Yakety Privacy Policy

We take yak privacy seriously! Your yak-formation is safe in the herd. Read on to see how we protect your yakking.

Effective Date: 6th of May 2025

Last Updated: 6th of May 2025

1.1 Introduction

Welcome to Yakety! This Privacy Policy explains how HomelessTech ("Yakety," "we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects your personal information when you access and use our chat services, including our website located at https://yakety.cloud/ (the "Service").

For the purposes of this policy, "personal information" or "personal data" refers to any information relating to an identified or identifiable individual. "You" or "user" refers to any individual who accesses or uses the Service.

Yakety is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information transparently and securely. We believe your conversations are yours, and our platform is built with privacy as a core principle. We aim to facilitate communication without unnecessary data collection. This Privacy Policy is designed to help you understand our practices and make informed decisions when using Yakety. We strive to comply with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Economic Area (EEA).

The association of Yakety with HomelessTech may prompt questions regarding data handling. It is important to state clearly from the beginning that Yakety operates with a strong commitment to standard data protection practices and user privacy, aiming to build trust and provide a secure communication environment.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the Yakety Service, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in this policy.

1.2 Information We Collect

We collect certain information to provide and improve the Yakety Service. Transparency about the types of data collected is fundamental to building user trust and complying with regulations like GDPR. The information we collect falls into two main categories: information you provide directly and information collected automatically.

1.2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Registration: When you create a Yakety account, we require certain information to set up and manage your account. This typically includes a unique username, a valid email address, and a password. Providing this information is necessary to create your account and allow you to use the core features of the Service. We do not require additional personal identifiers like phone numbers unless specified during signup.
• Profile Information: Yakety allows you to personalize your profile. You may voluntarily choose to upload a profile picture and write a short biography ("bio") to share more about yourself with other users. Providing this profile information is optional.
• Communications Content: The primary function of Yakety is communication. Therefore, we collect the content of the messages you send and receive through direct messaging, group chats, and random chats. This includes text and any other media shared through the platform (if supported). Collection of this content is essential for delivering the messages to the intended recipients and enabling the chat functionality.
• Random Chat Preferences: If you use the Random Connections feature, you may have the option to set certain preferences or interests to help us match you with other users. If you provide these preferences, we collect them to facilitate the matching process. This information is optional.
• Support Communications: If you contact us for support or provide feedback, we collect the information you include in your communications, such as your email address and the details of your query, to respond effectively.

1.2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the Yakety Service, we automatically collect certain technical and usage information to ensure the Service operates correctly, securely, and efficiently.

• Log Data: Like most online services, our servers automatically record information ("Log Data") created by your use of the Service. Log Data may include your Internet Protocol (IP) address, browser type, operating system, the referring web page, pages visited, location (general, e.g., city derived from IP address), and timestamps. This information is used for operating the service, monitoring security, diagnosing technical problems, and analyzing usage patterns.
• Device Data: We may collect information about the device you use to access Yakety, such as device type, operating system version, and unique device identifiers (if applicable, particularly for future mobile applications). This helps us optimize the service for different devices and troubleshoot issues.
• Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with the Yakety Service, such as the features you use (e.g., direct chat, random chat), the frequency and duration of your sessions, and other interaction data. This helps us understand how the Service is used, identify popular features, and find areas for improvement.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies (small text files placed on your device) and potentially similar technologies to operate and improve the Service. Cookies help us with functions like user authentication, remembering preferences, and understanding site usage. For more details, please see Section 1.10 (Cookie Policy) below.

1.2.3 Secure Messaging Clarification

Yakety aims to provide secure messaging. This means we implement security measures (detailed in Section 1.7) to protect the data we collect, including message content. However, unless explicitly stated otherwise (e.g., through the implementation of end-to-end encryption), the term "secure" refers to the protective measures applied to data stored on our systems and transmitted to/from our servers, not necessarily that messages are encrypted in a way that prevents Yakety itself from accessing them. We collect message content to provide the chat functionality. Users should be mindful of the sensitivity of information shared. Misleading claims about security levels must be avoided to maintain transparency and comply with regulations.

1.2.4 Random Chat Anonymity Clarification

The Random Connections feature provides anonymity between users by assigning random aliases during chats. However, this anonymity does not extend to the platform itself. Yakety collects the content of random chats and any preferences provided for matching, just as it does for other communications, for purposes such as service operation and moderation. Users should understand that while their real identity is masked from their chat partner, the platform processes the conversation data as described in this policy.

1.3 How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for specific purposes, always striving to limit usage to what is necessary and relevant for providing and improving the Yakety Service. Our primary purposes for using your information include:

• Providing and Operating the Service:
  • Creating and managing your user account, including authentication.
  • Delivering your messages in direct chats, group chats, and random chats.
  • Displaying your profile information (picture, bio) as you configure it.
  • Matching users in the Random Connections feature based on available criteria or preferences.
  • Ensuring the overall functionality and accessibility of the Yakety platform.
• Improving and Personalizing the Service:
  • Analyzing usage data and trends to understand how users interact with Yakety, identify areas for enhancement, and develop new features.
  • Troubleshooting technical issues and fixing bugs.
  • Potentially personalizing your experience based on your interactions (e.g., suggesting groups), where applicable and consistent with our privacy commitments.
• Communicating with You:
  • Sending essential service-related announcements (e.g., maintenance, policy updates).
  • Responding to your support requests, feedback, or inquiries.
  • Notifying you about changes to our Privacy Policy or Terms of Service.
• Ensuring Safety and Security:
  • Monitoring activity to detect and prevent violations of our Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy.
  • Protecting the security and integrity of the Yakety platform, our systems, and our users.
  • Preventing fraud, spam, and abuse.
• Complying with Legal Obligations:
  • Responding to lawful requests from public authorities, such as subpoenas or court orders.
  • Enforcing our Terms of Service and other policies.
  • Fulfilling other legal and regulatory requirements.

The use of data for improving the Random Connections feature, particularly if based on user-provided interests or preferences, is an important purpose that needs clear disclosure to ensure users understand how this optional information contributes to their experience.

Table 1: Summary of Data Collected and Purposes

Type of Information Collected	Purpose of Use
Account Information (Username, Email, Password)	Account creation, authentication, service provision, communication (service-related), security.
Profile Information (Picture, Bio - Optional)	Displaying user profile within the service as configured by the user.
Communications Content (Direct, Group, Random Messages)	Facilitating communication between users, providing core chat functionality, service operation, security monitoring (for ToS enforcement).
Random Chat Preferences (Optional Interests)	Matching users in the Random Connections feature.
Support Communications	Responding to user inquiries, providing support, improving service.
Log Data (IP Address, Browser Info, etc.)	Service operation, security monitoring, technical troubleshooting, usage analysis, legal compliance.
Device Data	Service optimization for different devices, troubleshooting.
Usage Data	Analyzing service usage, identifying popular features, improving service functionality, developing new features, security monitoring.
Cookies & Similar Technologies	Authentication, remembering preferences, service operation, analytics. (See Section 1.10 for details).

This table provides a simplified overview. Please refer to the relevant sections of this Privacy Policy for more detailed explanations.

1.4 Legal Basis for Processing Personal Information (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, or the UK, we process your personal data only when we have a valid legal basis under the GDPR. The legal bases we rely on depend on the specific context and purpose of the processing activity:

• Performance of a Contract (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR): Much of our processing is necessary to provide the Yakety Service you requested when you signed up. This includes:
  • Creating and maintaining your user account.
  • Transmitting your messages (direct, group, random).
  • Displaying your profile information.
  • Facilitating connections between users.
  • Responding to your support requests related to service functionality.
• Legitimate Interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR): We process certain data based on our legitimate interests, provided these interests are not overridden by your fundamental rights and freedoms. Our legitimate interests include:
  • Ensuring Security and Integrity: Protecting our Service and users from fraud, abuse, spam, and security threats. This involves monitoring activity and logs.
  • Improving Our Service: Analyzing usage data (in an aggregated or pseudonymized form where possible) to understand user behavior, fix bugs, and develop new features to enhance the user experience.
  • Service Operation: Using technical data (logs, device info) to ensure the platform runs smoothly and efficiently.

  Yakety places a strong emphasis on privacy, and therefore, when relying on legitimate interests, we carefully balance these interests against your privacy rights. We believe processing for security and core service improvement is necessary for providing a safe and functional platform and aligns with user expectations, without unduly impacting privacy.

• Consent (Article 6(1)(a) GDPR): We rely on your explicit consent for certain processing activities:
  • Collecting optional profile information (picture, bio) that you choose to provide.
  • Collecting optional preferences for the Random Connections feature.
  • Using non-essential cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 1.10).
  • Sending direct marketing communications (if we were to implement this in the future).

  You provide consent through clear, affirmative actions (e.g., uploading a photo, opting into a feature, accepting cookies via a banner). You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time for processing based on consent, as detailed in Section 1.9.

• Legal Obligation (Article 6(1)(c) GDPR): We may process your personal data if necessary to comply with a legal obligation, such as responding to a court order or lawful request from authorities.

1.5 Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We only share your information with third parties in the limited circumstances described below, ensuring transparency about these practices:

• Service Providers: We engage third-party companies and individuals to perform services on our behalf, such as website hosting, data storage, infrastructure provision, analytics services, and customer support tools. These service providers only have access to the personal information necessary to perform their functions and are contractually obligated to protect the confidentiality and security of your data and process it only according to our instructions and applicable data protection laws.
• Legal Requirements and Law Enforcement: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (a) comply with a legal obligation, subpoena, court order, or other lawful request by public authorities; (b) protect and defend the rights, property, or safety of Yakety, HomelessTech, our users, or the public; (c) detect, prevent, or otherwise address fraud, security, or technical issues.
• Business Transfers: In the event that Yakety or HomelessTech is involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, bankruptcy, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you (e.g., via email or a prominent notice on our website) of any such deal and outline your choices in that event. We will ensure that the receiving entity honors the commitments made in this Privacy Policy or provides notice of material changes.
• Protection of Rights: We may disclose information where we believe it is necessary to investigate, prevent, or take action regarding illegal activities, suspected fraud, situations involving potential threats to the physical safety of any person, violations of our Terms of Service, or as otherwise required by law.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information with other third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.
• Aggregated or Anonymized Data: We may share aggregated or anonymized information that does not directly identify you (e.g., statistical usage data) with third parties for purposes such as analysis, research, or reporting.

Given the name "HomelessTech" and its potential association with social initiatives, it is crucial to state explicitly: Yakety does not share your personal information with partner organizations or for research related to social impact initiatives unless we obtain your specific, informed, and explicit consent beforehand. We are committed to maintaining the privacy of your communications and personal data within the Yakety platform as described in this policy.

1.6 Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including providing the Yakety Service, complying with our legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements. The retention periods vary depending on the type of information and the context:

• Account Information: We retain your account information (username, email, password hash) for as long as your account remains active. If you delete your account, we will delete this information within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 90 days), unless retention is required for legal or security purposes.
• Message Content (Direct & Group): Message content is retained to provide you with access to your chat history within the Service. We may retain message content for the duration your account is active. However, we aim to implement user controls allowing you to delete individual messages or entire conversations. If such controls are implemented, deleted messages will be removed from our active systems according to the functionality provided, subject to backup cycles and potential retention for legal or moderation review purposes for a limited period. Providing users control over their message data aligns with our privacy focus and GDPR principles. In the absence of user deletion, message data may be retained for a default period (e.g., 1 year after account inactivity) before being deleted or anonymized, balancing functionality with data minimization.
• Random Chat Content: Given the ephemeral and anonymous-by-design nature of random chats, the content of these chats may be retained for a shorter period (e.g., 30 days) primarily for moderation and security review purposes, after which it will be securely deleted or anonymized.
• Profile Information: Optional profile information (picture, bio) is retained as long as your account is active or until you choose to remove or update it.
• Log Data and Usage Data: Technical logs and usage data are typically retained for a limited period necessary for security analysis, troubleshooting, and service improvement. This data may be aggregated or anonymized for longer-term analytical use.
• Cookie Data: Retention periods for data collected via cookies vary depending on the cookie type (session vs. persistent) and purpose. Details are provided in our Cookie Policy (or Section 1.10).

When data is no longer needed for its stated purpose, we will securely delete it or anonymize it so that it can no longer be linked to you, in accordance with our data disposal procedures. Retention periods are based on operational requirements, the principle of data minimization, and compliance with applicable legal and regulatory obligations.

1.7 Data Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures designed to protect it against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. While the Yakety website currently makes a general statement about security, our measures include, but are not limited to:

• Encryption: We use encryption protocols (such as TLS/SSL) to protect data transmitted between your device and our servers (encryption in transit). We also implement measures to encrypt sensitive personal data stored on our systems (encryption at rest).
• Access Controls: Access to personal information within our organization is restricted to authorized personnel who require access to perform their job duties (e.g., customer support, system administration). We implement technical access controls and policies to enforce this.
• Secure Infrastructure: We utilize secure hosting environments and infrastructure provided by reputable service providers, employing firewalls and other standard security technologies.
• Regular Monitoring and Testing: We regularly monitor our systems for potential vulnerabilities and attacks and conduct security assessments and testing to evaluate the effectiveness of our security measures.
• Pseudonymization: Where feasible and appropriate, we may employ techniques like pseudonymization to reduce the risks associated with processing personal data.
• Data Minimization: We strive to collect only the personal data necessary for the purposes outlined in this policy.

While we implement robust security safeguards, it is important to understand that no electronic transmission or storage system can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot ensure or warrant the absolute security of any information you transmit to us or store on the Service.

You also play a role in keeping your data secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account password and for controlling access to your account. We encourage you to use a strong, unique password and to notify us immediately if you suspect any unauthorized access to your account.

1.8 Data Breach Notification

In the unfortunate event of a personal data breach that affects your information and is likely to result in a risk to your rights and freedoms, we are committed to acting promptly and transparently. Our procedure includes:

• Detection and Assessment: We have procedures in place to detect and assess potential data breaches.
• Containment and Mitigation: Upon confirming a breach, we will take immediate steps to contain it, investigate the cause, and mitigate potential harm.
• Notification:
  • To Authorities: Where required by applicable law (such as the GDPR), we will notify the relevant supervisory authority of the breach without undue delay, and where feasible, not later than 72 hours after having become aware of it, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons.
  • To Users: If the breach is likely to result in a high risk to your rights and freedoms, we will communicate the breach to you without undue delay. This notification will typically describe the nature of the breach, the likely consequences, the measures we have taken or propose to take to address it, and recommendations for steps you can take to protect yourself. The notification will be provided through appropriate channels, such as email or a prominent notice within the Service. Specifying a timeframe like 48 or 72 hours for notification, where feasible, provides concrete assurance of responsiveness.
• Cooperation: We will cooperate with data protection authorities and take reasonably necessary measures as directed by them.

We maintain records of data breaches, including the facts relating to the breach, its effects, and the remedial action taken. If you have questions about our data breach procedures, please contact us using the details in Section 1.14.

1.9 User Rights (Focus on GDPR)

If you are subject to the GDPR or similar data protection laws, you have specific rights regarding your personal information. Yakety is committed to facilitating the exercise of these rights. These rights include:

• The Right to Be Informed: You have the right to be informed about the collection and use of your personal data, which is the purpose of this Privacy Policy.
• The Right of Access: You have the right to request confirmation whether we process personal data about you, and if so, to access a copy of that data along with certain other details.
• The Right to Rectification: If the personal information we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request that we correct or complete it.
• The Right to Erasure ('Right to be Forgotten'): You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information under certain circumstances, such as when it's no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or if you withdraw consent (where consent is the legal basis).
• The Right to Restrict Processing: You have the right to request that we restrict the processing of your personal information under certain conditions, for example, if you contest the accuracy of the data.
• The Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive the personal information you provided to us in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format, and to transmit that data to another controller, where processing is based on consent or contract and carried out by automated means.
• The Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information based on our legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes. We will stop processing your data unless we can demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds which override your interests, rights, and freedoms, or for legal claims.
• The Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on your consent to process personal information, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal will not affect the lawfulness of processing before withdrawal.
• Rights Related to Automated Decision-Making: You have the right not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated processing, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning you or similarly significantly affects you (Yakety does not currently engage in such processing for core services).

How to Exercise Your Rights:
You can exercise your rights by contacting us using the contact details provided in Section 1.14 (Contact Us). We may need to verify your identity before processing your request. We will respond to your request within the timeframes required by applicable law (typically within one month under GDPR). Some rights may be exercised directly through your account settings if such functionality is available (e.g., updating profile information, deleting your account). Providing integrated tools for rights management enhances user control and demonstrates commitment beyond basic compliance.

Right to Lodge a Complaint:
You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (Data Protection Authority) in your country of residence or place of work if you believe that our processing of your personal information infringes applicable data protection laws.

Table 2: User Rights Summary (GDPR)

Your Right	Description	How to Exercise (Examples)
Access	Request a copy of your personal data we hold.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud; Check Account Settings (if available).
Rectification	Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud; Update via Account Settings (for profile info).
Erasure ('Right to be Forgotten')	Request deletion of your personal data under certain conditions.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud; Delete account via Account Settings (triggers deletion process).
Restrict Processing	Request limitation of how we use your data under certain conditions.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud.
Data Portability	Request your data in a portable format (where applicable).	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud.
Object	Object to processing based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud; Use unsubscribe links for marketing (if applicable).
Withdraw Consent	Withdraw consent previously given for specific processing activities.	Contact privacy@yakety.cloud; Adjust settings for optional features/cookies.
Lodge a Complaint	File a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority.	Contact your local DPA directly.

This table simplifies understanding your rights. Contact us for detailed requests.

1.10 Cookie Policy (Clause)

Yakety uses cookies and similar tracking technologies (collectively, "Cookies") to provide and improve our Service, enhance your user experience, and analyze usage.

• What are Cookies? Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, mobile phone) when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and remember certain information or preferences.
• How We Use Cookies: We use Cookies for various purposes:
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: These are essential for the operation of Yakety, enabling core functionalities like logging into your account, maintaining your session, and ensuring security. These Cookies cannot be disabled through our systems.
  • Functional Cookies: These Cookies remember choices you make (like your username or preferences) to provide a more personalized experience.
  • Performance/Analytics Cookies: These Cookies help us understand how users interact with Yakety by collecting information anonymously (e.g., page visits, time spent on site). This helps us improve the Service's performance and usability. We may use third-party analytics services (like Google Analytics) that use their own Cookies.
  • Marketing Cookies (If Applicable): If we were to implement advertising, these Cookies would be used to deliver relevant ads. Yakety currently does not use marketing cookies for targeted advertising.
• Third-Party Cookies: We may use third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics) that place their own Cookies on your device. These third parties have their own privacy policies governing their use of Cookies.
• Your Choices and Consent: When you first visit Yakety, you will be presented with a Cookie consent banner. This banner allows you to accept all Cookies, reject non-essential Cookies, or customize your preferences. Your consent is required before we place any non-essential Cookies on your device. You can change your Cookie preferences at any time through your browser settings or potentially through a link provided in our website footer. Disabling certain Cookies may affect the functionality of the Service.
• More Information: For a more detailed explanation of the specific Cookies we use, their purposes, and duration, please refer to our dedicated details available via our consent banner/tool. Having a separate, detailed Cookie Policy is recommended for full GDPR compliance.

1.11 Children's Privacy

Yakety is intended for a general audience and is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or a higher age threshold if required by applicable local law, such as 16 in some EU member states for GDPR consent). We do not knowingly collect personal information online from children under this age without verifiable parental consent. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under the relevant age threshold without the necessary consent, we will take steps to delete that information as soon as possible.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child under the applicable age limit has provided personal information to us without your consent, please contact us immediately using the contact information provided in Section 1.14. We will promptly investigate and take appropriate action, including deleting the child's information from our systems. Given the nature of a chat application, implementing clear age verification at sign-up or using age-gating mechanisms is advisable, alongside this policy statement, to actively prevent underage usage.

1.12 International Data Transfers

Yakety is operated by HomelessTech, and our servers are primarily located in the United States. If you are accessing the Service from outside the United States (e.g., from the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK), please be aware that your personal information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States.

Data protection laws in the United States may differ from those in your country of residence. However, we take steps to ensure that any international transfers of personal information comply with applicable data protection laws and that your information remains protected according to the standards described in this Privacy Policy.

For transfers of personal data from the EEA, Switzerland, or the UK to the United States, we rely on appropriate safeguards, which may include:

• Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs): Implementing standard data protection clauses adopted by the European Commission or relevant authorities with our third-party service providers where necessary.
• Adequacy Decisions: Transferring data to countries deemed to provide an adequate level of data protection by the relevant authorities.
• Consent: In some specific circumstances, we may rely on your explicit consent for the transfer.

By using the Yakety Service, you understand and acknowledge that your personal information may be transferred to and processed in the United States as described in this policy. If you have questions about the safeguards in place for international data transfers, please contact us.

1.13 Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy.

If we make material changes (changes that significantly affect your rights or the way we handle your data), we will provide you with notice before the changes take effect. This notice may be provided through the Service itself, via email to the address associated with your account, or by posting a prominent notice on our website.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of the Yakety Service after any changes to this Privacy Policy become effective constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

1.14 Contact Us

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, or if you wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

By Email: privacy@yakety.cloud

Using a dedicated privacy email address enhances professionalism and helps streamline the handling of privacy-related inquiries. We will respond to your inquiries as promptly as possible and in accordance with applicable law.