QUERYSMS

Privacy Policy

Last updated: December 12, 2025 | Version 1.0

1. Introduction

Welcome to QuerySMS ("we," "our," or "us"). QuerySMS is an SMS-based search service that allows you to search the web and receive AI-powered answers via text message. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our service.

By using QuerySMS, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not use our service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

  • Email address (required for account creation)
  • Authentication provider information (e.g., Google, GitHub)
  • Account creation and last login timestamps

2.2 Phone Number Information

To use our SMS search service, you must link one or more phone numbers to your account. We collect:

  • Phone numbers in E.164 format (e.g., +31612345678)
  • Optional labels for your phone numbers (e.g., "Personal", "Work")
  • Verification status and verification codes (temporary, used only for verification)
  • Verification timestamps and attempt counts

2.3 SMS Query Data

When you send an SMS query to our service, we collect and store:

  • The text of your query (up to 1,000 characters)
  • The AI-generated response sent back to you (up to 1,600 characters)
  • Query processing status and any error messages
  • Timestamps for when queries are received and responses are sent
  • Bird message IDs for incoming and outgoing messages
  • Credit costs associated with each query

2.4 Payment Information

We use Stripe for payment processing. We collect:

  • Stripe Customer ID (linked to your account)
  • Payment transaction records (amount, currency, status, timestamps)
  • Credit transaction history (purchases, grants, deductions)

Note: We do not store your credit card information. All payment card data is handled securely by Stripe and is subject to Stripe's privacy policy.

2.5 Usage and Technical Data

We automatically collect certain information when you use our service:

  • IP addresses and browser information (for web interface access)
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies
  • Audit logs of changes to your account data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Provide, maintain, and improve our SMS search service
  • Process your SMS queries and deliver AI-powered responses
  • Verify phone numbers linked to your account
  • Process payments and manage your credit balance
  • Send you service-related communications (e.g., low credit notifications)
  • Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms of service
  • Detect, prevent, and address technical issues and security threats
  • Maintain audit logs for security and compliance purposes

4. Third-Party Services

4.1 Perplexity AI

We use Perplexity AI to process your search queries and generate responses. When you send an SMS query, your query text is sent to Perplexity AI's API. Please review Perplexity AI's Privacy Policy to understand how they handle your data.

4.2 Bird

We use Bird to send and receive SMS messages. Your phone number and message content are processed by Bird. Please review Bird's Privacy Policy to understand how they handle your data.

4.3 Stripe

We use Stripe for payment processing. Your payment information is handled by Stripe and is subject to Stripe's Privacy Policy.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data for the following periods:

  • Active accounts: Data is retained while your account is active and for up to 7 years after account closure, unless you request earlier deletion.
  • Inactive accounts: If you haven't sent any SMS queries in the last 2 years, your data may be automatically deleted. We will send warning emails at 30, 14, and 7 days before deletion. Sending any SMS query will reset the retention period.
  • SMS queries: Query and response data is retained indefinitely by default, but you can request deletion at any time.
  • Payment records: Retained for 7 years as required by financial regulations (handled by Stripe).

You can request deletion of your data at any time through your account settings or by contacting us.

6. Your Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have certain data protection rights:

  • Right of Access: You can request a copy of all personal data we hold about you.
  • Right to Rectification: You can update your account information at any time through your account settings.
  • Right to Erasure: You can request deletion of your account and all associated data.
  • Right to Data Portability: You can export your data in a machine-readable format (JSON) through your account settings.
  • Right to Object: You can object to certain processing of your personal data.
  • Right to Restrict Processing: You can request that we limit how we use your personal data.

To exercise these rights, please contact us or use the data management tools available in your account settings.

7. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Cookies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to maintain your session, remember your preferences, and improve our service. By accepting our privacy policy, you consent to our use of cookies. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. If the changes are material, we may require you to accept the updated policy before continuing to use the service.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at support@querysms.app or through your account settings.