Privacy Policy

Last updated: April 30, 2026

ChinaPal ("we", "our", "the app") is an AI-powered travel guide for visitors to China. This policy explains what information we collect when you use the app or website at hellochina.chat and app.hellochina.chat, how we use it, who we share it with, and what choices you have.

1. Information we collect

Information you provide

• Chat messages — text you send to the AI travel chat is processed to generate a response.
• Photos — if you use the Lens (camera) feature, photos you capture are sent to our AI provider for analysis and translation. Photos are not stored long-term unless you explicitly save them.
• Feedback — any messages you send through the in-app feedback form.

Information collected automatically

• Device and usage data — pages visited, screens viewed, buttons tapped, time spent, approximate device type, OS, browser, IP address, and a randomly generated session identifier.
• Session recordings — for product improvement, we record screen interactions (clicks, scrolls, page changes) using third-party analytics tools. Form fields containing passwords and email addresses are masked. We do not record audio, microphone input, or camera feed.
• Location — when you use the Navigate feature, with your permission, we use your device's GPS to calculate distances and provide directions. Location data is processed in real time and is not stored on our servers.
• Performance data — page load times and Core Web Vitals (LCP, FCP, CLS, INP) to monitor and improve performance.

2. How we use your information

• To provide the core features of the app (chat, navigation, recommendations).
• To respond to your questions and feedback.
• To monitor app performance, debug issues, and improve the user experience.
• To detect and prevent abuse, fraud, and security incidents.

We do not sell your personal information. We do not use your data for third-party advertising.

3. Third-party services we use

We rely on the following third-party processors. Each operates under their own privacy policy.

• Anthropic — processes your chat messages and Lens photos to generate AI responses.
• Supabase — secure database hosting for bookings, saved places, and operational data.
• PostHog — product analytics and session recording for usage understanding and bug fixing.
• Microsoft Clarity — heatmaps and session recording for UX research.
• Vercel Analytics — anonymous page-view counts and performance monitoring.
• Amap (Gaode) — maps, geocoding, and navigation routing for destinations within China.

4. Data sharing

We do not share personal data with any third parties for their own marketing or commercial purposes.

We may disclose information if required by law or in response to a valid legal request.

5. Data retention

• Chat history: retained for up to 12 months to improve the AI model and address abuse.
• Analytics and session recordings: retained for up to 12 months.
• Lens photos: not stored on our servers after the AI response is generated.

6. Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request that we correct or update inaccurate information.
• Request that we delete your personal information.
• Object to or restrict certain processing.
• Withdraw consent for analytics by clearing site cookies and local storage in your browser settings.

To exercise any of these rights, email us at support@hellochina.chat and we will respond within 30 days.

7. Children's privacy

ChinaPal is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us and we will delete it.

8. International data transfers

The services we use may process data in the United States, the European Union, or other regions. By using ChinaPal, you understand that your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence.

9. Security

We use industry-standard technical and organizational measures (encryption in transit via HTTPS, restricted database access, secure third-party processors) to protect your information. No system is perfectly secure; if we become aware of a breach affecting your data we will notify you and the appropriate authorities as required by law.

10. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the latest revision. Material changes will be highlighted in the app.

11. Contact

Questions, concerns, or data requests: support@hellochina.chat