Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to the Velvet mobile application (iOS and Android), the website velvet-meet.com, and all related features, content, services, support channels, help pages, and processes (collectively, the “Service”).
This Privacy Policy explains what personal data we collect, how and why we process it, how long we retain it, with whom it may be shared, and what rights you have.
By accessing or using the Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to the processing of your personal data as described herein, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
1. Our Commitment to Privacy & Safety (Privacy by Design)
Velvet was built with privacy and safety as core principles from the very beginning (“privacy by design” and “safety by design”). This means, among other things:
No exact location is ever shown publicly. Velvet never displays your precise GPS coordinates or address to other users.
Location-based features are intentionally limited. Map, List, and Explore views rely on approximate distances and abstracted visual positioning, not exact tracking.
Ghost Mode allows additional privacy by hiding your profile from certain discovery areas (see Location & Visibility below).
Blocking and reporting tools are central features designed to protect users and enforce community standards.
Data minimization is a guiding principle wherever possible.
Despite these measures, no online service can guarantee absolute security. You should always carefully consider what information you choose to share.
2. Who We Are (Data Controller)
The data controller responsible for the processing of personal data under this Privacy Policy is:
Velvet (based in Switzerland)
The exact legal entity details (name, address, registration number) will be added once finalized.
Contact (Privacy & Support):
Currently: xxx@xxx
3. Scope of This Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to all individuals who:
use or install the Velvet app,
visit velvet-meet.com,
contact our support team,
submit or are subject to reports or moderation actions,
purchase digital features such as Boosts, Pins, Ghost Mode, or future subscriptions.
4. Overview of the Data We Process
We collect and process personal data from three main sources:
Data you provide directly (e.g., profile information, content you share, support communications).
Data collected automatically when you use the Service (e.g., device data, usage data, technical logs).
Data received from third parties (e.g., Google login, app stores, payment providers, without full payment details).
5. Data You Provide Directly
5.1 Registration & Account Creation
Velvet uses a password-free login system. You may sign up and log in via:
Google Login, in which case we receive certain information from Google (such as a unique Google identifier and, depending on your settings, name and email address).
Phone number login, where your phone number is processed and verified via SMS.
We do not require traditional passwords. You are responsible for securing your device and any third-party accounts used for login (e.g., Google).
5.2 Profile Information (Mandatory & Optional)
Depending on available features, you may provide:
Profile photos (at least the minimum required by the app)
Additional photos
About Me text
Interests and categories
Age and date of birth (used for age display and eligibility)
Any other optional profile details
Please note that any information you choose to make visible may be seen by other users.
5.3 User-Generated Content
Depending on how you use Velvet, you may create and share content such as:
1:1 chat messages
Photos, documents, and links sent in chats
Group messages and media
Pins and comments in the Velvetvibe area
Reactions and interactions (e.g., likes)
You are solely responsible for the content you share. Other users may save or copy content (e.g., screenshots). Velvet cannot prevent this.
5.4 Support Requests & Reports
When you contact support or submit a report, we may process:
the category of your request (e.g., account, safety, payments),
the information you provide,
screenshots or attachments,
technical details (such as timestamps, device type, app version) as necessary to resolve the issue.
These data are not publicly visible.
6. Data Collected Automatically
6.1 Device & Technical Information
We may collect technical data such as:
device model, operating system, language settings,
app version,
IP address (e.g., for security, approximate location, fraud prevention),
crash logs, bug reports, and system diagnostics.
6.2 Usage Information
We may process data relating to how you use the Service, including:
login times and last activity,
interactions with features (Explore, Map, Chats, Groups, Velvetvibe),
technical events and performance indicators,
signals related to abuse, spam, or suspicious behavior.
This information helps us operate, secure, and improve the Service.
6.3 Location Information
Velvet processes location data to enable certain features.
Depending on your device settings, you may allow:
Precise location, or
Approximate location.
Regardless of technical precision, Velvet is designed not to publicly display exact locations. Public views show only approximate distances or abstracted positioning.
If you restrict or disable location access, certain features (e.g., Map) may not function fully.
7. Data Received from Third Parties
7.1 Google Login
If you sign in using Google, we receive limited account-related information from Google necessary to create and manage your Velvet account, subject to your Google privacy settings.
7.2 App Stores & Payment Providers
When you make purchases, transactions are typically processed by Apple App Store, Google Play, or authorized payment providers.
We may receive confirmation of purchases and transaction references, but we do not receive or store full payment details such as credit card numbers.
8. How We Use Your Data
We process personal data for the following purposes:
creating and managing user accounts,
providing app features (Explore, Map/List, Friends, Chats, Groups, Velvetvibe),
ensuring platform safety and preventing abuse, fraud, and illegal activity,
moderating content and enforcing Community Rules,
providing customer support,
maintaining technical stability and performance,
complying with legal obligations and protecting legal rights,
validating and managing digital purchases.
9. Legal Bases for Processing
Where applicable under Swiss data protection law and, if relevant, the GDPR, we rely on:
contractual necessity (providing the Service),
user consent (e.g., location access, notifications),
legitimate interests (security, fraud prevention, service improvement),
legal obligations,
vital interests in exceptional emergency situations.
10. Location & Visibility (Map, Explore, Ghost Mode)
10.1 Public Location Display
Velvet does not show exact addresses or precise GPS points. Distance indicators are provided for orientation only and should not be interpreted as exact positioning.
10.2 Ghost Mode
When Ghost Mode is active, your profile is hidden from designated discovery areas such as Map, List, and Explore, and your online status is concealed.
Ghost Mode does not prevent visibility where you actively choose to participate (e.g., posting a Pin or engaging in a group).
11. Screenshots & User Responsibility
Any content you share may be saved or copied by other users. Velvet cannot control actions taken outside the app. You should avoid sharing sensitive personal information.
12. Data Sharing
We do not sell personal data.
We may share data with:
12.1 Service Providers
Trusted providers assisting with hosting, infrastructure, moderation, security, analytics, support, and payment validation, under strict confidentiality obligations.
12.2 App Stores & Payment Providers
For purchase processing and compliance with store policies.
12.3 Legal Authorities
Where required or permitted by law to protect users, enforce rights, or comply with legal obligations.
12.4 Business Transfers
In case of merger, acquisition, or asset transfer, personal data may be transferred subject to appropriate safeguards.
13. International Data Transfers
Data may be processed outside Switzerland or the EEA. Where required, appropriate safeguards (e.g., standard contractual clauses) are implemented.
14. Data Retention
We retain personal data only as long as necessary:
account data while your account is active,
content until deletion or account closure, subject to legal or safety requirements,
support and moderation records for accountability and legal defense,
technical logs for security and system integrity.
15. Data Security
We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. However, no system is entirely secure. You are responsible for protecting your device and login credentials.
16. Your Rights
Depending on applicable law, you may have rights to:
access your data,
correct inaccurate data,
request deletion,
restrict or object to processing,
data portability,
lodge a complaint with a data protection authority.
Requests can be sent to: support@velvet-meet.com.
17. Minors & Illegal Content
Velvet is strictly 18+. We do not tolerate content involving minors, grooming, or CSAM. Serious violations may result in immediate account termination and reporting to authorities where required or permitted by law.
18. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be available via the app or website. Continued use of the Service constitutes acceptance, where legally permitted.
19. Contact
For questions about this Privacy Policy or data processing:
Velvet Privacy & Support
XXXX@XX
