Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

Covenant Matchmaker ("we", "us", "our") operates an online Christian dating and matchmaking platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly.

2. Data We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal data:

• Account data: name, email address, date of birth, password (hashed)
• Profile data: photos, biography, location, denomination, relationship goals, interests, lifestyle preferences
• Faith data: church attendance, denomination, prayer life, ministry involvement (special category data processed with your explicit consent)
• Usage data: likes, matches, messages, event attendance, search preferences
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies
• Payment data: processed securely by Stripe; we do not store full card details

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on: (a) your consent, (b) performance of our contract with you, (c) our legitimate interests in operating and improving the platform, and (d) compliance with legal obligations. Faith-related data is processed solely on the basis of your explicit consent.

4. How We Use Your Data

• To create and manage your account and profile
• To provide matchmaking and discovery services
• To facilitate communication between members
• To process payments and manage subscriptions
• To send service-related notifications and, with your consent, marketing communications
• To maintain platform safety and prevent misuse
• To improve our services through anonymised analytics

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share data with: payment processors (Stripe), cloud hosting providers, email service providers, and law enforcement when legally required. All third-party processors are bound by data processing agreements.

6. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. Upon account deletion, personal data is removed within 30 days, except where retention is required by law. Anonymised data may be retained for analytical purposes.

7. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to: access your personal data, rectify inaccurate data, request erasure, restrict processing, data portability, object to processing, and withdraw consent. Contact us at [email protected] or use the in-app Settings to exercise these rights.

8. Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures including encryption, secure authentication, and regular security reviews to protect your data.

9. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to servers outside the UK. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in compliance with UK data protection law.

10. Contact Us

For privacy enquiries, contact our Data Protection Officer at [email protected]. You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).