When we ask for access to your contacts, it's to detect the phone numbers of your contacts who already have ēllu so you can chat with them.
We never store your contacts' phone numbers in our database, nor do we track or sell your data to third parties. Rest assured, your contacts stay on your phone; they remain with you and are not sent to any server.
This permission is simply necessary for the app to function. Without your contacts, you cannot access the chat or any of the app's features.
If you're not comfortable with this, remember that you can always edit your contact permissions at any time in your phone's settings.