderation API for crisis detection and safety analysis. This data is not stored by OpenAI and is used solely for real-time safety assessment.
Firebase: Your data is stored and processed by Google Firebase services as described in Section 4.1.
Your data is processed in the United States and where our providers operate. By using the Service you consent to the transfer of your information to those jurisdictions, which may have data-protection laws different from those in your country.
| Data Category | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Account data | Life of account + 90 days |
| Chat & journal content | Until deleted by you or account deletion; logs retained up to 180 days for safety/legal |
| Audio recordings | Until deleted by you or account deletion |
| Mood check-ins | Until deleted by you or account deletion |
| Profile interactions | Until deleted by you or account deletion |
| Analytics | 24 months, then aggregated/anonymized |
| Legal records | As required by applicable law |
When you delete your account, we permanently remove:
We employ HTTPS/TLS in transit, AES-256 at rest (Firebase), secure authentication, access controls, and periodic audits. No method of storage or transmission is 100% secure; you use the Service at your own risk.
Depending on where you live, you may have:
You can exercise most rights in-app through the Settings menu. For other requests email privacy@peerakeet.com with the subject line "Privacy Request." We may need to verify your identity.
Peerakeet is intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13 or 18. Parents who believe we have inadvertently collected such data should contact us for deletion.
Residents of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, and Virginia have additional rights to know, delete, correct, and opt out of certain data uses. We honour these rights. Submit requests as described in Section 10. We do not sell personal data as defined by these laws.
We may update this Policy. Material changes will be announced via in-app notification or email at least 15 days before they take effect. The "Last Updated" date will change accordingly. Continued use after that date constitutes acceptance.
Peerakeet, Inc. Email: privacy@peerakeet.com
Peerakeet is not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in crisis, dial 988 (U.S.), 911, or your local emergency number, or text HOME to 741741.
Our automated crisis detection system may identify concerning language in messages and provide emergency resources. However, this is not a substitute for professional crisis intervention or emergency services.
Peerakeet is a peer-support and informational platform only. Nothing in the Service—including chats, journals, articles, or prompts—constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition, medication, or treatment plan. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read or hear on Peerakeet. If you believe you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
GENERAL DISCLAIMER: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, PEERAKET, ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE.
SERVICE DISCLAIMER: THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.
PRIVACY DISCLAIMER: WHILE WE IMPLEMENT REASONABLE SECURITY MEASURES, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THE ABSOLUTE SECURITY OF YOUR INFORMATION. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU USE THE SERVICE AT YOUR OWN RISK.
CRISIS DETECTION DISCLAIMER: Our automated crisis detection system is not a substitute for professional mental health care or emergency services. Always seek professional help in crisis situations.
IMPORTANT: By using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. You acknowledge that you use the Service at your own risk and that we are not liable for any harm that may result from your use of the Service.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Peerakeet disclaims liability for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of the Service. The Service is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE." Nothing in this Policy limits any non-waivable consumer rights.
Thank you for trusting Peerakeet. Your privacy matters to us.
