Privacy Layers
Five levels of abstraction that let you control exactly how much detail to share.
Understanding Layers
Privacy Layers are the core innovation of Consent Loop. Instead of sharing all or nothing, you can share at exactly the level of detail you're comfortable with.
Think of layers like a zoom control - Layer 0 shows everything in full detail, while Layer 4 shows only the broadest overview.
Layer Definitions
Layer 0: Raw Content
Your original, unedited journal entry exactly as you wrote it. This includes all names, places, and specific details. Only share this when you have complete trust and want full transparency.
Layer 1: Light Edit
Your entry with minor redactions. You can remove specific names, places, or details while keeping the full context of what happened. Good for maintaining some privacy while still sharing the complete narrative.
Layer 2: Detailed Summary
An AI-generated summary that captures the main events and emotions of your entry without the specific details. This removes identifying information while preserving the essence of what you experienced.
Layer 3: Brief Summary
A 2-3 sentence overview of your entry. This is the default level for connection sharing - it gives them context without revealing details. Perfect for routine check-ins or initial sharing.
Layer 4: Topics Only
Just the themes and topics discussed in your entry (e.g., "work stress, family, sleep issues"). Maximum privacy while still giving your connection an idea of what's on your mind.
Comparison Example
Here's how the same entry might look at different layers:
| Layer | Example Content |
|---|---|
| Layer 0 | "Had a terrible fight with John today about money. He said we can't afford the trip to Hawaii next month..." |
| Layer 1 | "Had a terrible fight with [partner] today about money. They said we can't afford the trip to [location] next month..." |
| Layer 2 | "The journal writer had a significant argument with their partner about finances and upcoming travel plans, leaving them feeling stressed and uncertain..." |
| Layer 3 | "Conflict with partner over financial decisions. Feeling stressed about the outcome." |
| Layer 4 | "Relationship, finances, stress" |
How Layers Are Generated
Different layers are created in different ways:
- Layer 0: Your original text (no processing)
- Layer 1: You manually edit and redact
- Layers 2-4: AI-generated based on your content
AI Processing Privacy
When generating layer summaries, your content is processed in real-time. We don't store the AI prompts or responses - only the final summary you approve is saved.
Choosing the Right Layer
Consider these factors when deciding what layer to share:
- Therapeutic need: Does your connection need specific details to help you?
- Trust level: How comfortable are you with this connection?
- Content sensitivity: Does this entry contain particularly private information?
- Session focus: What are you working on in therapy right now?
Remember: you can always start with a higher layer (less detail) and share more if needed. It's harder to un-share something once it's been seen.
Anonymization Option
When generating AI summaries (Layers 2-4), you can enable the "Anonymize" option. This instructs the AI to replace:
- Names with generic terms (e.g., "my partner", "a friend")
- Places with general descriptions (e.g., "a restaurant", "work")
- Identifying details with neutral alternatives