Privacy Policy for Direct Message

Effective date: April 28, 2026

Direct Message is published by App Verge.

This Privacy Policy explains how Direct Message handles information when you use the app. We are committed to transparency regarding how we use your data and how we protect your privacy.

1. What the App Does

Direct Message is a utility application designed to facilitate communication via popular third-party messaging apps. It allows users to initiate a chat session with a phone number without needing to add that number to their device's contact list. The app generates a standardized deep link which is then handled by the respective messaging application on your device.

2. Information Handled on Your Device

Direct Message is designed to be a "local-first" application. The following categories of information are processed directly on your device:

User Input Data: Phone numbers and optional message text entered by you into the app's input fields.
Configuration Data: Your selected country code, preferred theme (light/dark mode), and "Show Quick Messages" preference.
Custom Content: Any custom quick message templates you create and save within the app.
Technical Identifiers: Information required by third-party SDKs (see Section 6) for advertising and performance monitoring.

3. How We Use This Information

Information is processed solely for the purpose of providing and improving the app's features:

Chat Handoff: Using your input to generate a secure deep link to trigger the messaging application.
Personalization: Saving your preferred country and custom templates so you don't have to re-enter them.
App Optimization: Analyzing aggregate performance data (via third parties) to ensure the app works correctly across different Android versions.

4. Local Data Storage (Persistence)

We use the Shared Preferences API to store data locally on your device's private storage.

Storage Location: Data is stored in a private directory accessible only by the Direct Message app.
Data Types: This includes your preferred country code, dark mode preference, and custom quick messages.
Deletion: You have full control over this data. It is deleted if you use the "Clear Data" option in Android Settings or if you uninstall the app.

5. No Server-Side Storage of Personal Content

App Verge does not maintain any backend servers to store your personal messaging content.

The phone numbers you enter are never transmitted to App Verge.
The messages you draft are never transmitted to App Verge.
All chat logic happens on-device and is handed off directly to the compatible messaging app via the operating system's intent system.

6. Advertising and Third-Party SDKs

To keep the app free, we display advertisements. We use the Meta Audience Network (FAN) SDK.

6.1 Data Collection by Meta

When you use Direct Message, the Meta Audience Network SDK may automatically collect certain information from your device, including:

Advertising IDs (e.g., Google Advertising ID).
Device Metadata: Device model, manufacturer, OS version, and battery level.
Connection Info: IP address, mobile carrier, and network type (WiFi/Cellular).
App Usage: Interaction with ads and app version details.

6.2 Purpose of Collection

Meta uses this data to:

Deliver relevant and personalized ads.
Prevent fraud and invalid clicks.
Measure the effectiveness of ad campaigns.

For more information, please visit Meta's Privacy Policy: https://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/

7. Your Privacy Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Correction

Since your data is stored locally, you can access and modify your custom messages and settings at any time directly within the app's interface.

7.2 Data Deletion

To delete all information the app has stored about your preferences and custom messages, you can:

Open Android Settings.
Go to Apps > Direct Message.
Select Storage & Cache.
Tap Clear Storage.

7.3 Ad Tracking Choices

You can limit ad personalization or reset your Advertising ID via your Android system settings:

Go to Settings > Google > Ads > Delete Advertising ID or Reset Advertising ID.

8. International Data Regulations

8.1 GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

For users in the European Union, the legal basis for processing your data is Contractual Necessity (to provide the app's features) and Legitimate Interest (for ad delivery and app improvement). You have the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority if you believe your data is handled improperly.

8.2 CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)

We do not "sell" your personal information in the traditional sense. However, the sharing of identifiers with ad networks may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" under California law. You can exercise your right to opt-out via the Android system ad settings mentioned in Section 7.3.

9. Data Security

We take reasonable steps to protect the data stored in the app's private directory. However, we encourage users to secure their devices with a PIN, pattern, or biometric lock to prevent unauthorized access to their local app data.

10. Children's Privacy

The App is not directed at children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age in your country). We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we discover we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it immediately.

11. Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updated versions will replace previous versions.

12. Contact Information

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

Developer: App Verge
App Name: Direct Message
Email: theappverge@gmail.com

Note: Direct Message is an independent utility and is NOT affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by WhatsApp LLC or Meta Platforms, Inc.