Privacy Policy for LifeEcho Voice Memory Service

Q: What data does LifeEcho collect?

LifeEcho collects personal identification information (name, email, phone number), device information, usage data, cookies, user-generated content (voice recordings, transcriptions), location data, and payment data processed via third-party services.

Q: How does LifeEcho protect my voice recordings?

LifeEcho uses encryption in transit and at rest, firewalls, restricted access, and routine monitoring to protect your voice recordings. Voice recordings are stored securely for 10 years on the free plan and with lifetime storage on paid plans.

Q: Does LifeEcho comply with GDPR?

Yes, LifeEcho complies with GDPR requirements. We process data based on consent, contractual necessity, legal obligation, and legitimate interests. Users have rights to access, correct, delete, and export their data.

Q: Can I delete my voice recordings?

Yes, you can delete your voice recordings at any time. You also have the right to delete your entire account and all associated data by contacting us at support@lifeecho.org.

Q: How long does LifeEcho keep my data?

Voice recordings are stored for 10 years on the free plan and with lifetime storage on paid plans. We only retain data necessary to provide our service, fulfill legal obligations, and support legitimate interests.

Q: Does LifeEcho share my data with third parties?

LifeEcho shares data only with service providers (hosting, analytics, transcription, storage), payment processors, and when required by law. We do not sell personal information to third parties.

Q: What are my privacy rights?

Depending on your location, you may have rights to access your data, correct inaccurate data, delete your account and data, export your data, withdraw consent for marketing, and file complaints with data protection authorities.

Q: How does LifeEcho use cookies?

LifeEcho uses essential cookies for site functionality and optional cookies for analytics. Essential cookies are always enabled, while optional cookies require consent. You can manage preferences through our cookie banner or browser settings.

Q: Is LifeEcho HIPAA compliant?

No, LifeEcho is not a covered entity under HIPAA and does not offer services regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Our services are not intended to transmit or store protected health information.

Q: How can I contact LifeEcho about privacy concerns?

You can contact us at support@lifeecho.org for general privacy questions or privacy@lifeecho.org for EU data protection matters. We are committed to addressing your privacy concerns promptly.

Effective Date: 03/01/2025
Last Updated: 07/20/2025

LifeEcho ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our voice memory service. It applies to all visitors, users, and account holders of LifeEcho, regardless of how you access the service.

LifeEcho is a platform operated by LifeEcho LLC. While some users may be referred by nonprofit or community partners, all services and data are managed solely by LifeEcho LLC.

1. Introduction / Overview

This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and what rights you have. All data is collected and managed by:

LifeEcho LLC – the sole data controller for all users

Contact: support@lifeecho.org

LifeEcho LLC is not a covered entity under HIPAA and does not offer services regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). While we prioritize data security, our services are not intended to transmit or store protected health information (PHI). Users are explicitly instructed not to submit PHI through our service.

2. What Data We Collect

Personal Identification Information: Name, email address, phone number
Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
Usage Data: Pages visited, time on site, button clicks, user interactions, call duration, recording access logs (including timestamps and user identification)
Cookies and Tracking: Analytics cookies, session cookies, essential cookies
User-Generated Content: Voice recordings, transcription data, feedback or reviews
Location Data: General geolocation based on IP
Payment Data: Processed via third-party services (e.g., Stripe). We do not store full payment details.

3. How and Why We Collect Data

Forms: Signup and contact forms
Cookies: For analytics, session management, and user preferences
Analytics Tools: Google Analytics and similar platforms
API Integrations: For transcription, phone routing, and payments
Feedback and Surveys: To improve the service
Payment Processors: Stripe or equivalent providers

For authenticated users, we collect additional detailed interaction data, including but not limited to button clicks, user interface interactions, and access history to specific recordings. This data helps us enhance platform usability, security, auditing, and personalization.

4. Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Compliance)

Consent: For marketing and optional data processing
Contractual Necessity: To provide our service to you
Legal Obligation: To comply with legal requirements
Legitimate Interests: For analytics and improvement, balanced against user privacy

5. How We Use the Information

Provide and maintain our platform
Allow you to record and access your voice memories
Transcribe your recordings
Offer customer support
Improve and personalize our offerings
Send service-related communications
Comply with legal requirements

By using LifeEcho, you consent to the use of automated tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to transcribe and process your voice recordings. These tools are used solely to provide and enhance the service and are subject to security and privacy controls.

Refund Policy: Our general policy is that payments are non-refundable. Please refer to our Terms of Use for full details on refunds and billing disputes.

Force Majeure: LifeEcho LLC shall not be liable or responsible for delays, interruptions, or failures in providing our service caused by events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure). See our Terms of Use for details.

6. How and With Whom We Share Data

Service Providers: For hosting, analytics, transcription, and storage
Payment Processors: For handling billing
Law Enforcement: When required by law
In Case of Sale or Merger: Your data may be transferred to new ownership with appropriate safeguards

7. Third-Party Services

We use trusted services such as:

Google (Analytics, Fonts)
Stripe (Payments)
Twilio (Phone call and routing services)
OpenAI (Transcription and language processing)

Each third party has its own privacy policy. We are not responsible for their practices.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

LifeEcho uses cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, ensure site functionality, and understand how our services are used. These technologies fall into two categories:

Essential Cookies: Necessary for site functionality, including authentication, security, and session preferences. These are always enabled.
Optional Cookies: Used for analytics and service improvement. Activated only with your consent via our cookie banner.

You can manage your preferences through the cookie banner or browser settings. Optional cookies may persist up to 12 months unless deleted.

We do not respond to "Do Not Track" signals at this time.

9. How We Store and Protect Data

Encryption in transit and at rest
Firewalls and restricted access
Routine monitoring and auditing

Retention: Voice recordings are stored securely for 10 years on the free plan and with lifetime storage on paid plans, unless deleted by the user. Promotional offers may vary.

Data no longer needed is securely deleted or anonymized. We retain only what is necessary to operate, improve, and comply with legal requirements.

Data Breaches: Users and authorities will be notified promptly in compliance with legal obligations.

10. International Data Transfers

Our servers are based in the U.S. If you access LifeEcho internationally, your data may be processed in the U.S. in accordance with applicable legal safeguards.

11. User Rights

Depending on your location, you may have rights to:

Access your data
Correct or update inaccurate data
Delete your account and data
Export your data
Withdraw consent for marketing communications
File a complaint with a data protection authority

Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten"): Under GDPR, you may request deletion of your personal data when there is no compelling reason for continued processing. Contact us at support@lifeecho.org to exercise this right.

HIPAA and PHI: We are not a HIPAA-covered entity and do not store protected health information. Users should not submit PHI via the platform.

12. Children's Privacy

LifeEcho is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we become aware, we will delete the information promptly.

13. User Controls

Manage cookies through browser settings or consent banner
Unsubscribe from marketing via opt-out links
Request deletion of your account via support@lifeecho.org

14. Updates to the Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated periodically. We will notify you via email or on-site alerts for significant changes.

Last Updated: 07/20/2025

15. Contact Information

Questions or concerns? Contact us:

Email: support@lifeecho.org
EU Data Protection Contact: privacy@lifeecho.org

16. Disclaimer on Medical Use

LifeEcho is not intended for medical, therapeutic, or emergency communication purposes. If you are in distress or need urgent help, please contact appropriate emergency services.

For California Residents: Visit our "Do Not Sell or Share My Info" page to exercise your CCPA/CPRA rights. We do not sell personal information but may use certain data for personalized experiences unless opted out. You have the right to not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights.