Privacy Policy
Effective date: August 27, 2026
Answering Machine, Inc. ("Answering Machine," "we," "us," or "our") provides an AI phone receptionist service through our website, mobile applications, and connected phone service (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share information in connection with the Service. It applies to visitors to our website, subscribers ("Customers"), and callers who reach a Customer's business through the Service ("Callers").
This Privacy Policy is designed for our U.S. users. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information as described here. Capitalized terms not defined here have the meaning given in our Terms of Use.
1. Information We Collect
Account and Business Information
When you sign up, we collect information such as your name, email address, phone number, business name, business address, and billing information. When you set up your AI receptionist, we collect the content of your business website (which we use to train your receptionist) and any custom instructions, greetings, or caller questions you configure.
Caller Information
When someone calls a phone number connected to the Service, we collect information provided during that call — such as the caller's name, phone number, the reason for their call, and any other details the Customer has configured the AI to ask for (e.g., service address). Calls handled by the Service are recorded and transcribed, and those recordings/transcripts are shared with the Customer whose business the caller contacted. The default greeting we provide verbally discloses at the start of the call that the call may be recorded. Customers can edit or replace that greeting at any time, and each Customer acknowledges when setting up their receptionist that they — not us — are responsible for providing callers with any notice or obtaining any consent required by law (see our Terms of Use).
Payment Information
Payments are processed by our third-party payment processor (Stripe), or, if you subscribe through our iOS or Android app, by Apple or Google as an in-app purchase. We do not store your full payment card details ourselves; that information is governed by the relevant provider's own privacy policy (Stripe, Apple, Google).
Usage and Device Data
When you use our website or app, we automatically collect information such as IP address, browser or device type, operating system, pages viewed, and the dates/times of your visits, in order to operate and improve the Service.
Cookies and Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to operate our website (e.g., keeping you signed in), remember your preferences, and understand how our website is used, including through analytics tools. We may also use advertising technologies (such as those from Google or Meta) to measure and deliver ads for our Service; these may involve sharing limited identifiers with those partners. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some parts of the Service may not work properly if you disable them.
2. How We Use Information
We use the information described above to:
- provide, operate, and maintain the Service, including answering calls, generating call summaries, and delivering them to Customers;
- train and configure a Customer's AI receptionist on their business information;
- process payments and manage subscriptions;
- provide customer support and respond to inquiries;
- send you service-related communications, such as call notifications, billing notices, and account updates;
- send you marketing communications about our Service, where permitted (you can opt out at any time);
- monitor, analyze, and improve the Service, including troubleshooting and security;
- detect and prevent fraud, abuse, or violations of our Terms of Use; and
- comply with legal obligations.
3. Text Messages and Calls
If you provide your phone number (for example, to receive a demo, call notifications, or account alerts), you consent to receive calls and texts from us at that number, including by automated means. Message and data rates may apply. You can opt out of text messages at any time by replying STOP, or by contacting us at hello@getansweringmachine.com.
4. How We Share Information
We do not sell your personal information for money. We may share information with:
- Service providers who help us operate the Service, such as cloud hosting providers, telephony and voice-AI infrastructure providers, analytics providers, and our payment processor (Stripe). These providers are authorized to use your information only as needed to provide services to us.
- The Customer, if you are a Caller — call recordings, transcripts, and information you provide during a call are shared with the business you called.
- Advertising partners, for the analytics and advertising purposes described above.
- Legal and safety purposes — to comply with law, respond to lawful requests from public authorities, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Answering Machine, our users, or others.
- In a business transaction — such as a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, in which personal information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
- With your consent — for any other purpose disclosed to you at the time of collection.
5. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as needed to provide the Service and for legitimate business purposes, such as maintaining call records for the Customer, complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements. Call recordings and transcripts remain available in the Customer's account for as long as their account is active. When a Customer deletes their account, we delete the data associated with that account, except for information we are required or permitted to retain as described in this section, which may instead be de-identified.
6. Data Security
We use commercially reasonable technical and organizational measures designed to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Your Choices
- Marketing emails: You can unsubscribe using the link in any marketing email.
- Text messages: Reply STOP to any text to opt out.
- Cookies: You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.
- Account deletion: You can delete your account at any time from your account settings. Deleting your account removes your account information subject to the retention exceptions described above (for example, information we're required to keep for legal, billing, or dispute-resolution purposes).
- Access/correction of other data: For requests we can't handle through self-service settings — such as access to or correction of caller data, or questions about what we retain after account deletion — contact us at hello@getansweringmachine.com. We'll respond consistent with applicable law.
8. California Privacy Rights
If you're a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended, including the right to know what personal information we've collected about you, the right to request deletion, the right to correct inaccurate information, and the right to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal information (as those terms are defined under California law). We do not sell personal information for money. To the extent our use of advertising cookies/pixels is considered "sharing" under California law, you can opt out by contacting us at hello@getansweringmachine.com or by disabling those cookies in your browser. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights. You may designate an authorized agent to make a request on your behalf, subject to verification.
9. Children's Privacy
The Service is intended for business use and is not directed to children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at hello@getansweringmachine.com and we will take steps to delete it.
10. International Users
The Service is intended for use within the United States. If you access the Service from outside the U.S., your information will be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may have different data protection laws than your country.
11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. If we make material changes, we'll notify you by email and/or through a notice on the Service, and update the "Effective date" above. Continued use of the Service after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise any of your rights, contact us at hello@getansweringmachine.com.