Privacy Policy

1. Overview

DeutschTalkCafe ("we", "our", or "us") operates the DeutschTalkCafe website at deutschtalk.cafe and the DeutschTalkCafe mobile application (iOS and Android). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and profile picture when you register.
• Usage Data: Rooms you join or create, session history, and language learning activity.
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and push notification token for delivering notifications.
• Communications: Messages sent in rooms or forums within the app.
• Audio/Video: Real-time voice and video data during live conversation sessions. This data is transmitted in real time and is not stored on our servers.

3. How We Use Your Information

• To provide and operate our language learning platform and live conversation rooms.
• To send push notifications about room activity and scheduled sessions (only with your permission).
• To personalise your experience and track learning progress.
• To communicate important service updates and announcements.
• To improve and develop our services.

4. Microphone and Camera Access

The mobile app requests access to your device's microphone and camera solely to enable live voice and video conversations in language learning rooms. This data is streamed peer-to-peer in real time and is never recorded or stored by DeutschTalkCafe. You can revoke this permission at any time in your device settings.

5. Push Notifications

With your explicit permission, we send push notifications to alert you when a room you follow becomes active or a scheduled session is about to start. You can disable notifications at any time in your device settings or within the app.

6. Data Storage and Security

Your data is stored securely using Google Firebase (Firestore and Authentication), which complies with industry-standard security practices including encryption at rest and in transit. We do not sell your personal data to third parties.

7. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services:

• Google Firebase – Authentication and database storage.
• Expo (Notifications) – Push notification delivery infrastructure.
• Ably – Real-time messaging.
• Jitsi – Peer-to-peer video and audio in conversation rooms.

8. Data Retention and Deletion

You may delete your account at any time from the app settings. Upon deletion, your personal data (name, email, profile) is permanently removed from our systems within 30 days. Aggregated, anonymised usage data may be retained for analytical purposes.

9. Children's Privacy

DeutschTalkCafe is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

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

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at privacy@deutschtalk.cafe.