Legal

Privacy Policy

Effective Date: February 15, 2026

1. Introduction

Aligned ("we," "us," or "our") is a mobile communication tool that helps two people navigate conflict through AI-mediated conversations. Whether you are romantic partners, family members, friends, or any two people working through a disagreement, Aligned facilitates structured dialogue. In this policy, "partner" refers to the other person you are using Aligned with. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the choices you have.

Aligned is a wellness and communication tool. It is not therapy, counseling, or a substitute for professional mental health services. The Aligned mediator is not a licensed therapist.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address (required for authentication)
  • Display name (optional, used in conversations)
  • Profile image (optional)

We use email-based one-time password (OTP) authentication. We do not collect or store passwords.

Conversation Data

When you use Aligned, we store:

  • Topic titles you create
  • Messages exchanged in mediated conversations (from both partners and the AI mediator)
  • Message timestamps

Private Onboarding Responses

Before a mediated conversation begins, each partner completes a private questionnaire describing the issue from their perspective, how they feel, and what outcome they hope for. These responses are:

  • Visible only to the partner who wrote them
  • Never shown to the other partner
  • Provided to the AI mediator as context for facilitating the conversation

This privacy boundary is enforced at the server level, not just the interface.

Reflection Room Data

Pro subscribers can enter private reflection rooms for one-on-one conversations with the AI mediator. Reflection room content is:

  • Accessible only to the partner who entered the reflection room
  • Never visible to the other partner at any time
  • Used only within that private session for context

Your partner will know that you entered a reflection room, but they will never see what was discussed. This is enforced at the server level through access controls on every query.

Resolution Data

When a topic is resolved, we store the resolution type (reached an agreement, found understanding, or taking a pause), confirmation from both partners, and an AI-generated summary of where things stand. Both partners can see this data.

Subscription Information

We store your subscription tier (Free or Pro) and expiration date. Payment processing is handled entirely by Apple App Store or Google Play through RevenueCat. We do not collect or store credit card numbers, billing addresses, or other payment details.

Waitlist Information

If you join our waitlist through the website, we collect your name and email address for the purpose of notifying you when Aligned launches. This data is stored separately from app account data.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Authenticate your identity and maintain your account
  • Facilitate AI-mediated conversations between you and your partner
  • Provide private onboarding context to the AI mediator so it can facilitate effectively
  • Generate resolution summaries when topics are resolved
  • Manage your subscription and enforce feature access
  • Detect crisis language and provide safety resources when needed
  • Diagnose technical issues and improve reliability

We do not use your data for advertising. We do not sell your data to third parties. Your conversation data is never used to train AI models.

4. AI-Powered Mediation

Aligned uses OpenAI's GPT-4o-mini model to power the AI mediator. When the AI mediator participates in your conversation, the following data is sent to OpenAI's API:

  • Your topic title
  • Partner display names
  • Both partners' private onboarding responses (so the mediator understands each perspective)
  • Recent conversation messages

All API calls are made server-side. Your data is never exposed to OpenAI through your device. OpenAI does not use data submitted through their API for model training. Standard API data may be retained by OpenAI for up to 30 days for abuse monitoring purposes, in accordance with OpenAI's data usage policies.

The AI mediator is guided by established communication frameworks including the Gottman Method, Nonviolent Communication (NVC), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles. It is designed to facilitate understanding between partners, not to diagnose, treat, or provide professional clinical advice.

5. Crisis Detection and Safety

Aligned includes built-in safety monitoring. Messages are scanned locally for crisis language indicating potential self-harm, suicidal ideation, or imminent danger. This detection uses pattern matching performed on our servers before any data is sent to the AI.

When crisis language is detected, the AI mediator pauses normal facilitation and provides verified crisis resources including:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988)
  • Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741)
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)

Crisis resource delivery is deterministic, meaning these resources will always be provided when crisis language is detected, regardless of any other factors.

6. Third-Party Service Providers

We use the following third-party services to operate Aligned. Each receives only the data necessary for its function:

OpenAI

Provides the AI model powering the Aligned mediator. Receives conversation content and onboarding responses for mediation purposes. OpenAI does not use API data for model training.

Convex

Our backend infrastructure provider. Hosts our database, handles real-time messaging, and runs server-side logic. All app data is stored on Convex's infrastructure.

RevenueCat

Manages subscription billing through Apple App Store and Google Play. Receives your user ID and subscription status. Payment details (credit cards, billing addresses) are handled by the app stores, not by us or RevenueCat.

Resend

Delivers authentication emails containing one-time passwords (OTP codes). Receives your email address for the sole purpose of delivering sign-in codes.

Sentry

Provides error tracking and crash reporting in production. Receives technical diagnostic data (error messages, stack traces, device information). Sentry is only active in production builds and does not receive conversation content.

Apple App Store and Google Play

Handle app distribution and in-app purchase processing. Their respective privacy policies govern any data they collect during app installation and payment.

7. Data Security

We take the following measures to protect your data:

  • All data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS)
  • API keys and secrets are stored as server-side environment variables and are never exposed to client devices
  • All database queries verify your identity and participation before returning any shared conversation data
  • Invite codes are generated using cryptographically secure methods (Web Crypto API)
  • Webhook signatures are validated to prevent unauthorized access
  • Reflection room and onboarding privacy is enforced through server-side access controls on every query

8. Data Retention

  • Free tier: Message history is accessible for the most recent 7 days. Older messages are retained but not displayed.
  • Pro tier: Full message history is accessible for the duration of your subscription.
  • Resolved topics and their AI-generated summaries are retained for your future reference.
  • Account data is retained while your account exists.
  • Waitlist data is retained until launch notification is sent, after which it is deleted.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your account and associated data
  • Cancel your subscription at any time through your app store settings

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at the email address listed below. We will respond to requests within 30 days.

10. Children's Privacy

Aligned is intended for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that we have collected data from a user under 18, we will delete that information promptly.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we will notify you through the app or by email before the changes take effect. Your continued use of Aligned after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, contact us at:

[email protected]