Cookie Policy

Last updated: October 11, 2026

At ChatMeOut, we believe your browser is your domain. This Cookie Policy explains how we use - or specifically, how we don't use - cookies and similar tracking technologies when you use our platform.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. They are widely used to remember you and your preferences, either for a single visit (a "session cookie") or for multiple repeat visits (a "persistent cookie").

2. Our Minimalist Approach

Because ChatMeOut is built with absolute privacy in mind, we employ a strict zero tracking cookie policy. We do not use any first-party or third-party cookies to track your behavior across the web or to build a profile about you. The only first-party cookies we use are strictly necessary functional HTTP-only session cookies required to authenticate you and maintain your connection securely.

3. How We Use Local Storage and IndexedDB

Alongside our functional session cookies, ChatMeOut relies on your browser's localStorage and IndexedDB APIs to provide core personalization and offline capabilities. This data stays strictly on your local device:

  • Authentication & Identity: Your registered or guest session is securely maintained via an HTTP-only functional cookie, keeping it safe from XSS attacks. We do not store JWTs in local storage. Local storage is strictly for client-side UI states.
  • Custom Chat Backgrounds (IndexedDB): Custom chat background images chosen by the user are stored locally in your browser's IndexedDB so they never consume server storage or leave your local device.
  • Audio Waveforms (IndexedDB): Visual waveform data for voice notes is stored locally in client-side IndexedDB (ChatMeOutDB) to enable smooth 60fps audio scrubbing and eliminate repetitive audio decoding overhead.
  • Discover Recommendation Feed (IndexedDB): Candidate recommendation cards are cached locally in IndexedDB to allow instant offline card browsing without re-fetching from the network on every navigation.
  • Active Chat Rooms: We use local storage to manage your currently open chat windows.
  • Offline Chat Buffers: Your chat history is cached locally so you can read it seamlessly. For guests, this is permanently wiped when the chat ends.
  • User Preferences & Profile Cache: Display preferences (like dark mode or specific chat filters) and a lightweight profile snapshot (chatmeout_user_cache) are kept strictly on your local machine to prevent visual layout jumps.
  • Match Pass Tokens: We store cryptographic tokens locally to verify that you have watched a required advertisement, granting you temporary access to our matchmaking network.

4. Third-Party Cookies (Ad Networks)

To support our infrastructure, ChatMeOut partners with third-party advertising networks like Adsterra to serve ads. These ad networks may use cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our website or other websites on the internet. We do not share any ChatMeOut user data, chat history, or personal metadata with these advertising partners. You can manage your cookie preferences directly through your browser settings.

5. Managing Your Local Data

Since ChatMeOut relies on your browser's local storage, you have complete control. You can wipe all data ChatMeOut holds simply by logging out, using your browser's "Clear Site Data" feature, or using a private/incognito window.