Privacy Policy

What is ChatPal?

ChatPal is a mental health and wellbeing app which has been designed, developed by researchers in Northern Ireland (Ulster University), Finland (University of Eastern Finland), Sweden (Norrbotten Association of Local Authorities, Region Norrbotten and Luleå University of Technology), Scotland (NHS Western Isles) and Ireland (Munster Technological University).

The ChatPal chatbot has been co-designed with citizens living in rural areas. ChatPal is a mental health promotion tool with some artificial intelligence capabilities, and is available in four languages including English, Scottish Gaelic, Swedish and Finnish. The chatbot is not designed to diagnose or treat those with severe mental ill health, but instead helps people maintain good mental health and wellbeing by providing activities, such as mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, completing gratitude diary entries and goal setting.

What data is collected?

  • The app will ask for your first name/nickname, age range and country. If you do not wish to provide this information you can select "prefer not to say"
  • All other data collected by the chatbot are anonymous, including your app usage data
  • Any name that you provide will only be used within the app to provide a personalised experience and will not be analysed or shared with any third parties 
  • Country of origin is asked so that ChatPal can provide information on accessing local support in your area

How is data stored?

Data collected by ChatPal is safely stored in a relational database at Munster Technological University. All communications to the server where the database resides are encrypted to protect the stored data from unauthorised access

What am I consenting to?

  • You are 18 years or older. The chatbot is suitable for anyone over the age of 18
  • Secure storage of your first name/nickname, age range and country if you chose to input these data
  • Anonymous usage data are stored securely at Munster Technological University and may be analysed by Ulster University or Munster Technological University in order to make future improvements to the app

What should I do if I don't want to have my usage data stored?

If you no longer wish to have your anonymous usage data stored, then you can uninstall the app from your device according to the instructions below

Delete apps on your Apple device (iPhone, iPad etc):

  1. Touch and hold the app
  2. Tap Remove App
  3. Tap Delete App, then tap Delete to confirm

Delete apps from your Android device:

  1. Open Settings on your device
  2. Tap on Apps or Application manager
  3. Tap on the app you want to remove. You may need to scroll to find the right one
  4. Tap Uninstall

What will happen to my data?

Any anonymous data that you have provided (e.g. age range, country), including app usage data will be stored securely and confidentially at Ulster University for 10 years in accordance with GDPR regulations

Who can I contact about the privacy policy?

If you have any queries regarding the privacy policy, you can contact Professor Raymond Bond (rb.bond{at}ulster.ac.uk) or Professor Maurice Mulvenna (md.mulvenna{at}ulster.ac.uk)