ChatMeld Privacy Policy

1. General provisions

ChatMeld is a multilingual communication service that allows users to participate in chats based on their geographic location.

The operator of ChatMeld is DigiMeld UG (haftungsbeschränkt), Germany.

This Privacy Policy describes what personal data is processed when using ChatMeld, for what purposes it is needed, how long it is stored, to whom it can be transferred and what rights users have.

The processing of personal data is carried out in accordance with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR/DSGVO) and other applicable legal requirements.

We adhere to the principles of data minimization, limitation of processing purposes, confidentiality and limitation of storage periods.

2. Registration and authorization via MeldID

MeldID, the unified authentication system for the DigiMeld ecosystem, is used to register and sign in to ChatMeld.

When a user signs in, ChatMeld requests and receives only the following information from MeldID:

• Email address.
• Unique account identifier MeldID.

No other personal information is requested from MeldID.

The name, nickname and additional profile information are processed directly in ChatMeld in accordance with the user settings and service functionality.

The email address and unique MeldID identifier are used to authenticate the user, link them to their ChatMeld registration, and provide the service features.

MeldID is used as a registration and authorization system. Profiles, nicknames, moderation and access restrictions are managed independently in ChatMeld.

Any restrictions associated with violation of the ChatMeld rules apply solely within the ChatMeld and do not affect the MeldID account or the ability to use it in other DigiMeld services.

A separate MeldID app is not required to use ChatMeld.

3. Categories of processed data

Depending on the functions used, ChatMeld can process the following categories of information.

3.1. Registration data

• Email address received from MeldID.
• Unique account identifier MeldID.
• Internal user ID ChatMeld.
• Information necessary to maintain an authorized session.

3.2. Profile data

• The name specified by the user in ChatMeld.
• Unique nickname.
• Additional profile information.
• Information visibility settings.
• Information about the current tariff.
• Information about assigned roles and access rights.

3.3. Communication data

• Messages sent in chats.
• Information necessary to deliver and display messages.
• Information about complaints and moderation results.

3.4. Location data

• Approximate or exact location required for related functions.
• Technical information used to determine available geographic chats.
• Information about nearby Wi-Fi access points, where needed for location functions.

3.5. Technical data

• IP addresses.
• Technical device identifiers.
• Information about the operating system and application version.
• Session IDs.
• Push notification tokens.
• Diagnostic information.
• Information about security events and technical errors.

Processing is limited to data necessary to provide service functions, ensure security and comply with applicable legal obligations.

4. User nicknames

ChatMeld uses unique nicknames to identify participants in communication.

A nickname is assigned to a user within ChatMeld and used in all chats available to them, regardless of language or location.

Nicknames are created and processed directly in ChatMeld and are not part of the registration profile MeldID.

To prevent abuse, ChatMeld may employ technical restrictions, automated nickname verification, and complaint mechanisms.

The check may include identifying prohibited expressions, offensive content, attempts to impersonate service representatives, and other violations of established rules.

For automated checking, SprachMeld can be used.

The ability to change the nickname is determined by the functionality and current terms of use of ChatMeld.

When a ChatMeld registration is deleted, its nickname is released and may become available to another user.

5. Public user profiles

ChatMeld provides registered users with public profiles that are visible to other users.

A public profile may contain the name, nickname, service status of the user, as well as other information provided by the functionality of ChatMeld.

The name and nickname are indicated directly in ChatMeld and are public profile data.

Additional information may be provided voluntarily by the user. The ability to display them is determined by the profile settings and functionality of the service.

The public profile ChatMeld exists independently of the registration profile MeldID.

ChatMeld does not request the name from MeldID.

The email address and unique account ID received from MeldID are not displayed on your public profile and are not available to other users.

To provide multilingual functionality, some profile information can be displayed in the user interface language.

6. Subscription and service-status labels

ChatMeld can display information about the user's tariff level or service status next to the nickname.

For this purpose, letter designations, colors and other visual elements can be used.

Such designations are intended to inform participants of the appropriate user status.

Information about a user’s subscription plan and service role is processed directly in ChatMeld and is not part of their MeldID registration profile.

7. Messages and automatic moderation

ChatMeld processes messages to enable communication between users.

To protect users, messages may be automatically reviewed before publication.

The check is designed to identify content that violates the rules of the service, including insults, threats, prohibited expressions and other inappropriate materials.

For automated moderation, the SprachMeld and CoreMeld technologies are used.

If a message does not comply with the rules of the service, its publication may be rejected.

ChatMeld does not create a permanent personal archive of the user's correspondence.

Registration via MeldID does not change this principle.

Messages are processed according to established chat lifecycle and retention rules.

Materials required to resolve complaints and violations may be temporarily processed separately.

8. Complaints and moderation measures

ChatMeld provides mechanisms for users to submit complaints about policy violations.

Complaints may relate to messages, nicknames and other elements provided by the service.

When considering complaints the following may be processed:

• Participant IDs.
• Contents of the complaint.
• Relevant messages or nicknames.
• Technical information required for verification.
• Information about previously identified violations.
• Inspection results and decisions made.

Depending on the nature of the violation, ChatMeld may apply measures provided for by the rules, including restriction of individual functions, temporary or permanent blocking of access.

All moderation measures are applied exclusively within the limits of ChatMeld.

They do not change the state of the MeldID account or limit the ability to use other DigiMeld services.

9. Device identification and security

ChatMeld uses proprietary technical mechanisms to identify devices and prevent abuse.

Such mechanisms make it possible to identify repeated violations, limit the access of violators, and protect other participants.

After authorization via MeldID, ChatMeld can associate the internal user ID with the technical IDs of the devices used.

This connection applies to:

• Maintaining authorized sessions.
• Ensuring account security.
• Preventing spam and abuse.
• Complaint processing.
• Applying restrictions within ChatMeld.
• Preventing users from bypassing existing blocks.

ChatMeld can independently restrict a specific device or user's access to its own service.

In this case, MeldID is not blocked or subject to sanctions by ChatMeld.

Changing your nickname does not cancel existing restrictions or change internal identifiers used for security.

Technical device IDs are not visible to other participants.

10. Additional access protection

ChatMeld may support additional access protection methods using device system mechanisms.

Depending on the platform, Face ID, Touch ID, or other available local authentication means may be used.

Biometric verification is performed using the operating system.

ChatMeld does not receive or store biometric templates, facial images or fingerprints of users.

The use of such features depends on the capabilities of the device and user settings.

11. Processing location data

ChatMeld uses geographic information to provide communication features related to the user's location.

Depending on the selected functions, approximate or exact coordinates can be processed.

The data is used to determine available chats and enable geographic functionality of the service.

If needed, ChatMeld may use information about nearby Wi-Fi access points, including SSID and BSSID.

Such information may be transferred to the GeoMeld service for spatial analysis and improved location accuracy.

Wi-Fi identifiers undergo one-way cryptographic processing before being stored.

Location information is not used to create advertising user profiles.

The user can manage location access permissions using the operating system.

Limiting appropriate permissions may affect the availability of certain ChatMeld features.

12. Push notifications

ChatMeld can use PushMeld and appropriate operating system mechanisms to deliver notifications.

The following can be processed:

• Push notification tokens.
• Technical device identifiers.
• Information required to deliver the notice.
• Delivery status information.

Push notifications are used for the provided service functions.

The user can control permission to receive notifications through the device settings.

13. DigiMeld ecosystem services

To provide its functions, ChatMeld uses the services of the DigiMeld ecosystem.

MeldID - user registration and authorization.

SprachMeld - automated checking of messages and nicknames for compliance with the service rules.

CoreMeld is a query processing system using artificial intelligence.

GeoMeld - processing of geographic and spatial information.

PushMeld - delivery of push notifications.

BillingMeld - payment processing, subscription and tariff plan management.

VerifyMeld - providing user verification functions.

TicketMeld is the support system for user inquiries, including requests concerning personal data.

The exchange of information between services is carried out within the limits necessary to perform the corresponding functions.

Using the DigiMeld ecosystem services does not automatically grant them access to all of the user’s personal data.

Information about violations and blocking of ChatMeld is not used to apply sanctions to the account MeldID.

14. Data retention periods

We store personal data only for the period necessary for the relevant processing purposes, or in cases where further storage is required by law.

14.1. Registration data

The data required for registration and authorization via MeldID is processed in accordance with the rules of MeldID.

Data related directly to ChatMeld is stored within the registration lifecycle of ChatMeld.

14.2. Inactive registrations

A ChatMeld registration is automatically deleted after one year of inactivity.

Until then, the assigned nickname remains reserved for that user.

When an inactive registration is automatically deleted, its unique nickname is released and associated ChatMeld data are deleted unless the law requires them to be retained.

Automatic deletion of a ChatMeld registration does not delete the user’s MeldID account.

14.3. Nicknames and public profiles

The nickname and public-profile information are stored for as long as the corresponding ChatMeld registration exists.

When the registration is deleted, the nickname is released and can be registered by another user.

Public-profile information is deleted in accordance with ChatMeld’s data-deletion rules.

14.4. Messages

Messages exist within the established lifecycle of the corresponding chat.

After the expiration of the storage period, they are deleted in accordance with the current service rules.

ChatMeld does not create a permanent archive of correspondence solely based on the presence of a registered account.

14.5. Moderation materials

Limited portions of communications related to complaints may be temporarily retained for review of violations.

Such materials may be retained for up to 30 days in accordance with established complaint handling policies.

Technical information about confirmed violations may be stored for the required period, but not more than 24 months, if further storage has an appropriate legal basis.

14.6. Technical logs

Diagnostic and operational logs are stored for the period necessary to ensure the security and stability of the service.

After the expiration of the appropriate period, they are deleted or anonymized.

15. Legal basis for processing

The processing of personal data is carried out on the grounds provided for in Article 6 GDPR.

Depending on the purpose of the processing, the following grounds may apply.

Article 6(1)(b) GDPR - performance of the contract.

Applies to the processing of data necessary for registration, authorization, provision of chats, management of nickname, public profile and other functions of the service.

Article 6(1)(f) GDPR - legitimate interests of the operator.

May apply to processing necessary to protect the service, prevent abuse, ensure information security and address breaches.

When using this basis, the rights and interests of users are taken into account.

Article 6(1)(a) GDPR - user consent.

Applies to cases where consent is required for certain processing, including related optional functions, if such a basis is used.

The user has the right to revoke consent in the prescribed manner.

Article 6(1)(c) GDPR - fulfillment of legal obligations.

Applies to processing necessary to comply with legal requirements.

The specific basis is determined by the purpose and factual circumstances of the processing.

16. Transfer of data to third parties

DigiMeld UG does not sell users' personal information.

Personal data may be transferred to technical service providers only to the extent necessary to provide relevant functions, ensure security or comply with legal obligations.

When using external providers, the necessary contractual and technical data protection measures are applied.

If the processing involves the transfer of personal data outside the European Economic Area, the protection mechanisms provided by GDPR apply.

Data is not shared with other users, except for information that is intended to be public or that the user has authorized to be displayed.

17. Advertising and Tracking

ChatMeld does not sell users' personal data to advertisers.

Messages, registration information and technical identifiers are not used to create advertising profiles.

ChatMeld does not perform advertising tracking of users across apps and websites.

Using MeldID for authorization in several DigiMeld services does not automatically combine public profiles or user communication history.

18. User rights and account deletion

According to GDPR, users have the right to:

• Receive information about the processing of your personal data.
• Request access to your data.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of personal data if there are grounds provided for by law.
• Request restriction of processing.
• Object to processing in cases provided for by law.
• Receive data in a portable format, if applicable.
• Withdraw previously provided consent.
• File a complaint with the competent supervisory authority for personal data protection.

18.1. Deletion of a ChatMeld profile

A user can request deletion of their ChatMeld profile directly in the app.

When a profile is deleted, the associated ChatMeld personal data are deleted, including the name, nickname, and additional profile information, except where the law requires further retention.

The released nickname can be given to another user.

Deleting the ChatMeld profile does not delete the MeldID account.

18.2. Deletion of a MeldID account

To delete a MeldID account completely, the user can use either of the following methods:

1. Request removal directly through the MeldID application.
2. Go to TicketMeld, select the relevant project, and use the existing form to request deletion of the MeldID account.

Deleting a ChatMeld profile and deleting a MeldID account are separate operations.

Deleting a ChatMeld profile does not affect other DigiMeld services that use MeldID.

18.3. Requests concerning personal data

Users can submit requests related to the processing of personal data, exercise of their rights and deletion of accounts through TicketMeld.

Support system: https://ticketmeld.de

19. Children's privacy and age requirements

ChatMeld uses pre-publication moderation and abuse-prevention mechanisms to protect users.

The minimum age for using the service is determined by the User Agreement and applicable law.

In cases where the law requires the consent of a legal representative or establishes additional restrictions, the corresponding requirements apply.

Registration through MeldID does not result in the public disclosure of the user's email address or unique account identifier.

20. Personal data protection

DigiMeld UG applies technical and organizational measures to protect personal data.

Such measures include:

• Access control to information systems.
• Protection of authorization mechanisms.
• Differentiation of access rights.
• Protecting network connections.
• Limiting the volume of processed data.
• Monitoring technical security events.
• Mechanisms to prevent abuse.
• Deletion of data after specified periods.

Security measures are regularly reviewed taking into account technological developments and the nature of the information processed.

21. Changes to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated as ChatMeld's functionality, technology, or applicable legal requirements change.

The current version is published on the official ChatMeld website.

If significant changes occur, users will be notified through the application or through other means provided if such notification is required by law.

22. Contact information