Privacy Policy for LifeEcho

Effective Date: 03/01/2025
Last Updated: 04/16/2025

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 services. 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).

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, clicks, call duration
• 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

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.

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: These are necessary for the website to function properly. They include features like authentication, security, and remembering user session preferences. These cookies are always enabled and do not require user consent.
• Optional Cookies: These help us analyze how users interact with the site (e.g., via Google Analytics) so we can improve the service. Optional cookies are only activated after you provide consent through our cookie banner.

You can manage your cookie preferences through the banner or by adjusting your browser settings. Some cookies expire at the end of your session, while others may persist for up to 12 months unless deleted.

For visitors in the EU, UK, and jurisdictions with similar privacy regulations, LifeEcho displays a cookie consent banner on first visit. Optional cookies are only used if you choose to accept them. You can withdraw or modify your consent at any time by clearing your browser’s site data or using tools provided in your browser settings.

We do not respond to browser “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 free plans and 25 years on paid plans, unless deleted by the user. Promotional offers may provide alternative retention durations.

We only collect and retain data that is necessary to provide and improve our service, fulfill legal obligations, and support legitimate interests. Data that is no longer needed is securely deleted or anonymized.

Data Breaches: We will notify users and relevant authorities in the event of a data breach, as required by law.

10. International Data Transfers

Our servers are currently located in the United States. If you access LifeEcho from outside the U.S., your data may be transferred to and processed in the United States in compliance 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

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@lifeecho.org.

12. Children’s Privacy

LifeEcho is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we learn that we have, we will delete it promptly.

13. User Controls

• Manage cookies through browser settings or consent banner
• Opt-out links are included in all marketing emails
• To delete your account, email us at support@lifeecho.org

14. Updates to the Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We’ll notify users of significant changes via email or a website notice.

Last Updated: 04/16/2025

15. Contact Information

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or your data:

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. You may request to access, delete, or correct your data, and to limit the use of sensitive personal information. We do not sell personal information, but may use some data for personalized experiences unless opted out. California users have the right to not be discriminated against for exercising their privacy rights.