Safety
Last updated November 4, 2026
- US: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text HOME to 741741. Emergency: 911.
- Canada: call or text 988 or text CONNECT to 686868. Emergency: 911.
- UK: call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text SHOUT to 85258. Emergency: 999.
- Ireland: call Samaritans free on 116 123 or text HELLO to 50808. Emergency: 112 or 999.
- Australia: call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Emergency: 000.
- New Zealand: call or text 1737 or call Lifeline on 0800 543 354. Emergency: 111.
- Anywhere else: find a free helpline at findahelpline.com, or call your local emergency number.
Every match is AI
Every character on Smirk is a fictional AI, not a person. We say so before you match, on every profile ("AI character"), in the header of every chat, at the top of every conversation ("<name> is an AI character, not a real person."), and in a notice when you open a chat and again every three hours while it stays open. Characters never claim to be human when you sincerely ask.
If a conversation turns to self-harm
Every message is checked for signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm, first by a list of words and phrases (including indirect ones, such as "I don't want to be here anymore"), then by a separate AI review of the newest message. When either finds a risk:
- Smirk steps out of the character and speaks to you directly, with the crisis lines and emergency number for the country you're in (listed above). In the US, that's the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and 911.
- For the next day, the character stays warmer and more careful in tone.
- If it happens a third time in one day, chat pauses for 24 hours, with the same resources on screen.
- Characters never encourage, describe or give instructions for self-harm.
If a message suggests someone else is in danger, Smirk points you to your local emergency number (911 in the US).
Adults only
Smirk is for adults 18 and over, and every character is an adult. Choosing "Under 18" when you sign up, or saying in a chat that you're under 18, closes chat on the account for good. Where the law requires it, we also ask Apple for your age range, and an account Apple says is under 18 can't use Smirk. Characters never take part in anything involving a minor.
What characters won't do
Characters can flirt, but conversations and photos are never sexually explicit. They don't arrange real meetings, give professional advice, or ask for money.
Reporting
Press and hold any message and choose Report, or swipe a chat to unmatch. Reports are reviewed by people, and you can also email support@smirkapp.com.