Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 30, 2025

Cheengu ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our SMS-based accountability service.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Phone Number: Required to send and receive SMS messages for check-ins and notifications
• Commitment Details: Your goals, deadlines, and accountability preferences
• Judge Information: Phone number and name of your designated accountability judge
• Payment Information: Credit card and billing details processed through Stripe (see Payment Data section below)
• SMS Messages: Your responses to check-ins and any communications with our service

Information Automatically Collected

• Usage Data: Check-in responses, completion rates, and commitment performance
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, and device information when accessing our payment pages
• SMS Metadata: Delivery status, timestamps, and message routing information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide our accountability service and send automated check-ins via SMS
• Verify commitment completion through your designated judge
• Process payments, penalties, and refunds through Stripe
• Send notifications about your commitment status and settlements
• Improve our service and develop new features
• Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud
• Communicate with you about your account and service updates

3. Payment Data and Stripe

All payment processing is handled by Stripe, a PCI-DSS compliant payment processor. We never see, store, or have access to your complete credit card information. Stripe receives:

• Your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV
• Your billing name and address
• Payment amount and transaction details

We only receive limited payment information from Stripe such as the last 4 digits of your card and transaction status. For more information, see Stripe's Privacy Policy at stripe.com/privacy.

4. SMS Communication and Twilio

We use Twilio to send and receive SMS messages. Your phone number and message content are transmitted through Twilio's infrastructure. Twilio's data processing practices are governed by their Privacy Policy at twilio.com/legal/privacy.

Standard messaging rates from your mobile carrier may apply. You can opt out of SMS messages at any time by replying STOP, though this will end your active commitments.

5. How We Share Your Information

We share your information only in the following circumstances:

With Your Judge

Your judge receives SMS messages containing your commitment description and your claim about whether you completed it. They do not receive your payment information or other personal details.

With Service Providers

• Stripe: For payment processing and financial transactions
• Twilio: For SMS message delivery and reception
• Supabase: For secure data storage and database services
• Render: For application hosting and infrastructure

For Legal Compliance

We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or governmental request, or to protect our rights and prevent fraud.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

We never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as you have an active commitment or account with us, and for a reasonable period afterward to:

• Comply with legal obligations (financial records, tax requirements)
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Provide historical records of your commitment performance

You may request deletion of your data by contacting us at hello@cheengu.com. Note that some data may be retained as required by law or legitimate business interests.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit using HTTPS/TLS
• Secure database storage with access controls
• Use of industry-standard payment and SMS providers
• Regular security assessments and updates

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Opt-Out: Stop receiving SMS messages by replying STOP (ends active commitments)
• Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@cheengu.com.

9. Children's Privacy

Cheengu is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information is collected, sold, or disclosed, and the right to opt-out of sales (though we do not sell personal information).

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by SMS or email. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when this policy was last revised.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, contact us at:

Email: hello@cheengu.com
Address: 100 34th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121