Privacy Policy

At ICQ Chat Network, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services, including our chat rooms, website, and related features. Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use our services.

📌 Last Updated: January 2026

1. Information We Collect

We collect minimal information to provide and improve our services. The information we collect depends on how you interact with our platform:

A. Information You Provide Voluntarily

  • Nickname: When you join our chat rooms, you choose a nickname. This nickname is visible to other users.
  • Registration Data: If you choose to register your nickname with NickServ, we collect your chosen username, associated email address, and registration timestamps.
  • Channel Registration: If you register a channel with ChanServ, we collect the channel name, founder information, and access list details.
  • Communication: If you contact our support team, we may collect your email address and any information you provide to resolve your inquiry.

B. Information Collected Automatically

  • IP Address: We temporarily collect your IP address for network security purposes, such as preventing abuse, managing bans, and maintaining the stability of our services. IP addresses are not permanently retained unless required for ongoing investigations.
  • Connection Logs: Basic connection logs (date, time, IP) are kept for a limited period for network maintenance and security monitoring.
  • Chat Logs: We do not actively log or permanently store private or public chat messages. Logs are generally ephemeral and are not retained beyond operational necessity.
  • Cookies: Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To provide, operate, and maintain our chat services
  • To prevent, detect, and address technical issues and abuse
  • To enforce our Acceptable Use Policy and community guidelines
  • To respond to your comments, questions, and support requests
  • To comply with legal obligations and respond to valid law enforcement requests

3. Disclosure of Your Information

We do not share, sell, rent, or trade your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. We may disclose your information in the following circumstances:

A. Law Enforcement and Legal Compliance

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities (e.g., a subpoena, search warrant, or court order). We will only release user data when compelled by a valid legal instrument issued by a court with proper jurisdiction.

📌 Note: For more information, see our Law Enforcement Guidelines.

B. Protection of Rights

  • To enforce our Acceptable Use Policy
  • To protect the safety and security of our users
  • To prevent fraud or abuse of our services

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

  • SSL Encryption: We support SSL connections on port +6697 for encrypted communication.
  • Advanced Password Hashing: We use bcrypt and PBKDF2 to securely hash user passwords.
  • Access Controls: Access to user data is restricted to authorized personnel.
  • Security Scanners: We run security scanners to detect and prevent abuse.

While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as is necessary for the purposes set out in this Privacy Policy. We will retain and use your information to the extent necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our policies.

  • Nickname Registration: Retained until you request deletion or until the registration expires (60 days of inactivity).
  • IP Addresses: Temporarily stored for security purposes and not permanently retained.
  • Chat Logs: Not permanently stored. Logs are ephemeral and not retained beyond operational necessity.
  • Email Addresses: Retained only if you register a nickname and provide an email address. You can request deletion at any time.

6. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

  • 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 and registered accounts.
  • Objection: Object to the processing of your personal information.
  • Data Portability: Request the transfer of your data to another service.

✅ To exercise any of these rights: Contact us through our Help Desk. We will respond within 24-48 hours.

7. Children’s Privacy

🚫 The ICQ Chat Network is not intended for children under 15 years old. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 15. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 15 without verification of parental consent, we take steps to remove that information from our servers. If you believe we might have any information from or about a child under 15, please contact us immediately.

8. Third-Party Links

Our services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

9. Cookies

Our website may use cookies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files placed on your device that help us understand how you use our site and improve your experience. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being sent.

Types of Cookies We Use:

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for the basic functioning of our website.
  • Preference Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings.
  • Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page. We will also update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. Changes to this Privacy Policy are effective when they are posted on this page.

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of our services after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your rights, or our data practices, please contact us:

📧 Help Desk: https://www.icqchatting.com/help

💬 #Help Channel: Join #help on the network for immediate assistance

🌐 Website: https://www.icqchatting.com

📌 Response Time: We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 24-48 hours.

Privacy Policy Summary

  • ✅ We collect minimal information – just what’s needed to provide our services
  • ✅ We do not sell, rent, or share your data with third parties for marketing
  • ✅ We do not permanently store chat logs
  • ✅ We use SSL encryption to protect your connection
  • ✅ You have the right to access, correct, or delete your data
  • ✅ We only release data when legally required (subpoena, court order, warrant)
  • ✅ Children under 15 are not permitted to use our services

ICQ Chat Network – Your privacy matters. Safe, secure, and built for you.