AI Companion Safety & Privacy Guide

AI companion safety starts with understanding what data these apps collect and how they handle it. After testing all 12 platforms we review on CompanionGeek, we found that privacy protections vary dramatically — from Kindroid’s strict no-data-selling policy (privacy score: 0.95/1.0) to apps that log conversations and share data with third-party advertisers. This guide covers everything you need to stay safe.

Whether you use an AI companion for conversation, emotional support, roleplay, or entertainment, your privacy deserves the same level of protection you’d expect from any app that handles personal information. Below we break down exactly what to look for, which apps get it right, and the specific steps you can take to protect yourself.

What Data Do AI Companion Apps Collect?

Every AI companion app collects some data. The question is how much and what they do with it. Here is what most platforms gather:

Account information — email, username, payment details, and in some cases phone number
Conversation logs — every message you send and receive, often stored on the platform’s servers
Usage patterns — how often you log in, session length, features you use most
Device data — IP address, browser type, operating system, and sometimes location
Content you generate — images, voice messages, and any custom characters you create

Some apps go further. Platforms with weaker privacy policies may collect keystroke patterns, browsing behavior outside the app, or data from linked social media accounts. The key difference between apps is not what they collect but whether they sell it, share it with advertisers, or use it to train models without your consent.

Which Apps Have the Strongest Privacy Protections?

We score every app on privacy during our testing methodology. Here are the top performers:

App	Privacy Score	Key Privacy Feature	Monthly Price
Kindroid	0.95/1.0	No data selling, strong encryption	$13.99/mo
JuicyChat AI	0.90/1.0	Discrete billing, privacy-first design	$12.99/mo
PolyBuzz	0.80/1.0	End-to-end chat encryption	$9.90/mo
OurDream AI	0.70/1.0	Discrete billing, transparent policies	$19.99/mo

Kindroid stands out as the privacy leader. It explicitly states in its terms that it does not sell user data to third parties, and it uses encryption for stored conversations. If privacy is your top concern, read our full Kindroid review for a detailed breakdown.

JuicyChat AI earns its 0.90 score through a combination of discrete billing, minimal data collection, and clear opt-out mechanisms. It is a strong option if you want anime-style companionship without compromising on data security.

PolyBuzz is the only platform in our lineup that offers end-to-end chat encryption, meaning your conversations are encrypted in transit and at rest. Even PolyBuzz’s own team cannot read your messages. At $9.90/mo, it is also one of the more affordable privacy-conscious options.

For a full ranking, see our guide to the best AI companion for privacy.

What Is Discrete Billing and Why Does It Matter?

Discrete billing means the charge on your bank or credit card statement will not reveal that you are using an AI companion app. Instead of seeing “JuicyChat AI” or “AI Girlfriend Subscription,” you will see a generic company name or neutral descriptor.

This matters for several reasons. You may share a bank account or credit card statement with a partner, family member, or employer. You may simply prefer that your financial records do not broadcast your personal choices.

Four apps in our lineup offer discrete billing:

OurDream AI ($19.99/mo) — charges appear under a neutral business entity
JuicyChat AI ($12.99/mo) — discrete payment processing confirmed in our testing
Kindroid ($13.99/mo) — neutral billing descriptor
PolyBuzz ($9.90/mo) — discrete billing with encrypted payment handling

If discrete billing is a priority, any of these four apps will keep your subscription private on your statements. The remaining eight apps we review do not currently offer this feature, meaning the app name or a recognizable variant may appear on your card.

How Can You Protect Your Account?

Beyond choosing an app with strong built-in protections, there are practical steps you can take on your own.

Use a unique email address. Create a separate email account specifically for your AI companion app. This prevents cross-referencing with your personal or work email if there is ever a data breach.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). If the app offers it, turn it on. This adds a second layer of security beyond your password.

Use a strong, unique password. Do not reuse passwords from other services. A password manager makes this easy.

Review app permissions. On mobile, check what permissions the app requests. An AI chat app should not need access to your contacts, photos, or microphone unless you are specifically using voice features.

Consider a privacy-focused payment method. Prepaid cards or virtual card numbers (available from services like Privacy.com) add another layer of separation between your AI companion subscription and your primary financial accounts.

Are Your Conversations Truly Private?

This depends entirely on the app. Here is how conversation privacy typically works across platforms:

Encrypted storage (best case): Apps like PolyBuzz encrypt conversations so that even the company cannot read them. This is the gold standard.

Server-side storage with access controls: Most apps store conversations on their servers. Staff may have technical access, but responsible companies limit who can view user data and for what purpose. Kindroid falls into this category with its strong access policies.

Stored and used for training: Some platforms reserve the right to use your conversations to train their AI models. This means your messages could influence future model behavior, and fragments of your conversations could theoretically surface in other users’ interactions. Always check the terms of service for language about “model training” or “service improvement.”

Stored and shared with third parties: The worst case. Some apps with poor privacy practices share conversation data with advertisers or data brokers. We flag these concerns in our individual reviews.

What About Screenshots and Screen Recording?

One privacy risk that no app can fully protect against is screenshots and screen recording. If someone has physical or remote access to your device, they can capture anything on your screen regardless of the app’s privacy settings.

To reduce this risk:

Use your app’s built-in lock if it has one (biometric or PIN protection)
Keep your device locked with a strong passcode
Be aware of screen-sharing software — remote access tools or screen mirroring could expose your conversations
Log out when you are done rather than leaving sessions active in the background
Clear notifications if the app sends message previews to your lock screen

Some apps let you disable lock screen notifications or preview text in notifications. Check your app’s notification settings.

How Do You Delete Your Account and Data?

Every reputable AI companion app should let you delete your account and associated data. Here is what to look for:

Account deletion option in settings (not just “deactivate”)
Confirmation of data deletion — the app should confirm that your conversations, images, and personal information will be permanently removed
Timeline for deletion — some apps process deletion requests within 24 hours, others take up to 30 days
Data export option — the ability to download your data before deletion (required under GDPR for EU users)

If an app makes it difficult to delete your account, that is a red flag. We test the account deletion process for every app we review.

How Do You Set Healthy Emotional Boundaries?

AI companion safety is not only about data. Emotional safety matters too. These apps are designed to be engaging, supportive, and sometimes romantic. That design can make it easy to form attachments that feel more significant than they are.

Here are practical boundary-setting strategies:

Set time limits. Decide in advance how long you will spend chatting each day and stick to it.
Maintain other relationships. An AI companion works best as a supplement to human connection, not a replacement.
Remember the technology. Your companion does not have feelings, memories between sessions (unless the app has a memory feature), or genuine understanding. It generates responses based on patterns.
Watch your spending. Token-based pricing can add up fast. Set a monthly budget and track it.
Take breaks. If you notice yourself preferring your AI companion over real-world interactions, step back for a few days.

These are not rules — they are tools. Everyone’s relationship with AI companionship is different, and there is no single “right” way to use these apps. The goal is to make sure your experience stays positive and under your control.

What Red Flags Should You Watch For?

Not all AI companion apps operate ethically. Watch for these warning signs:

No privacy policy or a policy that is vague about data usage
No account deletion option or a process that requires emailing support and waiting weeks
Aggressive upselling — constant pressure to buy tokens, unlock features, or upgrade
Requesting unnecessary permissions like access to contacts, camera, or location when those features are not part of the app
No customer support or support that never responds
Terms of service that claim ownership of your content — including conversations and generated images
No encryption for stored data or payment processing

If you spot multiple red flags, consider switching to a more reputable platform. Our AI companion matching quiz can help you find an app that matches your priorities, including privacy preferences.

Key Takeaways

Privacy protections vary widely. Kindroid (0.95/1.0) and JuicyChat AI (0.90/1.0) lead the pack, while some apps have serious privacy gaps.
Discrete billing is available on four apps: OurDream AI, JuicyChat AI, Kindroid, and PolyBuzz. The rest may show recognizable charges on your statements.
PolyBuzz is the only app with end-to-end chat encryption, making it the strongest choice if conversation privacy is your top priority.
Take proactive steps like using a unique email, enabling 2FA, and reviewing app permissions to protect yourself regardless of which app you choose.
Emotional boundaries are part of safety too. Set time limits, maintain outside relationships, and monitor your spending to keep your AI companion experience healthy.

For personalized recommendations based on your privacy preferences, take our AI companion matching quiz. And for more on finding the right app, browse our best AI companion for privacy rankings.