Privacy & Research Ethics
Free Me Now is built to be a safe, anonymous space first. This page explains, in plain language, what that means, what data may be used to improve the platform or support academic research, and how you stay in control of that choice.
You're anonymous by design
You don't need a name, email address, or account to use Free Me Now. When you first visit, your browser is given a random, disconnected id used only to remember your points and progress on this device — it is never linked to your real identity.
What data exists
Depending on how you use the site, this can include:
- Points, quiz scores, and which stories or videos you view
- The choices you make inside branching stories
- Messages you send to the support chatbot, and its replies
- Basic technical data such as session timing
None of this is paired with your name, email, or any contact details unless you choose to share those yourself — for example, if you reach out to a therapist directly on the Contact a Therapist page.
How it may be used
There are two separate purposes, and both are opt-in:
- Improving Free Me Now — understanding which stories, prompts, or chatbot responses are actually helpful, and fixing what isn't.
- Academic research — Free Me Now supports research into how digital tools can help young people move away from compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB). If you consent, anonymised activity and chatbot conversations — with any names, locations, or other identifying details you typed removed before analysis — may be studied as part of that work.
Using Free Me Now never requires agreeing to either of these. Declining has no effect on any feature, story, or chat available to you.
How we try to do this responsibly
- Informed, opt-in consent — you're asked directly, in plain language, and nothing is assumed by default.
- Anonymity, not pseudonymity — we design around collecting the least amount of identifying information possible in the first place.
- Minimal access — research data is only reviewed by people directly involved in improving the platform or the associated academic work, never sold, and never shared with advertisers.
- Right to withdraw — you can change your choice at any time on this page, with no need to explain why.
A quick safety note
Free Me Now is a peer-support and self-guided tool, not a replacement for professional care. If you're in immediate danger or crisis, please contact local emergency services, or the Zimbabwe Red Cross on 1199 (toll-free), right away. More support options are on the Contact a Therapist page.
Questions
If you have questions about this notice, the research, or want your data removed, reach out through the Contact page and mention "Privacy" in your message.