Effective Date: August 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile chat application (the «Design in DC»). By using our App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your username, email address, and password.
• Profile Information: You may choose to provide additional profile information, such as your name, profile picture, and status message.
• Contact Information: We may access your device’s contact list (with your permission) to help you find and connect with friends.

Communication Data

• Messages: We process and store the messages you send and receive through our App to provide the chat functionality.
• Media Files: Photos, videos, documents, and other files you share through the App are processed and stored.
• Chat Metadata: Information about when messages were sent, delivery status, and read receipts.

Device Information

• Device Data: We collect information about your device, including device type, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: Information about how you use our App, including features accessed, time spent in the App, and interaction patterns.
• Location Data: With your permission, we may collect location information to provide location-based features.

Technical Information

• Log Data: Our servers automatically record information when you use our App, including IP address, access times, and crash reports.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and analyse App usage.

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Provision: To provide, maintain, and improve our chat services
• Communication: To facilitate messaging between users
• Account Management: To create and manage your account
• Security: To protect against fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries and provide technical support
• App Improvement: To analyse usage patterns and improve our services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: Messages and shared content are visible to intended recipients
• Service Providers: We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our App
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

Security measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure data centres and infrastructure

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. We may retain certain information longer if required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

• Account Information: Retained until account deletion
• Messages: Retained according to user settings and backup preferences
• Usage Data: Typically retained for analytical purposes for up to 2 years

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Children’s Privacy

Our App is not intended for 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, we will take steps to delete such information.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information during such transfers.

Third-Party Services

Our App may contain links to third-party websites or services. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third-party services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

Push Notifications

We may send you push notifications to provide updates about messages, app features, and other relevant information. You can disable push notifications through your device settings.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy in the App and updating the “Effective Date” above. Your continued use of the App after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

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

Email:
[email protected]

Address:
1101 Connecticut Ave NW,
Suite 450 #94
Washington, DC 20036

Phone:
202-931-7858

This Privacy Policy was last updated on August 1, 2025.