1. Overview
americansignlanguage.eth ("we," "us," or "our") operates the Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) platform at americansignlanguage.xyz. We are the first Deaf-owned, Deaf-led, Deaf-founded VRI service powered by blockchain technology.
This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use our platform, including our website, VRI services, $ASL token system, and related services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- For Deaf/HoH Users: Name, email address, preferred communication method, MetaMask wallet address
- For Hearing Users (Businesses/Patients): Name, email address, organization name, billing contact information, MetaMask wallet address
- For Interpreters: Name, email address, RID/NIC certification details, state licensure information, professional references, availability schedule, MetaMask wallet address, Stripe payout information
2.2 Usage Information
We automatically collect:
- Session duration and timestamps
- Device type, browser, and operating system
- IP address and approximate location (city-level only)
- Feature usage and navigation patterns
- Connection quality metrics (for improving video performance)
2.3 Interpreter Verification Data
For interpreter applicants, we collect and verify:
- Professional certifications (RID, NIC, BEI, etc.)
- State interpreter licenses
- Background check authorization
- Professional references
3. Wallet & Blockchain Data
3.1 What We Collect
- Wallet Address: Your MetaMask public wallet address (never your private key or seed phrase)
- Token Balances: Your $ASL token balance for platform functionality
- Transaction History: Session-related token minting and transfers
3.2 What We Never Collect
- Your MetaMask password or seed phrase
- Your private keys
- Balances of tokens/crypto not related to $ASL
- Access to other assets in your wallet
4. Video Session Privacy
4.1 Live VRI Sessions
Your VRI video sessions are private. We implement the following protections:
- End-to-End Encryption: All video and audio streams are encrypted using WebRTC SRTP encryption
- No Recording by Default: We do not record video sessions unless explicitly requested by both parties and with written consent
- In-Session Chat: Text chat during sessions is encrypted and not stored after the session ends unless both parties consent
- No Third-Party Access: No one outside the session participants can access the live video feed
4.2 Session Metadata
We do retain session metadata for billing, quality assurance, and dispute resolution:
- Session start and end times
- Duration of the session
- Interpreter and user identifiers
- Connection quality ratings
- $ASL tokens minted per session
4.3 Interpreter Confidentiality
All interpreters on our platform are bound by the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) Code of Professional Conduct, which mandates strict confidentiality. Interpreters may not disclose any information about sessions to third parties.
5. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide VRI Services: Match you with qualified interpreters, facilitate video calls, and process session tokens
- Manage Your Account: Maintain your profile, preferences, and session history
- Process Payments: Handle $ASL token minting, distribution, and interpreter payouts via Stripe
- Improve Our Platform: Analyze usage patterns to enhance video quality, reduce connection issues, and improve user experience
- Ensure Safety: Verify interpreter credentials, prevent fraud, and maintain platform integrity
- Communicate: Send service updates, session confirmations, and (with your consent) newsletter updates
- Comply with Law: Meet legal obligations and respond to lawful requests from authorities
7. Security Measures
We take the security of your data seriously and implement:
- Encryption: All data is encrypted in transit (TLS 1.3) and at rest (AES-256)
- Access Controls: Role-based access with multi-factor authentication for admin systems
- Regular Audits: Periodic security reviews and vulnerability assessments
- Secure Infrastructure: Hosted on enterprise-grade cloud platforms with SOC 2 compliance
- Incident Response: Documented procedures for responding to data breaches, with notification to affected users within 72 hours
8. Accessibility & Privacy
- Communication Preferences: We respect your preferred communication method (ASL video, text, email) and will never force voice-only communication
- Session Content Privacy: The content of your interpreted conversations is protected under the same confidentiality standards as in-person interpreting
- Disability Status: We never share your hearing status or disability information with third parties without your explicit consent
- Accessible Notifications: All privacy-related notifications are delivered in your preferred format (visual alerts, text, email — never audio-only)
- Video Thumbnail Privacy: We do not capture, store, or display video thumbnails or screenshots from VRI sessions
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
- Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data (note: blockchain transaction records cannot be deleted)
- Portability: Receive your data in a standard, machine-readable format
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
- Restrict Processing: Request that we limit how we use your data
- Withdraw Consent: Withdraw any consent you've previously given
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.
California Residents (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act, including the right to know what personal information is collected and the right to opt out of the sale of personal information. We do not sell personal information.
EU/EEA Residents (GDPR)
If you are located in the EU or EEA, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation. Our legal basis for processing is consent and legitimate interest in providing VRI services.
11. Children's Privacy
Our platform is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately and we will delete that information.
Users between 13-17 may use the platform with parental/guardian consent. Interpreting services for minors must be requested by a parent, guardian, or authorized adult.
12. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do:
- We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
- For significant changes, we will notify you via email and/or a prominent notice on our platform
- All notifications will be delivered in accessible formats
- We will provide a summary of what changed in plain language
Your continued use of the platform after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
Privacy Questions or Requests
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your privacy rights:
- Email: [email protected]
- Videophone: Available upon request for ASL communication
- Mail: americansignlanguage.eth, Attn: Privacy Team
- Website: americansignlanguage.xyz/contact
We will respond to all privacy inquiries within 30 days in your preferred communication format.