Privacy Policy — BetterFriendAI

Last Updated: June 1, 2025 | Effective Date: June 1, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how BetterFriendAI, Inc. ("BetterFriendAI," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and protects your personal information when you use our website at betterfriendai.com and our AI companion service (collectively, the "Service"). By using our Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Information: Email address, username (display name), and password when you create an account.
Profile Information: Optional details you choose to share during onboarding (communication preferences, interests, wellness goals). You are never required to provide your real name, phone number, or demographic information.
Conversation Content: The messages you send to and receive from our AI companion. This is the most sensitive data we hold and receives our highest level of protection.
Journal Entries: Text you enter in the journaling feature.
Payment Information: If you subscribe to a paid plan, payment details are processed by our payment provider (Stripe) and we do not store your full card number.

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

Usage Data: Features used, session duration, frequency of use (not conversation content).
Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type.
Log Data: IP address, access times, pages viewed. IP addresses are anonymized within 30 days.
Cookies: We use minimal, essential cookies for authentication and session management. We do not use advertising or tracking cookies.

2. How We Use Your Information

To provide, operate, and improve the Service
To personalize your AI companion experience based on your stated preferences
To send service-related communications (account confirmations, security alerts)
To process payments and manage subscriptions
To detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and safety violations
To comply with legal obligations

We do not use your data to serve targeted advertising. We do not sell your data to third parties. We do not use your conversation content for marketing purposes.

3. Data Storage & Security

All conversation data is encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption and in transit using TLS 1.3. We store data on servers located in the United States with SOC 2 Type II certified infrastructure providers. Access to user data within our organization is restricted on a strict need-to-know basis with full audit logging.

We conduct quarterly security audits and maintain a responsible disclosure program for security researchers.

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties for their marketing purposes. We share data only in the following limited circumstances:

Service Providers: Trusted vendors who help us operate the Service (cloud hosting, payment processing, customer support software) under strict data processing agreements.
Legal Requirements: When required by valid legal process (court order, subpoena) or to protect the safety of our users or others. We will notify you of legal requests where legally permitted to do so.
Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, user data would be transferred with appropriate notice and the option to delete your account.

5. Your Rights & Choices

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Access: Request a copy of all data we hold about you.
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information.
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and all associated data. We process deletion requests within 30 days.
Portability: Export your conversation history, journal entries, and account data in standard formats.
Opt-Out: Opt out of any optional data usage (e.g., training data contribution) at any time in account settings.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@betterfriendai.com or use the tools in your account settings.

6. Children's Privacy

BetterFriendAI is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

7. International Users

If you are accessing our Service from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. We comply with applicable international data transfer laws, including GDPR for European users (with Standard Contractual Clauses where applicable) and PIPEDA for Canadian users.

8. GDPR Rights (EEA Users)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), including the right to lodge a complaint with your national supervisory authority. Our legal basis for processing your personal data is your consent (for optional data processing) and our legitimate interest in providing and improving our Service.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email and by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

10. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions, requests, or concerns:

Email: privacy@betterfriendai.com
General: hello@betterfriendai.com
Mail: BetterFriendAI, Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA