Privacy Policy

Last Updated: May 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Pawprintf Ltd ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use Sliced Chat (https://slicedchat.com). We are committed to ensuring your privacy is protected and complying with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR).

1. Data Controller

Pawprintf Ltd (https://pawprintf.com) is the data controller responsible for your personal data.

2. What Information We Collect

• Phase 1 (Anonymous Chat): We do not require registration. We do not collect names, email addresses, or phone numbers. Usernames are automatically generated (e.g., "redCow") or chosen temporarily by you.
• Phase 2 (Registered Users): If you choose to create a permanent account, we collect your email address and a securely hashed password.
• Technical Data: We automatically collect basic server logs, which may include your IP address, browser type, and diagnostic data (such as error tracking and rate-limiting metrics) to keep the service secure and functional.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the minimal data we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the real-time chat service.
• Prevent spam, abuse, and network attacks via IP rate-limiting.
• Authenticate registered users (Phase 2).

4. Ephemeral Chat Data

Messages sent on Sliced Chat are kept strictly in-memory (RAM) for the purpose of broadcasting to active users. We do not write chat logs to a permanent database. Messages are permanently destroyed when they exceed the active memory buffer or when the server restarts.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

• Cookies: We use exactly one "Strictly Necessary" session cookie (provided by the Phoenix framework) to secure your WebSocket connection and protect against Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF). Because this cookie is strictly necessary for the site to function, it does not require a consent banner under UK law. We do not use tracking or advertising cookies.
• Local Storage: We use your browser's local storage solely to remember your UI preferences (e.g., whether you have completed the onboarding tutorial).

6. International Data Transfers

Our servers are hosted in the United States. If you are accessing Sliced Chat from the UK or EEA, your technical data (and email address, if registered) will be processed in the US. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, relying on recognized data bridge frameworks and secure cloud infrastructure providers.

7. Data Retention

• Technical server logs are routinely purged.
• Chat data is purged continuously from active memory.
• Registered account data (email/password) is kept until you request account deletion.

8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

If you are a registered user, you have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of your personal data. To exercise these rights, please contact us at the email below.

9. Contact Us

For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, your data, or general support, please contact us at: hello@pawprintf.com.