Data Deletion Instructions
Effective Date: January 27, 2025
Last Updated: January 27, 2025
Overview
You have the right to request deletion of your personal data from Whim at any time. This page provides clear instructions on how to delete your account and request removal of all associated data from our systems.
Account Deletion Methods
Method 1: In-App Deletion
The quickest way to delete your account and data:
- Open the Whim app on your device
- Go to Settings → Account Settings
- Scroll down to "Delete Account"
- Tap "Delete My Account and Data"
- Confirm your decision when prompted
- Your account and associated data will be permanently deleted within 30 days
Method 2: Email Request
If you cannot access the app, send an email request:
- Send an email to: privacy@whim.im
- Subject: "Data Deletion Request"
- Include your registered email address
- Include your username (if you remember it)
- We will respond within 48 hours to confirm your request
- Deletion will be completed within 30 days of verification
What Data Gets Deleted
When you request data deletion, the following information is permanently removed:
Account Information
- Username and email address
- Profile information and preferences
- Account settings and customizations
- Authentication credentials
Content and Messages
- All chat conversations and AI interactions
- Shared Instagram posts and links
- Message history and content
- Any uploaded images or media
Integration Data
- Instagram account connection information
- Instagram post links and shared content
- Instagram DM forwarding history
- Third-party integration preferences
Usage and Analytics Data
- App usage patterns and statistics
- Feature interaction history
- Performance and crash reports linked to your account
- Device information associated with your account
Data Retention for Legal Compliance
While we delete most data immediately, some information may be retained for limited periods as required by law:
- Financial records: Transaction data may be retained for tax and accounting purposes (where applicable)
- Legal compliance: Some data may be preserved to comply with legal obligations or ongoing legal proceedings
- Safety and security: Data related to banned accounts or security violations may be retained to prevent abuse
- Aggregated analytics: Anonymous, aggregated usage statistics that cannot identify you personally
Third-Party Data Deletion
Whim integrates with third-party services. Here's what happens to your data with our partners:
AI Service Providers
Your messages sent to AI providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google) are subject to their data retention policies:
- OpenAI: Data retention according to their privacy policy
- Anthropic: Data handling per their terms of service
- Google AI: Subject to Google's data policies
- We recommend reviewing each provider's data deletion procedures
Instagram Integration
- Instagram posts and messages remain on Instagram's platform
- We only delete our copies of shared content and forwarded messages
- To delete content from Instagram, use Instagram's own deletion tools
- Disconnecting Instagram integration removes the connection but not the original content
Verification Process
To protect your privacy and prevent unauthorized deletions, we verify all deletion requests:
In-App Verification
- You must be logged into your account
- Confirmation prompts ensure intentional deletion
- Immediate processing after confirmation
Email Request Verification
- Request must come from your registered email address
- We may ask additional verification questions
- Confirmation email sent before processing deletion
- 48-hour response time for verification
Timeline and Process
Immediate Actions (Within 24 Hours)
- Account deactivation and login prevention
- Disconnection of Instagram integration
- Removal from active user databases
- Stop all data collection and processing
Complete Deletion (Within 30 Days)
- Permanent deletion from all production systems
- Removal from backup systems and archives
- Deletion confirmation email sent to you
- Final verification that all data has been removed
Before You Delete
Consider these alternatives before permanently deleting your account:
Account Deactivation
- Temporarily disable your account without losing data
- Stop all data collection while preserving your information
- Reactivate anytime by logging back in
- Available in Settings → Account Settings → Deactivate Account
Selective Data Deletion
- Delete specific conversations or messages
- Remove Instagram integration without deleting account
- Clear message history while keeping account active
- Adjust privacy settings to limit data collection
Special Circumstances
Deceased Users
Family members or legal representatives may request account deletion for deceased users by contacting privacy@whim.im with appropriate documentation.
Minors
Parents or legal guardians may request deletion of accounts belonging to users under 18 by providing verification of guardianship.
Legal Proceedings
Data deletion may be delayed if your account is subject to ongoing legal proceedings or regulatory investigations.
Confirmation and Support
After your data deletion is complete:
- You will receive a confirmation email at your registered address
- The confirmation includes the deletion completion date
- You can no longer log into your account
- Any attempts to access the app will show "Account Not Found"
Contact Information
If you have questions about data deletion or need assistance:
Email: privacy@whim.im
Subject: Data Deletion Support
Response Time: Within 48 hours
App Support: Use in-app contact feature (if accessible)
Important: Data deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Please ensure you have saved any important conversations or content before proceeding with deletion.