1. Introduction

FaithConnect ("we", "us", "our") is a Christian relationship platform operated by Youth With A Global Vision (Company No. 05458750; Charity No. 1142251), a non-denominational Christian organisation (ICO Registration: ZB034021). We are not a church, but a ministry dedicated to helping Christians find meaningful relationships. All our services, counselling, and guidance are grounded in foundational biblical principles, with a commitment to sound biblical teaching without bias towards any particular church denomination. We encourage users to verify our principles against Scripture before fully engaging with our services. If you have any questions about our biblical principles towards marriage, please contact us at support@faithconnect.love for clarity at any time.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data securely and transparently. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your information when you use the FaithConnect application and services available via faithconnect.love (the "Platform").

We act as Data Controller for your personal data (ICO Registration: ZB034021).

By using FaithConnect, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following lawful bases:

• Consent – when you provide information such as your profile details
• Contract – to create and manage your account and deliver the service
• Legitimate interests – to ensure safety of users and improve our service
• Legal obligation – when required to comply with the law

Because FaithConnect is a Christian-faith-based platform, we may collect data that reveals religious beliefs. This is considered Special Category Data under GDPR and is processed only with your explicit consent, which you provide during sign-up.

You may withdraw consent at any time by deleting your account or emailing us at privacy@faithconnect.love.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Identification Data

• Name, email address, phone number, gender, date of birth

Faith & Profile Information

• Christian denomination, church affiliation, pastor's name
• Biographical information, interests, and values

Verification Data

• Religious and character references
• Notes from Courtship Mentors verifying identity and faith journey

Media Content

• Profile photos (main + additional photos)
• 1-minute introduction videos (optional, reviewed by admin)
• Messages and interaction history with matches and admin support
• Saved profiles and personal notes

Safety & Reporting Data

• Block records (who you've blocked and when)
• Report submissions (reason, details, and reported user)
• Admin notes from safety reviews
• Behavioral tracking (no-shows, meeting cancellations, withdrawal patterns)
• Meeting attendance records and feedback

Device & Usage Data

• IP address, device type, app interaction data
• Login date/time, language settings, crash logs

Location Information

• City/Country (based on user-provided details)
• We do not track precise GPS location without consent

Payment Data

• For paid workshops or premium features, payments are processed by Stripe. We do not store your full card details — only transaction metadata (e.g. payment status, amount, date).

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Create and manage your user account
• Verify identity and Christian faith through references
• Match you with compatible verified users based on your preferences
• Facilitate communication, guided introductions, and meeting scheduling
• Provide app features, notifications, and updates
• Track Courtship Prep and Marriage Prep program progress
• Monitor behavioral patterns to maintain community health
• Coordinate group counseling sessions and workshops (including paid events)
• Process payments securely via Stripe for paid workshops and premium features
• Track community engagement and award milestone badges (Growth-Seeking Member, Committed to Growth, Community Builder)
• Improve security, analytics, and user safety
• Enforce our Terms of Service and community conduct
• Process and investigate user reports and safety concerns
• Maintain block lists and saved profiles to respect user boundaries and preferences

We never use your religious data for marketing or profiling outside FaithConnect.

5. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information only in these ways:

A. With Other Users

• Your public profile (first name, age, photos, denomination, interests)
• Private details (last name, church name, phone number) are shared only after mutually confirming a FaithMatch connection, and only with your explicit consent

B. With References

• We only share your name and verification request
• We do not share their reference feedback with other users

C. With Courtship Mentors

• Admins access your data only for verification and safeguarding purposes

D. Legal Requirements

• If required by law enforcement or to protect safety of users

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal data.

6. International Data Transfers

Your data may be stored on secure servers located within the UK or EEA. If data is transferred outside the UK/EEA, we will ensure appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

7. Data Retention

We only retain your personal data for as long as necessary:

• If you delete your account → your personal data is deleted within 30 days
• Some minimal records may be retained where legally required (e.g., fraud prevention)

8. Security of Your Information

We use:

• Encrypted database storage
• Access controls and admin authentication
• Monitoring for fraud and abuse

No transmission over the internet is 100% secure, but we strive to protect your information using industry-standard safeguards.

9. Your Privacy Rights (UK & EU GDPR)

You have the right to request:

• Right to Access – Request a copy of your personal data (available via Settings → Download Your Data)
• Right to Rectification – Correct inaccurate or incomplete data (edit your profile anytime)
• Right to Erasure ("Right to be Forgotten") – Delete your data (available via Settings → Delete Account)
• Right to Restriction of Processing – Limit how we process your data
• Right to Data Portability – Receive your data in a machine-readable format (JSON export available)
• Right to Object – Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Right to Withdraw Consent – Withdraw consent at any time (you can pause or delete your account)

For other rights or concerns, contact us at: privacy@faithconnect.love

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) in the UK.

10. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use essential cookies for secure login and platform operation. Optional analytics cookies are only used with your consent through a cookie consent banner on first visit. You may change preferences at any time.

11. Children's Data

FaithConnect is exclusively for adults aged 21 and over. We do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 21. Accounts found to be under 21 will be terminated and deleted.

12. Third-Party Services

If we integrate features such as video hosting, analytics, or messaging providers, they will only access the minimum data required to support the platform and must comply with GDPR.

A full list of processors is available upon request.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in technology, law, or our business practices. Updates will be posted here with a new effective date.

14. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:

FaithConnect Support Team

Email: privacy@faithconnect.love