Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to DeenLinks ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform. We are committed to protecting your privacy in accordance with Islamic principles and international privacy laws including GDPR and CCPA.

By using DeenLinks, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you disagree with any part, please do not use our services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our services, you may provide:

• Personal Information: Name, email, phone number, date of birth, gender
• Profile Information: Photos, bio, interests, location, education, occupation
• Matchmaking Data: Religious practice level, marital status, family information (if using matchmaking features)
• Content: Posts, comments, messages, photos, and other content you create
• Verification Data: Government ID or video verification (securely stored and encrypted)

2.2 Information We Automatically Collect

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, interactions
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Location Data: Approximate location (for prayer times and local community features)
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar technologies (see our Cookie Policy)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Media: If you sign up via social media, we receive basic profile info
• Wali/Guardian: If using matchmaking, your Wali may provide approval information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Provide Services

• Create and manage your account
• Enable social networking features
• Facilitate Halal matchmaking
• Provide prayer times and Qibla direction
• Connect you with Islamic learning content
• Enable community features and events

3.2 Improve & Personalize

• Recommend connections and content
• Personalize your experience
• Analyze usage to improve features
• Conduct research and development

3.3 Safety & Security

• Verify user identity
• Detect and prevent fraud, spam, and abuse
• Moderate content for Shariah compliance
• Protect against security threats
• Enforce our Terms of Service

3.4 Communication

• Send account updates and notifications
• Respond to support requests
• Send newsletters (you can opt out)
• Notify about new features

4. Information Sharing

We do NOT sell your personal information. We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

4.1 With Your Consent

We share information when you explicitly consent. For example, when you message another user or participate in a community.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party companies that help us operate DeenLinks:

• Cloud hosting providers (encrypted data storage)
• Payment processors (for premium subscriptions)
• Email service providers (for account emails)
• Analytics tools (anonymized data only)
• Moderation tools (AI-powered content filtering)

All service providers sign data protection agreements and are vetted for compliance.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and safety
• Prevent fraud or illegal activity
• Respond to government requests (with proper legal process)

4.4 Business Transfers

If DeenLinks is acquired or merged, your information may be transferred to the new entity (with the same privacy protections).

5. Data Security

We implement industry-leading security measures:

5.1 Encryption

• In Transit: All data transmitted using TLS 1.3 encryption
• At Rest: All stored data is encrypted using AES-256
• Messages: End-to-end encryption for private messages

5.2 Access Controls

• Strict employee access policies (need-to-know basis)
• Multi-factor authentication for team members
• Regular security audits by independent firms
• 24/7 security monitoring

5.3 Data Retention

• We keep your data only as long as necessary for service provision
• Deleted accounts are permanently removed within 90 days
• Some data retained longer for legal compliance (e.g., transaction records)
• You can request data deletion anytime

6. Your Privacy Rights

You have complete control over your data:

6.1 Access & Download

Request a copy of all your personal data in a portable format (JSON or CSV).

6.2 Correct & Update

Edit your profile and information anytime from account settings.

6.3 Delete

Request permanent deletion of your account and all associated data. Some data may be retained for legal purposes (e.g., fraud prevention).

6.4 Object & Restrict

Object to certain data processing activities or request restrictions on how we use your data.

6.5 Opt-Out

• Marketing emails (unsubscribe link in all emails)
• Push notifications (device settings)
• Location tracking (app settings)
• Personalized recommendations (privacy settings)

6.6 Portability

Export your data to transfer to another service.

7. Children's Privacy

DeenLinks is not intended for users under 18 years old (or under 16 in the EU). We do not knowingly collect information from children. If you believe a child has created an account, please contact us immediately at safety@deenlinks.com.

8. Policy Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via:

• Email notification to your registered address
• In-app notification
• Update on this page with new "Last Updated" date

Your continued use after changes means you accept the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data: