Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Commitment

Dirk was built on a foundation of respect for your privacy. The conversations you have here are deeply personal, and we treat them with the care and protection they deserve.

Unlike many digital services, we don't view your data as a business asset. We don't sell it, we don't mine it for advertising insights, and we don't use it to train our models without your explicit consent.

This privacy policy explains in clear terms what information we collect, how we use it, and the controls you have over your data.

Information We Collect

When you use Dirk, we collect and process the following types of information:

• Account information: Email address and encrypted password used for authentication purposes
• Conversation content: The messages you exchange with Dirk, which may include personal reflections, thoughts, and mentions of relationships or events
• Derived information: Patterns, themes, and relationships that our system identifies from your conversations to provide continuity and context
• Usage information: Basic data about how you interact with Dirk (frequency, time of day, length of sessions)
• Technical information: Device type, IP address, browser type, and operating system for security and service functionality

How Your Data Is Used

We use your information specifically to:

• Provide the core service: Enable Dirk to remember context, recognize patterns, and maintain continuity in your conversations
• Improve your experience: Develop Dirk's ability to understand and respond to your specific communication patterns
• Ensure security: Protect against unauthorized access, potential abuse of the service, and technical issues
• Send essential communications: Service updates, security notifications, and account-related information

We do not use your data to:

• Sell to third parties under any circumstances
• Target you with advertising or marketing communications
• Train our models without your explicit consent
• Build a profile for any purpose outside of improving your direct experience with Dirk

Data Storage and Security

Your privacy is protected through multiple security measures:

• End-to-end encryption: All conversations are encrypted in transit and at rest
• Secure data storage: Information is stored on secure servers with industry-standard protections
• Access controls: Strict internal protocols limit who can access user data and under what circumstances
• Regular security audits: We conduct ongoing assessments of our security practices
• Data minimization: We only collect what's necessary to provide the service

Your Data Rights and Controls

You have complete control over your data with Dirk:

• Access: Download a complete copy of all your conversations and data at any time
• Correction: Update or correct your account information whenever needed
• Deletion: Delete individual messages, entire conversations, or your complete account
• Restriction: Limit how we use specific information through your settings
• Objection: Contact us to object to any processing of your data
• Portability: Export your data in standard formats that can be transferred elsewhere

To exercise any of these rights, use the controls in your account settings or contact us directly at privacy@dirk.chat.

GDPR and Legal Compliance

For users in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply fully with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Legal basis: We process your data based on the necessity to perform our contract with you (providing the Dirk service) and with your consent
• Data transfers: Any international transfers of data are conducted with appropriate safeguards
• Data Protection Officer: You can contact our DPO at dpo@dirk.chat
• Regulatory authority: You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

Cookies and Tracking

Dirk uses minimal cookies and tracking technologies:

• Essential cookies: Required for basic functions like login sessions and security
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Analytics: We use anonymized analytics to understand general usage patterns, not individual behavior

We do not use third-party tracking cookies, advertising pixels, or social media trackers. For more details, see our Cookie Policy.

Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary:

• Active accounts: Data is retained for as long as your account is active
• Deleted messages: Permanently removed from our systems within 30 days
• Closed accounts: All data is deleted within 90 days of account closure
• Backup data: May be retained for up to 6 months for disaster recovery purposes

Children's Privacy

Dirk is not directed at children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16. If we become aware that a child under 16 has provided us with personal information, we take steps to remove such information and terminate the child's account.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Sending an email notification for significant changes

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@dirk.chat
Data Protection Officer: dpo@dirk.chat

Last Updated: May 20, 2025