FAQ
What is Anonymous Ear?
Anonymous Ear is a privacy-first listening platform for people who need a human connection without the burden of surveillance, diagnosis, or advice. We offer scheduled one-on-one sessions with real people trained to listen deeply, respectfully, and without judgment. This is not therapy. It is a space to speak freely.
Is this a mental health or counseling service?
No. Anonymous Ear is not a mental health, crisis, or counseling service. We do not provide clinical care, psychological diagnosis, or therapeutic treatment. Our listeners are not licensed mental health professionals, and no part of the service should be interpreted as medical, psychiatric, or psychological advice.
If you are in crisis or need clinical support, please contact a licensed professional or emergency services in your area.
Who are the listeners?
Our listeners are compassionate, privacy-minded individuals who value human dignity and understand the power of being heard. While some may have backgrounds in psychology, philosophy, or care work, they are not functioning in any professional or licensed role here. Their purpose is simply to hold space—without judgment, diagnosis, or agendas.
Is my identity protected?
Yes. Anonymous Ear is built from the ground up with privacy and autonomy in mind. We never ask for your legal name, phone number, or any unnecessary personal information. Conversations are end-to-end encrypted using open-source tools, and we accept payment via Bitcoin to avoid surveillance-prone financial networks.
We do not record, store, or analyze your conversations. There are no backend logs of what you say.
Are sessions recorded?
No. Sessions are never recorded—by us or on the server side. We use peer-to-peer encrypted tools (like self-hosted Jitsi) that do not retain audio, metadata, or transcripts. Your words belong to you and vanish the moment they’re spoken.
Can I speak about anything?
You may speak about anything that is lawful, safe, and in alignment with our Ethics Manifesto. We do not allow:
- Threats of violence or harm to others
- Attempts to use the service to evade legal accountability
- Attempts to involve listeners in illegal activity
If you are experiencing overwhelming distress, we encourage you to also seek support from a licensed therapist or crisis line, even as you use Anonymous Ear for supplemental expression.
Is this service secure?
We take security seriously. Our entire infrastructure is self-hosted on privacy-respecting servers (not AWS, Google Cloud, etc.), with encrypted DNS, container isolation, and minimal third-party dependencies. We do not use tracking cookies, analytics, or cloud-based email platforms.
While no system is invulnerable, Anonymous Ear is structured to minimize the surface area for surveillance and data leaks.
What happens to the things I say?
Nothing. They disappear.
Our listeners are bound by a strict code of non-retention and non-disclosure. They do not take notes, record conversations, or share your words. There is no AI transcription, sentiment analysis, or behavioral profiling.
Is this a crisis line?
No. Anonymous Ear is not equipped to handle emergency situations. We are not staffed 24/7 and do not intervene in moments of acute danger. If you are in crisis, please contact a local suicide hotline or emergency service. Once you are safe, you're welcome to return and speak as freely as you like.
Why does this exist?
Because dignity, solitude, and free expression are human needs.
Many people today feel isolated, unheard, and burdened by the pressure to perform emotional labor even in their moments of pain. Anonymous Ear exists to offer a counterweight—a space for unfiltered speech, human connection, and symbolic listening, free from algorithmic judgment or clinical interpretation.
Is this anonymous for the listener too?
Yes. Listeners do not use their full names or provide identifying details. The relationship is designed to be asymmetric but respectful: you know you are speaking to a real, present human being—but neither of you are burdened by identity performance.
Do you report illegal activity?
We do not monitor or retain conversations. However, we reserve the right to terminate sessions if someone explicitly attempts to involve us in illegal acts or use the platform as a shield for harm. We are committed to non-interference, but also to ethical boundaries that protect the space for others.
How do I schedule a session?
We use an open-source scheduler that allows you to book available time slots without revealing your identity. Payments are made using Bitcoin via a privacy-respecting gateway. No personal details are collected.
Scheduling will become available once the service is live.
Is there a cost?
Yes. We charge a fee to sustain the infrastructure and ensure availability. The amount may vary by session length or listener availability. We do not monetize data, sell ads, or rely on surveillance capitalism in any form. Payments are accepted via Bitcoin.
Is Anonymous Ear affiliated with a religion or political movement?
No. Anonymous Ear does not promote any specific ideology or belief system. We are here to listen, not to convert or persuade.