Privacy and data handling implementation

[BillChirico]

🔒 Privacy and Data Handling Implementation

Overview

Ensure recovery data is handled with maximum security, transparency, and user control.

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Goals

• Clear disclosure of what data is used
• No recovery details in AI provider logs
• User can export/delete all data
• Separate from analytics/telemetry
• Volvox-managed infrastructure

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Data Classification

Data Type	Sensitivity	Storage	Retention
Conversation content	HIGH	Encrypted, user-only	User-controlled
Learned patterns	HIGH	Encrypted, anonymized	User-controlled
Check-in times	MEDIUM	Encrypted	90 days default
Trigger logs	HIGH	Local-first, encrypted	User-controlled
Tool usage	LOW	Anonymized	1 year
Message interactions	LOW	Anonymized	1 year

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Technical Measures

Encryption

• At rest: AES-256 for all stored data
• In transit: TLS 1.3 for all API calls
• Key management: Hardware security modules (HSM)

Anonymization

• User IDs hashed (SHA-256 + salt)
• No PII in AI provider logs
• Recovery details never leave device unencrypted

Data Minimization

• Collect only what's needed
• Automatic deletion after retention period
• User can set shorter retention

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User Controls

Privacy Settings

Data Export

• JSON format, human-readable
• Includes: conversations, patterns, preferences
• Delivered via secure email link
• Link expires in 24 hours

Data Deletion

• Immediate deletion (soft delete + purge)
• Confirmation required (type "DELETE")
• 7-day grace period (can undo)
• Permanent purge after 7 days

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AI Provider Privacy

OpenAI/Anthropic Integration

• Use zero-retention endpoints where available
• No training on user data
• Anonymized request IDs
• Audit logging (internal only)

mem0 Integration (#423)

• Encrypted memory storage
• User owns their memory
• Cross-user isolation
• Geographic data residency

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Compliance

GDPR (EU Users)

• Right to access (export)
• Right to deletion (forget me)
• Right to portability (JSON export)
• Data processing agreement

CCPA (California Users)

• Disclosure of data collection
• Right to deletion
• Right to opt-out (of analytics)

HIPAA Considerations

• Not a covered entity
• Voluntary best practices
• Encourage clinical integration

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Implementation Tasks

• Write privacy policy
• Implement encryption at rest
• Set up TLS 1.3 for all APIs
• Build data export feature
• Implement data deletion flows
• Create privacy settings UI
• Add anonymization layer
• Set up audit logging
• Conduct privacy audit
• Document data flows

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Acceptance Criteria

• Privacy policy covers all data types
• Data export works and is readable
• Deletion removes data within 7 days
• No PII in AI provider logs
• Encryption verified (penetration test)
• Settings allow retention customization
• Audit logs capture access
• Compliance documentation complete

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Related

• Parent: [Epic] Sobers Buddy Implementation #412
• Related: Build user preference settings #415 (settings), Implement mem0 user memory system #423 (mem0)

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Part of Sobers v2

[BillChirico]

Updated: Privacy policies need to cover mem0 (#423) data retention and user memory management.