Common questions
The things people usually want to know before they join. If yours isn't here, just ask.
Can I stay anonymous to other members?
Yes. You never need to use your real name: you join with a first name or a nickname, your location stays approximate, and your email address is never shown to other members. We do need that email to create and secure your account, so you stay anonymous to the community rather than to Talkpositive itself. Talkpositive is never shown in search engines, and nothing you do here is public.
Do I have to prove I'm living with HIV?
No. No test results, no proof of medication, no medical checks. We take your word, the same way the community will.
Who can see my messages?
Your messages are encrypted and notifications are discreet, nothing on a lock screen or inbox preview ever mentions HIV. It isn't end-to-end encrypted, so we can access content to run the service and act on reports, and other members can read or screenshot what you share in group spaces. Share at your own pace.
Is it free?
Completely, and always. No charge, no ads, and we never sell your data.
What information do you collect?
As little as possible: an email to sign in, a nickname, and an approximate area. We don't store your date of birth, it's checked once to confirm you're 18 or over, then discarded. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.
Can I delete my data?
Yes, any time, yourself. You can export your data or delete your account from inside the app, and backup copies age out within 30 days. Messages you sent stay in the other person's chat, shown as from "a deleted member", and any photos and voice messages you sent in chats are deleted.
Is this a dating app or a medical service?
Neither. It's peer support, real people who understand, not clinicians. It isn't a crisis service either; if you or someone else is in danger, please use the crisis resources.
What happens if someone is unkind?
You can report or block anyone, anywhere in the app, and a human reviews reports. Abuse aimed at people is removed. It's an 18+ space, so the odd bit of ordinary language is fine; cruelty is not.
Who runs it?
Ramon, who built Talkpositive after his own diagnosis, through Talkpositive Ltd, a UK company registered with the ICO (reference ZC245016). You can read the story on the About page.
How do I get it on my phone?
Open talkpositive.app in your phone's browser and add it to your Home Screen, then it opens full-screen like a normal app. The steps are shown on the home screen once you're in.
Still have a question?
Email us any time and a real person will answer.
hello@talkpositive.appJoin Talkpositive · free, always