Safety
How we keep language exchange safe
A video call with a stranger takes trust. Here is what Halfsies does to keep an exchange about language practice — and what you can do yourself.
What we do
Adults only
You need to be 18 to sign up: we ask for your year of birth and a confirmation of your age. If someone seems younger, report them with “Looks under 18” — those reports are reviewed first.
Not a dating site
Halfsies is for language practice. The rules ban nudity, sexual content and any sexual advances, as well as abuse, spam, ads and asking for money.
A careful start to every call
For three seconds you see only your partner’s card, then the video starts, blurred for the first five seconds. If something in the picture looks like nudity, your partner’s video is blurred until you choose to show it. The check runs in your own browser; the frames go nowhere.
Reporting takes one tap
“Report” in the menu ends the call at once, and you won’t be matched again. A moderator reviews every report. If three different people report someone within a day, they’re kept out of random matching until a moderator has looked into it.
Sanctions
A warning, a temporary ban or a permanent one. Sexual content and anything involving minors mean a permanent ban straight away. A banned account is cut off from calls instantly.
Leave whenever you like
“Next” ends the conversation with no explanation needed, and your partner sees a neutral message. “Don’t match me with them again” in the call menu keeps you apart for good — they won’t be told.
Calls aren’t recorded
Video and sound go directly between browsers, encrypted. We don’t record calls and can’t see them. The rules forbid recording your partner or taking screenshots without their consent.
You can hide your IP address
Over a direct connection your partner could technically see your IP address. Turn on “Hide my IP address” in settings and calls go through our relay, still encrypted.
Protection from fake accounts
Throwaway email addresses aren’t accepted, and sign-ups and reports are rate-limited. A new account can’t book other people’s open hours in the calendar for its first day.
Your data
We collect as little as possible and keep it in the EU. You can download it or delete your account in settings at any time.
What you can do
Take your time with contacts
Your address, workplace, phone number and social profiles aren’t needed in a first conversation. If you want to keep talking, Halfsies has friends and a calendar for that.
No money, ever
If a partner asks for money, sells something or invites you to another site, report them with “Spam, ads or scam”.
Trust your instincts
If it feels wrong, leave right away. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
Report what you see
Every report protects that person’s next partner.
Common questions
Is this a dating site?
No. It’s for language practice: the time is split equally between two languages, and sexual advances break the rules and get people banned.
Can anyone watch my calls?
No. The video goes directly between you and your partner; it’s encrypted and never recorded.
What happens after I report someone?
The call ends at once, you won’t be matched again, and a moderator reviews the report. Your partner only sees “The call has ended”.
Why is it free — what’s the catch?
There isn’t one: we don’t sell data or show ads in calls. If we ever add a paid plan, the core exchange stays free.