Viben.ai Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 15 October, 2024
1. Introduction
Qualia Systems Pty Ltd trading as Viben.ai ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled securely and responsibly. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (“Privacy Act”) and the Australian Privacy Principles (“APPs”). We also strive to uphold privacy standards consistent with international regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act.
By accessing or using our services, including our website and applications (collectively, the "Service"), you agree to the collection and use of your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
2. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Service and covers all personal information collected by us through your use of the Service, including information collected via our website, applications, and any related services.
3. Definitions
- Personal Information: Information or an opinion about an identified individual, or an individual who is reasonably identifiable.
- Sensitive Information: Personal information that includes information about an individual's racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, health information, or other sensitive data as defined under the Privacy Act.
4. Collection of Personal Information
4.1 How We Collect Personal Information
- Directly from You: When you provide information to us directly, such as when you create an account, contact us, or use our Service.
- Automatically: Through the use of cookies, log files, and other tracking technologies when you interact with our Service.
- Third-Party Services: From third-party service providers that we use to support our Service.
4.2 Types of Personal Information Collected
Personal Information | Purpose of Collection | When Collected | Shared With |
---|---|---|---|
First Name (Mandatory) | To personalize your experience and address you appropriately. | At registration. | Yes (email delivery service). |
Email Address (Mandatory) | Account creation, verification, password recovery, and communication. | At registration. | Yes (email delivery service, billing provider). |
Confirmation of Age Over 18 (Mandatory) | To comply with legal requirements restricting use to adults over 18. | At registration (checkbox). | No. |
Device Information (IP address, browser type, device type) | To optimize the Service, enhance security, and for analytics. | Automatically during use. | Yes (analytics providers). |
Usage Data (interaction with the Service) | To improve and enhance the Service; for analytics and research. | Automatically during use. | Yes (analytics providers). |
Chat History | To provide memory for the AI companion and improve AI responses. | During interactions with the AI. | No (except for AI processing). |
Images Sent to AI | To enable image recognition and provide appropriate responses. | When you send images in chat. | Yes (image analysis service). |
Voice Messages | To process voice inputs and generate responses. | When you send voice messages. | Yes (voice processing service). |
Billing Information (Mandatory for Paid Services) | To process transactions and manage billing. | When making purchases or subscriptions. | Yes (billing provider). |
Cookies and Tracking Data | To remember preferences, analyze site traffic, and assess marketing effectiveness. | When interacting with our website and materials. | Yes (analytics and marketing services). |
Note: We do not collect your date of birth. Instead, we use a checkbox confirmation during registration to verify that you are over 18 years old.
Confidentiality of User Interactions:
- All chat interactions and content shared with your AI companion are private and not publicly disclosed.
- We do not share your personal conversations with other users or make them publicly available.
5. Use of Personal Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
- Service Delivery: To provide, operate, and maintain the Service.
- Personalization: To personalize your experience with the AI companion.
- Account Management: To create and manage your account, including authentication and password management.
- Communication: To send you service-related communications, updates, and respond to your inquiries.
- Transactions: To process payments, subscriptions, and fulfill orders.
- Analytics and Improvements: To analyze usage patterns and improve the Service.
- AI Improvement and Training: We may use deidentified chat data to train and improve our AI models. This data is anonymized and cannot be linked back to you personally.
- Marketing (with consent): To send promotional materials and assess marketing effectiveness.
- Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and policies.
- Security: To protect the security and integrity of the Service and user data.
6. Disclosure of Personal Information
6.1 Third-Party Service Providers
We may share your personal information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the Service:
- Email Delivery Services: To send registration emails and service communications (e.g., Postmark).
- Billing Providers: To process payments securely (e.g., Stripe).
- Analytics Services: To analyze usage data and improve the Service (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Marketing Services: To assess the effectiveness of our marketing campaigns (e.g., Facebook Pixel).
- Image Analysis Services: To process images you send to the AI.
- Voice Processing Services: To process voice messages.
These third parties are obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
6.2 Legal Obligations
We may disclose your personal information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a court or government agency).
6.3 Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
6.4 Aggregated and Anonymized Data
We may share aggregated or anonymized data that does not identify you personally with third parties for research, marketing, or other business purposes.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
7.1 Cookies
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:
- Essential Functions: Enable core functionalities of the Service.
- Preferences: Remember your settings and preferences.
- Analytics: Understand how users interact with our Service to improve performance.
- Marketing: Assess the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.
You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the Service.
7.2 Third-Party Tracking
We use third-party services that may employ cookies and similar technologies:
- Google Analytics: Analyzes website traffic and user behavior. Privacy Policy | Opt-Out
- Facebook Pixel: Measures advertising effectiveness. Privacy Policy
7.3 Do Not Track Signals
Our Service does not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals. We will update this policy if we change our practices in the future.
8. Data Security and Storage
8.1 Security Measures
We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, interference, loss, unauthorized access, modification, or disclosure. Our security measures include:
- Encryption: We use industry-standard encryption protocols (SSL/TLS) to protect data during transmission.
- Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure servers with controlled access.
- Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to personal information.
- Regular Audits: We regularly review and update our security practices.
8.2 Data Storage Location
Your personal information may be stored and processed on servers located outside of your state, province, or country, including in countries that may have different data protection laws. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your personal information to countries outside of your country of residence, which may have data protection rules that are different from those of your country.
8.3 International Data Transfers
When transferring personal information overseas, we take reasonable steps to ensure that the overseas recipient provides a level of data protection that is comparable to the APPs. For users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom (UK), or other regions with data transfer restrictions, we rely on legal mechanisms such as Standard Contractual Clauses to facilitate data transfers.
9. Access and Correction of Personal Information
9.1 Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
- Correction: Request correction of any inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated personal information.
- Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
- Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Data Portability: Request a copy of your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
9.2 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise your rights:
- Contact Us: Send a request to [email protected].
- Verification: We may need to verify your identity before fulfilling your request.
- Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days.
9.3 Exceptions
In certain circumstances, we may not be able to fulfill your request if:
- It would adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.
- It is unlawful to do so.
- It relates to existing or anticipated legal proceedings.
We will provide reasons if we deny your request.
9.4 Managing Your Consent
You have control over your personal information and can manage your consent regarding how we use your data.
- Providing Consent: By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information as outlined in this Privacy Policy.
- Withdrawing Consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time by deleting your account. Deleting your account will result in the deletion of your personal information from our active systems.
- Effect of Withdrawing Consent: Withdrawing consent by deleting your account will result in the termination of your access to the Service. Certain information may be retained as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., transaction records for accounting).
10. Data Retention and Deletion
10.1 Retention Periods
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law.
- Account Information: Retained until you delete your account or request deletion.
- Chat History:
- Regular Chat Mode: Retained to provide AI memory and improve the Service.
- Private Chat Mode: You can delete private chat history at any time.
- Billing Information: Retained as required for transaction processing and legal compliance.
10.2 Account Deletion
You may delete your account at any time. Upon deletion:
- All personal information associated with your account will be permanently and irreversibly deleted.
- Residual copies may remain in backup systems for a limited time but will be deleted in accordance with our data retention policies.
11. Sensitive Information
11.1 No Intentional Collection of Sensitive Information
We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information, such as:
- Racial or ethnic origin
- Political opinions
- Religious or philosophical beliefs
- Sexual orientation or practices
- Criminal record
- Health information
- Genetic or biometric data
11.2 User Responsibility
Please do not provide sensitive personal information when using the Service. If you choose to share such information, you consent to its processing as described in this Privacy Policy.
12. Children's Privacy
Our Service is intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18.
- Age Verification: We use a checkbox confirmation during registration to verify that you are over 18 years old.
- Compliance with COPPA: In compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States, we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If we become aware that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
- Parental Involvement: If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us to request deletion.
13. Direct Marketing Communications
13.1 Marketing Communications
With your consent, we may send you promotional messages and updates about our Service.
13.2 Opting Out
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by:
- Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in emails.
- Adjusting your account settings.
- Contacting us at [email protected].
14. Changes to This Privacy Policy
14.1 Updates
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons.
14.2 Notification of Changes
Material Changes: We will notify you of significant changes by email or a notice on our website.
Effective Date: The updated Privacy Policy will be effective as of the "Last Updated" date.
14.3 Continued Use
Your continued use of the Service after changes have been made indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
15. Third-Party Links
Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.
We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or services before providing them with your personal information.
16. International Users
While our primary operations are based in Australia, we recognize that our Service may be accessible to users in other jurisdictions. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
16.1 Users in the European Economic Area (EEA) and United Kingdom (UK)
If you are located in the EEA or UK, you may have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the UK Data Protection Act.
- Legal Basis for Processing: We process your personal information based on your consent, the necessity to perform a contract with you, compliance with legal obligations, or our legitimate interests in providing and improving the Service.
- Additional Rights:
- Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal information in certain circumstances.
- Right to Restrict Processing: You may request that we restrict the processing of your personal information under certain conditions.
- Data Transfers: We take appropriate safeguards to protect your personal information when it is transferred outside of the EEA or UK, such as using Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission.
16.2 Users in the United States
Residents of certain states may have additional rights under state-specific privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
- Your Rights:
- Right to Know: You may request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you.
- Right to Delete: You may request the deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
- Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information, but you have the right to opt-out of any future sale of your personal information.
- Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising any of your privacy rights.
16.3 Exercising Your Rights
To exercise your rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
17. Appointment of Privacy Officer
We have appointed a Privacy Officer responsible for overseeing our data protection compliance.
Privacy Officer Contact:
- Email: [email protected]
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding your personal information, please contact our Privacy Officer.
18. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Queensland, Australia.
19. Complaints
If you believe we have breached the APPs or mishandled your personal information, you may:
- Contact Us: Provide details of your complaint to [email protected], and we will investigate and respond.
- Contact the OAIC: If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Final Note: Your privacy is important to us. We are committed to handling your personal information responsibly and in compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles and applicable international data protection laws.