VERO FAQ
Last update: October 13, 2022
What is VERO?
Ad-free, Algorithm-free Social. From design to functionality, we’re redefining what a social network should be - delivering a better, truer social experience for everybody. VERO is optimized for connection, not addiction, putting you in total control. Free for a limited time: join as a Founding Member now and your subscription is free for life.
When did it launch?
VERO launched worldwide in 2015.
Who owns VERO?
VERO is a US-based company majority owned by its co-founders (CEO Ayman Hariri, Scott Birnbaum and Motaz Nabulsi) and members of the team.
Which platforms is VERO available on?
VERO is available on most iOS and Android mobile devices, iPad, and we have a Desktop version for Mac and Windows which you can download here.
How does VERO differ from other social networks?
First and foremost, we believe in developing humane technology, and putting people over profit. That’s why our social network is subscription-based and we refer to our registered users as Members - real people who are our customers and part of a real community on VERO. We are driven by our core values to empower our Members by providing a safe and uncluttered social network. We also believe in supporting, not exploiting, emerging creators through our promotional programs like Get Featured to financial backing through our independent music label, VERO Music.
Why doesn’t VERO use an algorithmic feed?
We believe what you share on VERO or what you see from those you follow on VERO should be dictated by you and your network, not by an algorithm powered by data collected from you. Your VERO feed is yours: you only see content from the accounts you follow and your Connections, presented in reverse chronological order.
What data does VERO collect?
When you create a VERO account, we ask you to provide us your name, email address, and phone number. We also will know what type of device you are using such as the iPhone or Android model (so that we may send you push notifications, if you’ve selected this feature).
If you buy a product through our “Buy Now” feature or donate to a charity through our “Donate Now” feature in the app, we’ll also ask you to provide us with your payment information, shipping address, and billing address.
We also clearly “collect” whatever you are posting on the platform, everything from the elements of your user profile (e.g. your name, unique username, avatar/profile image etc.) to the content you’re posting.
However, we are not using any of this information beyond operating the VERO platform, which means enabling our users to use all the features on VERO like posting, liking, and commenting.
If you choose to enable VERO’s “Usage Info” functionality – which provides you with real-time information on the time you are spending in the VERO App - we automatically collect your cumulative session duration per day so we can display this information back to you, but this information is only stored on your device, your iCloud account (if on iOS), and anonymized and encrypted on our servers.
We may also receive additional information about you from third parties if you choose to connect your VERO App account to your account on third-party services like cross-posting to other platforms.
For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
What does VERO do with my data?
Any information you share with us we only use:
to provide you use and access to VERO;
to communicate with you,
for security purposes,
to keep you updated about features, products, community news, and services we offer, and
to improve the VERO app.
We make every effort to anonymize and aggregate the data we receive where possible. For example, anything you post on VERO will be seen by those who follow you, but we aren’t keeping track of what you as an individual user are doing on the platform.
For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Who does VERO share my data with?
We only share your information with our service providers who perform functions and provide services to us to help operate VERO, and, in very specific cases, with third parties for security purposes or to comply with our legal obligations (e.g. responding to verified requests from law enforcement or subpoenas in third party lawsuits).
We don’t trade your data or any personal information for money with anyone—period.
For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Where does VERO store data?
Our servers are located in the US and Europe.
Does VERO own what I post on VERO?
No. VERO is a social network that allows you to post or share content like music, photos, and videos. We don’t own your content and nothing in our Terms of Use transfers to us or to any others ownership of any of the content you post or share on VERO. It’s yours and we want to keep it that way.
Does VERO use zero knowledge encryption?
Not currently, but we are always looking at ways to safeguard our users’ privacy and safety on our platform.
Why does VERO ask for my phone number?
We ask for your phone number when you register for an account in order to confirm that you’re a real person, not a bot. When you sign up, we’ll send an SMS with a verification code to the phone number you registered with to confirm your account.
For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Why does VERO ask for my contacts?
On VERO, we have a feature that allows you to invite your contacts to join (if they’re not already on) or to find your contacts who are already on VERO so you can connect on the network. If you choose to cross-reference your contact list on your device with the list of users on the VERO App, your contacts’ phone numbers (though not their names) may be used and stored to allow you to: invite your contacts to the VERO App, connect with those who are also already on the VERO App, or provide you with updates if and when your contacts join the VERO App.
For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Is VERO compliant with GDPR?
Yes. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.
Is VERO compliant with the California Consumer Privacy Act?
Yes. For more details, please see our Privacy Policy.