Faithbook Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 01July 2026 Last Updated: 20 August 2026

Faithbook (“Faithbook,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a social media platform designed for Christian users to share faith-led content, connect in community, and publish according to faith-based principles. Faithbook is developed and operated under license by ABC Digital (Pty) Ltd (“ABC Digital”), a company registered in South Africa.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, retain, protect, and transfer your personal information when you use Faithbook (including the website, mobile apps, and related services, collectively the “Platform” or “Services”). It also describes your rights and choices.

We encourage you to read this Policy carefully. By using Faithbook, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Platform.

This Policy is designed with reference to the structure and principles commonly found in major social media privacy policies (including Meta’s/Facebook’s Privacy Policy), adapted for Faithbook’s Christian-focused mission, community standards, and applicable laws, including South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and other relevant data protection laws.

1. Who We Are and Scope

ABC Digital (Pty) Ltd is the responsible party (data controller) for personal information processed in connection with Faithbook.

This Policy applies to all users of Faithbook worldwide. It covers information collected through the Platform, including when you create an account, post content, interact with others, use features, or visit related pages. It does not apply to third-party websites, apps, or services that link to or integrate with Faithbook (those have their own policies).

2. What Information We Collect

The information we collect depends on how you use Faithbook. We collect:

Information you provide directly

• Account and profile information: name, username, email address, phone number, date of birth/age, password, profile photo, bio, church affiliation or ministry details (if you choose to share), location (if provided), and other details you add to your profile.
• Content you create and share: posts, comments, photos, videos, stories, live streams, messages (including private/group messages), prayer requests, testimonies, articles, or other faith-led content you upload or publish.
• Communications with us: support requests, feedback, survey responses, or reports of content/behaviour.
• Payment or donation information (if applicable): billing details for any premium features, donations, or marketplace transactions (processed securely by third-party providers; we do not store full payment card details).
• Information from forms, events, groups, or pages you create or join.

Information we collect automatically

• Usage and activity data: posts you view or engage with, searches, connections (friends/followers), groups or pages you join, time spent, interactions, and content preferences (including faith-related topics).
• Device and technical information: device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, IP address, browser type, mobile network, app version, crash logs, and performance data.
• Location information: approximate location from IP address or more precise location if you enable device location services.
• Cookies, pixels, and similar technologies: to remember preferences, keep you logged in, analyse usage, and (where applicable) support relevant content or limited advertising. See our Cookie Notice for details.
• Camera, microphone, or photo library access: only when you grant permission to create or share content.

Information from third parties

• Information from other users (e.g., tags, mentions, shared content about you).
• Information from partners, service providers, or integrated services (e.g., if you log in with another account or use third-party tools).
• Publicly available information or information from churches, ministries, or partners that you authorise.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information beyond what you voluntarily share in faith-related contexts (e.g., religious beliefs expressed in content). Special care is taken with any such data under applicable law.

We may also collect limited information about non-users (e.g., when a user invites someone or tags them).

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain Faithbook: create and manage your account, enable posting, messaging, groups, pages, search, and other features.
• Personalise your experience: suggest relevant faith-led content, connections, groups, events, or ministries based on your activity and preferences (you can adjust settings).
• Improve and develop the Platform: analyse usage, fix bugs, develop new features that support Christian community and faith-led publishing, and conduct research consistent with our mission.
• Communicate with you: send service-related messages, security alerts, updates about the Platform, or (with consent where required) newsletters or promotional content about Faithbook features.
• Promote safety, integrity, and community standards: detect and prevent spam, abuse, harmful content, or violations of our Terms and Community Guidelines (which emphasise respect, truthfulness, and faith-aligned conduct); respond to reports; and protect users, especially in a faith-based environment.
• Comply with legal obligations: respond to lawful requests, enforce our terms, and protect rights, property, and safety.
• Support limited advertising or partnerships (if any): show relevant, non-intrusive content or sponsored faith-aligned material, subject to your settings and applicable law. We do not sell your personal information.
• Other purposes with your consent or as otherwise permitted by law.

We process information on the bases of contract performance (providing the Services), legitimate interests (improving the Platform, safety, personalisation), legal obligations, and consent (where required, e.g., certain marketing or precise location).

4. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information to third parties and never will.

We may share information in these circumstances:

• With other users and the public: Content you post or share is visible according to your privacy settings (public, friends, groups, private). Profile information may be visible depending on settings. Faith-led content is intended for community sharing under the Platform’s principles.
• Within ABC Digital and affiliates: For operational purposes under this Policy.
• Service providers and partners: Trusted third parties that help us operate Faithbook (hosting, analytics, payment processing, content moderation tools, customer support, security). They are contractually required to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide.
• Integrated partners or features: If you use third-party tools or login options, subject to their policies and your authorisation.
• Legal and safety reasons: To comply with law, respond to valid legal process, protect rights and safety, investigate violations, or address emergencies.
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice and continued protection under this Policy or equivalent).
• With your consent or at your direction.

We require partners to follow rules consistent with this Policy and applicable law regarding use and disclosure of information we provide.

5. Your Choices and Controls

You have meaningful control over your information:

• Privacy and visibility settings: Control who sees your posts, profile, and activity.
• Account settings: Update or delete profile information, manage notifications, and review connected apps.
• Content controls: Edit or delete your posts and messages (subject to residual copies in backups or shared contexts).
• Cookie and tracking preferences: Manage via browser settings or Platform tools.
• Marketing communications: Opt out of promotional emails.
• Location and device permissions: Control via device settings.
• Download or delete your data: Request a copy of your information or account deletion (see Rights section).

We provide tools in the Platform settings and Privacy Center (or equivalent) to manage these preferences.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide the Services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and support safety and integrity.

When you delete your account, we delete or anonymise personal information within a reasonable period, except where retention is required by law, for legitimate business purposes (e.g., fraud prevention, security logs), or where content has been shared with others. Some residual information may remain in backups for a limited time.

7. International Transfers

Faithbook may process and store information in South Africa and other countries where ABC Digital or its service providers operate. When we transfer information internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards (such as standard contractual clauses or other mechanisms) to protect it in accordance with this Policy and applicable law, including POPIA requirements for cross-border transfers.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, loss, alteration, or disclosure. These include encryption where appropriate, access controls, secure development practices, and regular reviews.

No system is completely secure. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential. Notify us immediately of any unauthorised access.

9. Children’s Privacy

Faithbook is not directed at children under 13 (or higher age required in your jurisdiction). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the applicable age without verifiable parental consent where required. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information. Parents or guardians may contact us with concerns.

10. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable law (including POPIA and other data protection laws), you may have rights to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Correct or update inaccurate information.
• Request deletion or destruction of your information (subject to legal exceptions).
• Object to or restrict certain processing.
• Data portability (receive your data in a structured format).
• Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority (in South Africa, the Information Regulator).

To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law. You may also manage many preferences directly in your account settings.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or the Platform. We will notify you of material changes (e.g., via email, in-app notice, or prominent posting) and update the “Last Updated” date. Your continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy. We encourage you to review it periodically.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, requests, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact:

ABC Digital (Pty) Ltd
Attn: Privacy / Data Protection Officer  
Email: privacy@faithbook.com

For South African users, you may also contact the Information Regulator at the official channels provided by the Regulator.