Effective Date: October 02, 2025
Contact: edifylivesapp@gmail.com
Introduction
Welcome to Edify Lives (“Edify Lives,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). We are a Christian social platform that helps people discover churches and events, share faith‑centered content, connect with friends, message fellow believers, and support ministries and Christian‑owned businesses.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect information about you when you use our mobile apps on iOS and Android, websites, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).
By using the Services, you agree to the practices described here. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services. This Policy is not a contract and does not create legal rights or obligations beyond those required by law.
Who We Are & How to Contact Us
Data Controller: Edify Lives (United States)
Contact: edifylivesapp@gmail.com
If you have questions, requests, or complaints about this Policy or our data practices, email us. If you are in the EEA/UK, you may also contact your local data protection authority.
Scope
This Policy applies to personal information we process about users of our iOS and Android apps, our website(s), and any other Services that link to this Policy. It does not apply to third‑party websites, services, or apps that we do not control—even if they are linked from the Services.
Age & Children’s Privacy
Our Services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us personal information, we will delete it. For users in certain jurisdictions (e.g., EEA/UK), the minimum age may be higher by law (typically 16). Where required, we will obtain verifiable parental consent before allowing a minor to use the Services.
Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of information (which may be collected directly from you, automatically, or from third parties):
1) Account & Profile Information
• Name, username/handle, email, password (hashed).
• Profile details you choose to add (e.g., photo, bio, location, church affiliation, ministries you support, interests, and similar content).
• If you choose to disclose faith or other beliefs in your profile or posts, that may constitute “special category” data in some regions.
2) User Content & Activity
• Posts, photos, videos, comments, reactions/likes, messages, church/event RSVPs, donations/giving activity (via processors), and reports/flags you submit.
• Metadata (timestamps, device type, app version, language, referral source).
3) Contacts & Social Graph (Optional)
• If you allow, we may access your contacts to help find friends. You can disable this anytime in device settings and in‑app controls.
4) Device, App & Usage Data
• Device identifiers (e.g., IDFA/GAID if enabled, IP address), system and performance data, crash logs, diagnostics, and analytics on how you use features.
• Approximate location derived from IP, and precise location if you opt in (e.g., to discover nearby churches/events).
5) Transaction & Payments (via Processors)
• If you make donations or purchases, payment card data is collected and processed by our payment processor(s). We receive limited information (e.g., transaction amount, status, masked card type) but not your full card or bank details.
6) Cookies/SDKs & Similar Technologies
• We (and service providers) may use cookies, mobile SDKs, and similar technologies for authentication, preferences, analytics, security, and (if enabled) marketing measurement.
Sensitive (Special Category) Information
Because Edify Lives is a faith‑based community, you may submit information that reveals your religious beliefs or other special categories of personal data as defined by applicable laws (e.g., GDPR/UK GDPR). We only process such data if you choose to provide it (for example, by posting faith‑related content or adding church affiliation), and we rely on one or more of the following bases: your explicit consent; the information is manifestly made public by you; or as otherwise permitted by law. You can withdraw consent or remove such content at any time in the app.
Why We Use Your Information (Legal Bases)
We use personal information for the following purposes and legal bases (where applicable):
• Provide, maintain, and improve the Services and core social features (Contract/Legitimate Interests).
• Personalize your experience, including feed ranking and content discovery (Legitimate Interests/Consent where required).
• Facilitate connections, messaging, ministry support, and event discovery (Contract/Legitimate Interests).
• Safety, moderation, and integrity (detect, prevent, and respond to abuse, spam, fraud, illegal activity, and policy violations) (Legitimate Interests/Legal Obligation).
• Communicate with you (service announcements, security alerts, and—if you opt in—newsletters or promotions) (Contract/Legitimate Interests/Consent).
• Analytics, research, and product development (Legitimate Interests/Consent where required).
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and policies (Legal Obligation/Legitimate Interests).
How We Share Information
We share information in these situations:
• Service Providers & Vendors: With trusted providers who perform services for us (e.g., hosting, analytics, content moderation, customer support, email delivery, payment processing, security). They must follow our instructions and protect your data.
• Other Users & the Public: Content you post to public areas (e.g., public profiles, comments, public groups) may be visible to others and may be indexed or shared.
• Churches, Ministries, and Christian Businesses: If you interact with an organization through the Services (e.g., follow, join an event, donate via a processor), we may share the necessary information to fulfill that interaction.
• Legal, Safety, and Compliance: To comply with law, lawful requests, or legal process; to protect rights, safety, or property of Edify Lives, our users, or others; and to detect/prevent fraud, abuse, or security incidents.
• Business Transfers: If we engage in a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction, consistent with this Policy.
We do not sell your personal information for money. We do not share personal information with third parties for cross‑context behavioral advertising without your consent where required by law.
Your Choices & Controls
• Profile, Posts, and Visibility: Choose what to include on your profile and whether posts are public or limited to connections or groups.
• Permissions: You can disable camera, photos, contacts, location, and notifications in your device settings; some features may not work without them.
• Marketing Communications: You can opt out of marketing emails by using the unsubscribe link; we may still send service or transactional messages.
• Cookies/SDKs: Use in‑app controls or your device settings to limit ad tracking (e.g., iOS App Tracking Transparency, Android Ads Settings).
• Account Deletion: You can request deletion in‑app (Profile → Settings → Delete Account) or by contacting us at {contact_email}.
Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as needed to provide the Services and for the purposes described in this Policy, including complying with legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements. Retention periods vary by data type and context (e.g., security logs are kept for shorter periods; content you post may persist until you delete it or your account). We may preserve data when we are legally required to do so or where deletion could compromise investigations, safety, or the integrity of the Services.
Security
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect your information (e.g., encryption in transit, restricted access, monitoring). No method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials and for all activity under your account.
International Data Transfers
We are based in the United States and may process information in the U.S. and other countries that may not provide the same level of data protection as your home jurisdiction. Where required, we use appropriate safeguards for cross‑border transfers (e.g., Standard Contractual Clauses).
Regional Notices
California (CCPA/CPRA):
• We do not sell personal information. We may “share” personal information for targeted advertising only with your consent where required.
• You may have rights to access/know, delete, correct, and opt out of certain “sharing.” You can exercise these rights via in‑app settings or by emailing us. We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.
EEA/UK (GDPR/UK GDPR):
• Legal bases are described above. You may have rights to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, portability, and objection. Where we rely on consent, you may withdraw it at any time.
• You also have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah and Other U.S. State Laws:
• Depending on your state, you may have rights similar to those above (access, deletion, correction, portability, and to opt out of targeted advertising or certain profiling). Use in‑app tools or email us to exercise these rights.
Third‑Party Services & Links
The Services may link to, integrate with, or allow you to use third‑party services (e.g., maps, video, donation/payment processors). Your use of these services is governed by their own terms and privacy policies, not this Policy. Please review them carefully.
Community Safety & Moderation
To maintain a safe, edifying environment, we use a combination of automated tools, human review, and user reports to detect and address spam, abuse, harmful or illegal content, impersonation, and policy violations. We may remove content, restrict functionality, or suspend/terminate accounts consistent with our policies and applicable law.
Data Subject & Consumer Requests
You can make privacy requests via in‑app settings or by emailing edifylivesapp@gmail.com. We will verify your identity and respond within the timeframes required by law. Authorized agents may submit requests where permitted, subject to verification.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. We will post the updated version and revise the “Effective Date.” Material changes will be communicated through the Services or by email when required. Your continued use of the Services after changes become effective means you accept the updated Policy.
Contact Us
If you have questions or complaints about our privacy practices or this Policy, email us at edifylivesapp@gmail.com.
Effective Date: October 02, 2025
Appendix – Data Categories Summary for App Stores
The following summarizes common data categories collected and their purposes to help complete Apple’s App Privacy details and Google Play Data Safety form. Your actual in‑app settings determine whether a category is collected, linked to you, or used for tracking.
• Contact Info: email (account, support, security). Linked to user.
• Identifiers: device ID, IP address, user ID (security, fraud prevention, analytics). Linked to user.
• User Content: posts, photos, comments, messages (social features, moderation). Linked to user; messages are not used for advertising.
• Usage Data: interaction, diagnostics, crash logs (app functionality, analytics).
• Location: approximate (default via IP), precise only if you opt in (discover local churches/events).
• Purchases/Donations: transaction metadata from processors (receipts, reconciliation).
• Contacts: only if you opt in for friend discovery; hashed or uploaded per your choice.
• Diagnostics: crash, performance (app functionality).
• Tracking: We do not track you across third‑party apps and websites for advertising unless you explicitly opt in (e.g., iOS ATT).
Data Sharing: Disclosed to service providers under contract for hosting, analytics, moderation, support, payments, and security. No sale of personal information for money.
Data Retention: Only as long as necessary for the purposes stated, then securely deleted or anonymized.
Data Deletion: Available via in‑app “Delete Account” and by email request.
Legal Notice
This Policy is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Privacy law evolves rapidly and may vary by jurisdiction. Please consult qualified counsel to tailor this Policy and to complete your Apple/Google disclosures accurately based on your actual data practices.