Staying Safe While Having Fun

Otalky is a great way to connect with others and was designed to provide a safe and secure system to meet and interact with others. We want to make sure that everyone stays safe while having fun. We want to stress that you are never obligated to meet anyone in person. There is nothing wrong with just using Otalky as it was designed – to chat with others. Please consider the following safety suggestions while chatting and most especially, if you decide to meet someone in person. Otalky assumes no responsibility or liability for personal meetings and encourages you to be smart in protecting yourself online and in person at all times.
KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE

Otalky values your privacy and confidentiality. We don’t store personal data or searchable information. We never divulge member details to other members. But nothing in today’s world is completely safe. With access to the internet people can exploit the smallest piece of data. It is up to you to protect yourself and your identity. You don’t have to share any personal information with another member until you are completely comfortable doing so – or ever! We encourage you to never use your last name, phone number, or email address in your personal greetings. Don’t ever share financial details or data with another member regardless of what they tell you. If you feel pressured to reveal any information, immediately contact our Customer Service representatives and let them know.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Your privacy is our highest priority - that’s one of the reasons why we don’t do any kind of background check on our members. We encourage you to do your own research especially before meeting someone in person or sharing any personal details with them. Take relationships slowly. Ask lots of questions and learn about your new friends while always respecting their privacy, too!. Use your mind and your gut instincts together instead of letting your heart lead. Let trust build between you. Remember that the internet gives you access to all kinds of research tools. Sex offenders and criminals will usually show up as such online. If you discover that another member is underage or engaged in illegal activity on Otalky, let Customer Service know immediately

PAY ATTENTION TO RED FLAGS

Displays of anger, aggression, hostility, intense frustration, disrespect, control, or physical violence are never acceptable and are not welcome at Otalky. They should not be tolerated or encouraged by our members. If you encounter any of these behaviors, stop the contact, block the member, and give Customer Service a call. Also be on the lookout for inconsistencies. While it is true that many people fake their identities or personalities while chatting, listen for inconsistencies about age, appearance, marital status, employment, or interests. Always be wary of people who refuse to give direct answers to direct questions. Finally, make sure you are clear as to your intentions and that you aren’t leading someone on. Don’t expect honesty if you aren’t willing to give it yourself.

ONLY MEET WHEN YOU ARE READY

Everyone joins a chat line for different reasons. Make sure you know what yours are and take time to get to know people. New connections are fun and exciting, but they can also be quite intense. Don’t let yourself get carried away. It can be hard to judge someone with such limited information so be skeptical and take things slowly. Pay attention to strange behavior or inconsistencies. You are in complete control! Meeting new people and making new connections on Otalky should be fun. It should never feel pressured or rushed. There shouldn’t be any hurry to meet up in person. In fact, you don’t ever have to meet anyone in person if that’s what you want. If you do decide to take that step, however, safety should be your first priority.

RESPECT BOUNDARIES & INSTINCTS

You are never obligated to participate in anything you do not want to do and should not feel pressured during your Otalky experience. If someone sounds too good to be true, they probably are. Your gut instinct is your best safety device. If your warning signs are triggered in any way, slow down. Take a break. Stop talking to the person, block them, or excuse yourself and leave. Set your profile settings accordingly to reflect what you want out of the experience. You are always allowed to change your mind. Protecting your safety and personal information should be your top priority. An honest and sincere member will understand and respect your boundaries. If they are genuinely interested in you they will want to earn your trust.

PRACTICE SAFE SEX

You are the only one who can decide when it is time (if ever) to introduce sexual experiences into your Otalky relationships. Don’t jump in too soon. Make sure you have thought about it seriously and examined the possible consequences. Don’t let anyone pressure you into taking this step or into taking it too soon. You could regret the results on many different levels. Sharing intimacy too soon can be emotionally exhausting and leave you vulnerable to being taken advantage of. If you decide to proceed, always practice safe sex. Prevent STDs by using appropriate protective measures. Condoms should always be part of your plan. STD test kits are also available at your local pharmacy. Take responsibility for protecting yourself and others.

DATING TO DO LIST