1 Introduction
HetCode is a file-sharing application operated by HetCode SARL, a company registered in Tunisia (the "Company", "we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect when you use the HetCode mobile app or website (the "Service"), why we collect it, how we use it, and your rights regarding it.
By using HetCode, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Service.
2 Information we collect
We deliberately collect as little information as possible. HetCode does not require an account, an email address, a phone number, or any personal identifier to function.
2.1 Files you upload
When you upload one or more files to HetCode, those files are stored on our servers (or third-party storage we use, see Section 5) and made temporarily accessible through a 5-digit code that we generate. We do not inspect, read, or analyze the contents of your files.
2.2 Codes
We generate a random 5-digit code for each upload session. The code is stored alongside metadata about your upload (file names, sizes, MIME types, upload timestamp) so that recipients can retrieve the files.
2.3 Technical information
To operate the Service securely and prevent abuse, we automatically collect:
- Your IP address (used for rate limiting and abuse prevention)
- Basic device information (operating system, app version)
- Server logs (timestamps of uploads/downloads, request paths, HTTP status codes)
2.4 What we do NOT collect
We do not collect: your name, email address, phone number, address, contacts, location, advertising identifiers, biometric data, or browsing history. HetCode does not contain any third-party advertising, analytics, or tracking SDKs.
3 How we use the information
We use the information described above strictly to:
- Provide the file-sharing service (store your uploads, generate codes, deliver downloads)
- Prevent abuse, fraud, spam, and illegal activity on the platform
- Maintain and improve the technical reliability of the Service
- Comply with applicable laws and respond to lawful requests from authorities
We never sell, rent, or trade your data. We do not use your data for advertising or profiling.
4 Data retention
Server logs containing IP addresses and request metadata are retained for a maximum of 30 days for security and abuse-prevention purposes, then automatically deleted.
If you want a file removed sooner than 48 hours, contact us at the email below with the 5-digit code and we will delete the upload promptly.
5 Third-party services
HetCode uses the following third-party infrastructure providers:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS S3) — file storage. Files are stored in the AWS region eu-north-1 (Stockholm, Sweden) and protected by AWS security controls.
- Hosting provider for the API server (currently Karchedon Cloud, located in the European Union).
These providers act as data processors on our behalf and are bound by their own privacy and security commitments. We do not share your data with any other third parties unless required by law.
6 Your rights (GDPR & equivalents)
Because we collect minimal data and have no way to identify you personally without the 5-digit code you possess, your rights are exercised by direct contact:
- Right to deletion — request that a specific upload be removed before its automatic 48-hour expiry
- Right to information — ask what data is associated with a specific code
- Right to lodge a complaint — contact your local data protection authority (in Tunisia: Instance Nationale de Protection des Données Personnelles — INPDP)
To exercise these rights, email us at contact@houtalik.com with the relevant 5-digit code. We respond within 7 days.
7 Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your data:
- All connections use HTTPS (TLS 1.2 or higher)
- Files are stored on encrypted storage by our infrastructure provider
- Access to production systems is restricted to authorized personnel
However, no internet-based service can guarantee absolute security. Do not use HetCode to share extremely sensitive information (passwords, banking credentials, government identification documents, etc.) without additional encryption.
8 Children's privacy
HetCode is not intended for children under 13 years old (or 16 in jurisdictions where that is the minimum digital-consent age, such as the European Union). We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has used HetCode and you are their parent or guardian, contact us and we will delete the associated content.
9 Permitted use
You agree not to use HetCode to upload, share, or distribute:
- Illegal content, including but not limited to copyrighted material you do not own
- Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) — reported immediately to authorities
- Malware, viruses, or any harmful code
- Content that violates the privacy or rights of third parties
- Hate speech, harassment, or content inciting violence
We reserve the right to remove any upload that violates these rules and cooperate with law enforcement when required.
10 Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent version. Significant changes will be announced through the app or our website at least 14 days before they take effect. Your continued use of the Service after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance.