Why 16

Australian law requires social media platforms like Chatta to take reasonable steps to stop under-16s having accounts.

Chatta is also about chatting with people you don’t know, at real places near where you are. We think that’s for people 16 and over.

How the age check works

1. When you sign up, Chatta asks your iPhone first. On iOS 26 or later, Apple can tell Chatta whether you’re 16 or over, if you choose to share it. Apple shares an age range, not your birthday.
2. If Apple can’t answer, or you’d rather not share, Chatta asks for your birth month and year. Your age is worked out on your phone. Your birthday never leaves your phone.
3. We keep only whether you’re 16 or over, how it was checked, and when. Your phone also remembers the result.

If you’re under 16

• You can’t create a Chatta account.
• If an existing account’s answer is under 16, that account can’t post, see Moments, connect with people or send private messages.
• Rolling out: an account whose answer is under 16 will be held, then deleted after 14 days. If you think it’s a mistake, email support@gochatta.com before then and we’ll take a look.

Think someone’s under 16?

Report one of their messages and choose “May be under 16”, or email safety@gochatta.com with their username. We’ll look into it.

If you’re 16 or 17

• What you post in a chatpoint is public, with your name and the place. Don’t share where you live, and don’t post from home.
• Only connect with people you trust. You can block anyone, and they aren’t told.
• If something feels wrong, tell an adult you trust and report it. eSafety has advice for young people at esafety.gov.au/young-people.

For parents and carers

Chatta is an iPhone app where every chat belongs to a real place. It’s for people 16 and over. Chat messages and Moments are public to other members and disappear after 8 hours. Private messages are only possible between two people who have both agreed to connect.

Public posts are checked by an automated safety check, and we act on reports within 24 hours. When Chatta comes to the App Store, it will be rated 16+.

If you have a concern, email safety@gochatta.com. The privacy policy and community guidelines have the details.