Chatavi’s community guidelines, explained in plain words

Rules pages are usually written by lawyers for lawyers. This one isn’t. Here is the thinking behind Chatavi’s Community Guidelines: what’s allowed, what isn’t, why, and what happens when someone breaks them.

The big idea

Chatavi exists so that two strangers can have a good conversation without either of them getting hurt, scammed or exposed. Almost every rule follows from that. If you’re kind, curious and keep personal details to yourself, you will never have a problem.

Why we block phone numbers, links and UPI IDs

This is the rule people notice first, because messages containing phone numbers, email addresses, UPI IDs or links are blocked automatically. It can feel strict, so here’s why:

Scams depend on it. Nearly every online scam starts by moving you to another app or a payment. Blocking the exit route stops most of them before they begin. (Read more in spotting UPI and OTP scams.)
It protects your privacy. A phone number reveals your WhatsApp, your UPI name and often your real identity. Once shared, you can’t take it back.
It keeps chats anonymous for both people, which is what makes honest conversation possible.

If you really click with someone, enjoy the conversation for what it is. That’s the deal on Chatavi.

Why 18+ only

Anonymous chat with strangers isn’t a safe place for children, so Chatavi is for adults only. Anyone who says or suggests they’re under 18 should be reported. Anything sexual involving minors is a serious crime; it is reported to the authorities.

What counts as harassment

Disagreement, debate and teasing between friends are fine. Harassment is different. It includes:

insults, threats and bullying aimed at the person you’re talking to
attacks based on religion, caste, gender, region, sexuality or disability
sexual messages the other person didn’t want, or continuing after they said no
repeatedly pushing for personal details, photos or contact information

The simple test: if the other person has made it clear they don’t want something, stop.

What’s allowed

Chatting in any language or script, including Hinglish and emoji
Friendly flirting when both people are clearly enjoying it
Strong opinions on cricket, films and politics, expressed without attacking people
Leaving any chat, anytime, without explanation

What happens when rules are broken

Automatic blocking. Messages with contact details, links or severe abuse are never delivered. The sender sees why.
Reports. Anyone can report a chat from the menu at the top of the screen. The chat ends, and the two people are never matched again.
Review. A reported conversation is saved for up to 30 days so it can be reviewed. An AI tool may help moderators sort reports; only reported chats are ever checked.
Bans that grow. A ban starts at 1 hour, then 24 hours, then 7 days for repeat violations. Another violation within 30 days of the last ban means a permanent ban, and serious violations, such as anything involving minors, can mean a permanent ban straight away. If several different people report the same person in a day, a ban can be applied automatically.
The law. Serious crimes, such as threats, child abuse or fraud, may be reported to the police, and we respond to lawful requests from Indian authorities.

Rate limits: not a punishment

If you send many messages very quickly, or tap Next again and again, you may briefly see “slow down” or wait a little longer for a match. That isn’t a ban. It’s how Chatavi keeps spam bots from flooding everyone. Slow down for a moment and everything works normally.

If you think a ban was a mistake

Mistakes can happen. The banned screen shows when the ban ends (or that it is permanent), and you can contact our Grievance Officer through the Grievance Redressal page. Complaints are acknowledged within 24 hours and resolved within 15 days, as Indian law requires.

Help beyond Chatavi

Cyber crime or online fraud: call 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in
Feeling low or overwhelmed: Tele-MANAS, 14416 (free, 24×7)
Emergency: 112

Thanks for helping keep Chatavi a good place to meet people. The best way to support the community is simple: be the kind of stranger you’d like to meet.