At Link-up ("we", "us", "our") we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect when you use our mobile application and related services (the "Service"), how we use it, who we share it with, and the rights you have over it. This policy is written to comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 ("POPIA") of South Africa.
1. Information we collect
We collect the following categories of personal information:
- Account information: name, date of birth, gender, email address, mobile number, and password.
- Profile information: photos, bio, interests, languages spoken, cultural background, education, occupation, and preferences you choose to share.
- Verification information: a selfie video and (where you opt in) a copy of a government-issued ID for identity verification.
- Location information: approximate or precise location, depending on your device permissions, used to show you nearby matches.
- Usage information: swipes, matches, messages, in-app actions, device type, operating system, app version, IP address, and crash logs.
- Communications: messages exchanged on the platform and any correspondence with our support team.
2. How we use your information
We use your personal information to:
- Create and maintain your account and verify your identity;
- Match you with other users based on your preferences and location;
- Operate, secure, and improve the Service;
- Detect, prevent, and respond to fraud, abuse, or unsafe behaviour;
- Communicate with you about your account, updates, and safety information;
- Comply with our legal and regulatory obligations.
3. Legal basis for processing
We process your personal information based on your consent, the performance of our contract with you (the Terms of Service), our legitimate interests in operating a safe dating platform, and to comply with applicable laws.
4. Sharing your information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in the following ways:
- With other users: the profile information you choose to display is visible to potential matches.
- With service providers: hosting, analytics, identity verification, payment, and customer-support providers who process data on our behalf under written contracts.
- For safety and legal reasons: with law-enforcement or regulators where required by law or to protect our users.
5. International transfers
Some of our service providers are located outside South Africa. Where we transfer your personal information across borders, we do so in line with section 72 of POPIA and rely on binding agreements or recognised safeguards to protect your data.
6. Retention
We keep your personal information for as long as your account is active and for a reasonable period afterwards to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or de-identified.
7. Your rights under POPIA
You have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you;
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate or outdated information;
- Object to certain processing or withdraw consent;
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@linkup.co.za.
8. Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, including encryption in transit, access controls, and regular security reviews, to protect your personal information. No system is perfectly secure, however, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
9. Children
Link-up is for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If you believe a minor is using the Service, please report it to us immediately.
10. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated in the app or by email at least 14 days before they take effect.
11. Contact us
Information Officer
Link-up South Africa
Email: privacy@linkup.co.za