U8 Chat Privacy Policy

Introduction

U8 Chat ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our U8 Chat mobile application and related services (the "Service").

Our Service is designed to serve Chinese-speaking users worldwide, including those located in regions such as Southeast Asia. To comply with relevant Chinese laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Cybersecurity Law of the People's Republic of China, all users must register using a Chinese mainland mobile phone number (+86) for real-name authentication purposes.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using the Service, you agree to the terms of this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.

1. Information We Collect and How We Use It

We collect information to provide, secure, and improve our Service.

1.1 Account Information

To create your account, we require your Chinese mainland mobile phone number (+86) for registration, verification, and real-name authentication in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations. This is a mandatory requirement for all users, regardless of their geographical location. You may also choose to add a profile name and picture to your account.

1.2 Messages and Content

To provide the core functionality of U8 Chat, including one-on-one chats, group chats, and audio/video meetings, we process the messages and media you send and receive, such as text, images, videos, files, and voice messages. Message content is encrypted and securely stored on our servers to ensure reliable message delivery, synchronization across devices, and proper functioning of group communication.

1.3 Automatically Collected Information

To ensure network and service security, we automatically collect certain information from your device, such as device type, operating system version, IP address, and general usage logs (e.g., login times, features accessed). This helps us diagnose problems, prevent fraud, and improve performance. For audio and video meeting features, real-time communication service providers (such as Agora) may collect technical information such as device type, network quality metrics, IP address, packet loss, latency, or similar diagnostics solely for the purpose of ensuring call stability and performance.

1.4 Location Information (With Your Permission)

If you use features that require location, like finding nearby contacts, we will ask for your permission to collect precise GPS location data. You can control this permission through your device's settings at any time.

1.5 Audio and Video Meetings

U8 Chat provides real-time audio and video meeting features. These features rely on third-party real-time communication providers such as Agora. While live audio and video data passes through Agora's infrastructure to enable communication, we do not store this content. Agora may process technical information (such as IP address, device type, and connection quality) for the sole purpose of maintaining call performance and reliability.

1.6 Legal Basis for Processing

The processing of your Chinese mainland mobile phone number is based on our legal obligation to comply with Chinese laws and regulations regarding real-name authentication for internet services. For other personal information, the processing is based on the necessity to perform our contract with you (providing the Service) and our legitimate interests in improving and securing our Service.

2.2 With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as cloud hosting (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) and customer support. These partners are bound by strict data protection contracts. For audio and video meeting functionality, we integrate with real-time communication providers such as Agora. To establish and maintain real-time connections, Agora may temporarily receive network-related metadata (e.g., IP address, connection statistics). Agora does not receive or store your encrypted message content.

2.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information if required to do so by law or in response to a valid legal request, such as a court order or subpoena. This includes sharing information with Chinese regulatory authorities as required by Chinese laws and regulations.

3. Data Security and Retention

We implement robust security measures to protect your information. All messages—including one-on-one chats and group chats—are encrypted and securely stored on our servers to ensure reliable message delivery and synchronization. Audio and video meeting data is transmitted securely through our real-time communication provider (such as Agora) and is not stored after transmission. Personal information, including your Chinese mainland mobile phone number, is stored on servers located in Chinese mainland in compliance with Chinese data localization requirements where applicable.

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide the Service and fulfill the purposes described in this policy. Message data may be deleted when you delete your account or specific conversations (where supported). We retain your Chinese mainland mobile phone number as required by Chinese laws and regulations for real-name authentication records.

4. Your Rights

You have the right to access, correct, or delete the personal information we hold about you.

Account Deletion

You can permanently delete your U8 Chat account and its data directly within the app. To do this, navigate to: Profile -> Edit -> Delete My Account. Please be aware that account deletion is irreversible. However, we may retain your Chinese mainland mobile phone number for a legally required period to comply with Chinese laws and regulations regarding real-name authentication records.

5. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed on servers located outside of the country where you live. We ensure that appropriate legal safeguards are in place to protect your data, regardless of where it is processed. For users located outside Chinese mainland, please note that your personal information, including your Chinese mainland mobile phone number, will be transferred to and stored on servers in Chinese mainland, as required by our legal obligations under Chinese laws and regulations. By using our Service, you consent to this transfer, storage, and processing.

6. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for users under the age of 13 ("Children"). We do not knowingly collect personal information from Children. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your Child has provided us with information, please contact us, and we will promptly delete it.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. The "Effective Date" at the top will indicate when changes were made. We will notify you of any material changes through the Service.

8. Contact Us

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

Email: support@u8chat.cn

Privacy Policy