Privacy Policy
Introduction
Purpose of the Privacy Policy
Last updated: 27 December 2025
This version of the Safado.UK Privacy Policy and Terms reflects all current features, data practices, and legal requirements as of the above date.
Welcome to Safado.UK! At Safado.UK, we are dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging dating experience specifically designed for the gay community.This Privacy Policy explains how we, Safado.UK (“we,” “us,” or “our”), collect, use, store, and protect your personal data when you use our app.
Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to ensuring that your information is handled with the highest standards of security and respect.
This Privacy Policy is designed to:
- Inform you about how we process your personal information;
- Provide transparency regarding our data practices; and
- Explain your rights and choices regarding your personal data.
By using our app, you acknowledge and agree to the collection and use of your information as described in this policy.
Overview
Safado.UK is designed to connect gay men aged 18 and above, offering a welcoming platform where you can find dating and relationship opportunities in a safe and inclusive environment.
To deliver a personalized and secure experience, we collect and process different types of personal data. This includes:
- Information you provide directly — such as your name, email address, date of birth, gender, and preferences.
- Information collected automatically — such as messages, profile visits, and interactions within the app that help us improve your experience and ensure community safety.
This Privacy Policy outlines our core data practices and how we safeguard your privacy. The key aspects include:
- Data Collection: How we collect your data and the types of personal information we gather.
- Use of Your Data: The purposes for which we use your data to enhance your experience and provide our services.
- Data Protection: The technical and organizational measures we take to ensure your data remains protected and secure.
- User Rights: Your rights regarding your data, including access, correction, deletion, and control of your personal information.
- Third-Party Services: How and why we may share your data with trusted third parties, along with the safeguards we maintain.
- Cookies & Tracking: Our use of cookies and similar technologies, and how you can manage or disable them based on your preferences.
By continuing to use Safado.UK, you acknowledge that you have read and understood how we collect and handle your data responsibly and transparently.
Data Controller Information
Data Controller
Safado.UK is the data controller responsible for the collection and processing of your personal data when you use our app.
As the data controller, we determine the purposes and means of processing your personal data. We are fully committed to ensuring that all information is handled lawfully, fairly, and transparently, in accordance with applicable data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Our role as data controller means that we take responsibility for:
- Defining how and why your data is processed;
- Ensuring appropriate safeguards and security measures are in place;
- Upholding your privacy rights and providing clear options to manage your data.
If you have any concerns or questions about how your data is processed, you can contact us using the details provided in the “Contact Us” section of this Privacy Policy.
Company Information
Data Protection Officer (if applicable)
To ensure full compliance with data protection regulations and to uphold your rights regarding your personal data, Safado.UK has appointed a dedicated Data Protection Officer (DPO).
The DPO is responsible for overseeing our data protection strategies, ensuring lawful and transparent data handling, and serving as a direct point of contact for users who have questions, requests, or concerns about their privacy.
If you have any questions or wish to exercise your data protection rights, you can reach our DPO using the contact details below:
The DPO ensures that Safado.UK’s privacy practices remain compliant, transparent, and aligned with the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.
Data Collection
Personal Data Collected
This section explains the categories of information Safado collects and why.
Some features are optional and work only if you grant permission.
Account & Profile
- Login details: Email/phone, password or OAuth token; display name/username.
-
Date of birth: To confirm you are 18+;
gender and preferences (e.g., Gay, Bisexual, Trans);
language preference.
- Profile content: Bio, photos, likes, blocks, and reports.
Location (Map View & Nearby Features)
-
If you allow location access, we process
approximate and/or precise location
to show distance, Map View, and area-based discovery.
-
You can disable location access in your device settings.
Without it, some features may not work.
Messaging & Social Signals
-
Messages & attachments you send and receive,
including message metadata (time sent/received, participants).
- Read receipts (when enabled) and delivery status.
-
Engagement signals: Likes, matches, profile views,
invitations, game or duel requests, and other in-app interactions.
Voice Control (Optional)
- If enabled, the app accesses your microphone to capture voice commands.
-
Audio is processed only to complete your request
and may be handled by a speech-to-text service provider.
-
We do not retain raw audio longer than necessary
to provide this feature.
Verified Profiles / Age & Identity Checks (Optional or Where Required)
-
When you choose or are required to verify your account,
we collect verification data (such as a selfie,
liveness signals, and/or ID document data) through trusted third-party providers.
-
We receive a verification status (pass/fail/flags)
and limited verification metadata.
-
Raw documents and images are retained by the verification provider
according to their policies. Safado stores only what is necessary
to confirm verification and prevent fraud.
Safado Coins (Virtual Currency)
Safado.UK offers a virtual in-app currency called Safado Coins,
which may be used to unlock premium features, host live sessions,
boost profile visibility, or access other paid services within the app.
We may collect and process the following data related to Safado Coins:
- Your Safado Coins balance associated with your account;
- Purchase history and redemption or spending history;
-
Technical, security, and fraud-prevention data related to Coin transactions,
including device identifiers, IP address, timestamps, and error logs.
Safado Coins are not legal tender, have no cash value,
and cannot be exchanged outside the app.
Coin purchases are generally non-refundable, except where required by law
or where refunds are granted by Apple or Google under their respective policies.
We reserve the right to adjust or revoke Safado Coins balances
in cases of fraud, abuse, chargebacks, or technical error.
Safado Connection (Live Community Sessions)
Safado.UK provides a live community feature called
Safado Connection,
allowing users to host and join interactive live sessions.
When you use Safado Connection, we may process:
-
Session metadata: Session title, host account,
start and end time, participant count, and basic session settings or fees.
-
Discovery and location-based signals: Approximate location
(where enabled) so nearby users can find sessions.
-
Live interactions: Messages, reactions,
and interactions within live session group chats.
-
Moderation and safety signals: Blocks, mutes, reports,
and enforcement actions.
-
Technical and performance data: Connection quality,
crash reports, and diagnostics.
This data is used to operate live sessions, improve stability,
prevent abuse, and enforce community and safety rules.
Video & Audio Calling
Safado.UK supports real-time audio and video calling between users
using a third-party real-time communication provider
(such as ZegoCloud).
When you use calling features, we may process the following information:
-
Connection and device information: IP address,
device and operating system details, and network type.
-
Call metadata: Caller and recipient identifiers,
call duration, timestamps, and call status
(for example, accepted, rejected, or failed).
-
Technical quality metrics: Latency, jitter,
packet loss, and other performance indicators.
Audio and video content is transmitted in real time to enable communication
and is not recorded or stored by Safado.UK,
except where required for trust and safety investigations
or to comply with legal obligations.
Device & Usage
-
Device identifiers (such as advertising ID),
app version, IP address, timezone, crash logs,
diagnostics, and performance data.
-
In-app actions used for security,
analytics, and improving app functionality.
Payments & Subscriptions
-
Purchase receipts and tokens from Apple App Store
and Google Play (Safado does not receive full payment card details).
-
Plan information: Free, Try Out, Monthly, 3-Month,
or Yearly plans, including trial eligibility,
renewal status, and country/currency.
Reports & Safety
- Reports and blocks you submit.
-
Information generated by Safado to investigate issues
and enforce platform rules.
Note: Where data collection relies on device permissions
(such as location or microphone), you can change or revoke
these permissions at any time in your device settings.
Some features may not function without the relevant permission.
How We Use Your Data
This section explains why we process your data and the legal bases we rely on.Provide and improve the Service
Enable login, unique sidebar navigation, settings, multi-language UI, and core social features.
Legal bases: Contract; Legitimate Interests.
Map View & nearby discovery
Show people and content near you using your location (if enabled).
Legal bases: Consent; Contract.
Messaging & notifications
Deliver messages, read receipts, invitations, and in-app/system notifications.
Legal bases: Contract; Legitimate Interests.
Voice Control (optional)
Process voice commands to complete your requests when Voice Control is enabled.
Legal bases: Consent.
Verified Profiles / Age & Identity
Enhance safety, trust, age/identity assurance, and prevent fraud (including via third-party providers).
Legal bases: Legitimate Interests; Legal Obligation (where applicable).
Safado Coins (Virtual Economy)
We use data related to Safado Coins to:
- Operate and maintain the in-app virtual currency system;
- Enable purchases, redemptions, and access to paid features;
- Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and chargeback misuse;
- Maintain accounting, audit, and tax compliance records.
Legal bases: Contract; Legitimate Interests; Legal Obligation.
Safado Connection (Live Community Sessions)
We use data from Safado Connection to:
- Enable users to host, discover, and participate in live sessions;
- Support real-time interaction and group chat features;
- Moderate content, investigate reports, and enforce safety rules;
- Prevent serious abuse, fraud, or child sexual abuse and exploitation
(CSAE); - Comply with legal and regulatory obligations.
Legal bases: Contract; Legitimate Interests; Legal Obligation.
Video & Audio Calling
We use calling-related data to:
- Establish and maintain audio and video calls;
- Monitor call quality and troubleshoot technical issues;
- Protect users from abuse and investigate serious safety reports;
- Comply with lawful requests from authorities where required.
Legal bases: Contract; Legitimate Interests;
Legal Obligation (where applicable).
Personalisation, analytics & performance
Personalise content, run analytics, measure performance, and fix bugs.
Legal bases: Legitimate Interests.
Advertising (Free/Try Out plans)
Show ads; ad tech may use device/advertising IDs and coarse location.
Legal bases: Consent (where required); Legitimate Interests.
Subscriptions & billing
Process subscriptions (including 14-day free trials), renewals, refunds where applicable, and eligibility checks.
Legal bases: Contract; Legal Obligation.
Moderation, safety & legal compliance
Moderate content, prevent illegal activity, protect users, and comply with law-enforcement requests.
Legal bases: Legitimate Interests; Legal Obligation.
Note: Where processing depends on your device permissions (e.g., location, microphone), you can change these in your device settings at any time. Some features may not function without the relevant permission.
Subscription Details
Safado offers two subscription options for users:
Plans
- Free: Limited features; ads displayed.
- Try Out: Ad-free preview with limited upgrades (details shown in-app).
- Safado Pro (Paid): Typically includes unlimited messages, read receipts, no ads, wider area search, and other pro perks (as shown in-app).
Example pricing (subject to your local store, currency, and taxes):
- $14.99 / month
- $39.99 / 3 months
- $119.99 / year
“Save” indicators shown where applicable. The final price is as displayed by your App Store or Google Play Store at checkout.
Free Trial
Where available, a 14-day free trial is offered to eligible users. If you do not cancel at least 24 hours before the trial ends, it will automatically convert to the selected paid plan.
Billing & Cancellation
- Purchases are billed by Apple or Google.
- You can manage, cancel, or change your plan anytime in your device’s subscription settings.
- Subscriptions auto-renew unless you turn off auto-renew at least 24 hours before the current period ends.
- Refunds are processed by Apple or Google according to their respective policies.
What We Store for Billing
- Non-financial purchase data: receipts/tokens, plan type, renewal status, and renewal dates.
- We do not store full payment card data — all payment details are securely managed by Apple or Google.
Subscription Renewal Information: Subscriptions will be automatically renewed and charged to your Apple ID or Google Play Store account unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the end of the current subscription period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime through your Apple ID or Google Play Store account settings.
Data Sharing & Third-Party Services
We share your data only when necessary to provide our services or comply with legal obligations. Safado.UK does not sell your personal data.
Who We Share Data With
- Service Providers: For hosting, analytics, push notifications, speech-to-text (voice features), age/ID verification, content moderation, anti-fraud systems, and customer support.
- Payment Platforms: Apple App Store and Google Play, used for billing, subscription management, and entitlement checks.
- Advertising Partners: (for Free/Try Out users) to show and measure ads. They may process device/advertising IDs and approximate location data.
- Law Enforcement & Regulators: When legally required or to protect life, safety, or the integrity of our platform.
- Corporate Transactions: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or similar business change — with appropriate safeguards to protect your data.
Provider Notice – Mapbox (Maps, Tiles, Geocoding, Routing)
We use Mapbox to power map-related functionality within the app — such as Map View, distance display, nearby user discovery, and place search/geocoding.
Data Processed by/with Mapbox
- Network & Technical Data: IP address, device and OS information, app/bundle ID, language/locale, date/time, SDK diagnostics, and telemetry events.
- Location Data: If you grant permission, coarse and/or precise location is used to show distance and enable Map View.
- Map Usage Data: Tile requests, feature interactions, and search queries entered into the map interface.
- We do not send your private messages or profile content to Mapbox.
Purposes & Legal Bases
- Provide Map View, distance, and place search features — (Contract)
- Security, fraud/abuse prevention, performance, and analytics — (Legitimate Interests)
- Location access and related processing as required by your operating system — (Consent)
Real-Time Communication Providers
Safado.UK uses third-party real-time communication providers
(such as ZegoCloud) to deliver audio and video calling
and live interactive features.
These providers process limited technical and connection data
on Safado.UK’s behalf and act as data processors
under contractual safeguards consistent with
UK GDPR and EU GDPR.
Sharing & Data Transfers
Mapbox acts as our service provider and may process data on servers located outside the UK or EEA.
For international data transfers, Safado.UK relies on recognised safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or the International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA), along with appropriate security measures.
Data Retention
Mapbox retains data according to its own privacy policy. Safado.UK retains only minimal logs and identifiers necessary to operate the feature and prevent abuse.
Your Choices
- You can disable Location permissions in your device settings (note: Map View and distance-based features may be limited).
- Where available, you may limit certain SDK telemetry within app or device settings.
More Information
For details on Mapbox’s privacy practices, visit:
https://www.mapbox.com/legal/privacy
Provider Notice – Veriff (Age & Identity Verification)
We use Veriff to perform optional or required age and identity verification to ensure our community remains strictly 18+ and to help prevent fraud, impersonation, and abuse.
Data Processed by/with Veriff
- Images and Video: Used for selfie and liveness checks. Some frames may be used to generate biometric templates for identity matching.
- ID Documents: Includes name, date of birth, document number, MRZ/barcode, issuing country, validity period, and face photograph.
- Technical & Verification Metadata: Such as device information, IP address, timestamps, and verification risk/decision signals with associated reasons.
- Safado Receives: Only the verification outcome (pass/fail/flags) and limited metadata needed for trust, safety, and fraud prevention.
We do not store biometric templates or full document images.
Purposes & Legal Bases
- Age assurance and identity verification — to protect users and prevent abuse (Legitimate Interests).
- Compliance with legal obligations where applicable (Legal Obligation).
- Consent — where required by local law for biometric data processing.
Sharing & International Transfers
Veriff acts as our data processor and may process verification data on servers outside the UK or EEA.
For such transfers, we rely on recognized safeguards like the Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA), and we apply appropriate technical and organizational protections to ensure data security.
Data Retention
Safado.UK stores only the verification status (e.g., pass/fail) and minimal associated metadata.
Veriff retains raw documents, images, and biometric data in accordance with its own data retention policy.
You may request deletion of your verification data directly from Veriff or contact us at admin@safado.uk and we will forward the request on your behalf.
Your Choices
- If verification is optional, you may skip it, but certain features (such as verified badges or premium access) may remain unavailable.
- If verification is required for safety, legal compliance, or store policies, failure to complete it may restrict access to some features or result in account closure.
More Information
For further details, please review Veriff’s Privacy Policy:
https://www.veriff.com/privacy-policy
Additional Features and Data Usage
Calling Feature Integration
To enhance user interaction and communication within the app, Safado.UK has integrated a voice calling feature powered by the Aghora API. This functionality allows users to initiate and receive audio calls directly within the app. – Call metadata (such as call duration and connection timestamps) may be collected solely for service optimization and user support. – No voice content is recorded, stored, or analyzed. – All call data is processed securely in accordance with our data protection standards and the Aghora API’s privacy safeguards.
Safado Connection – Monetisation
Safado Connection may include a limited number of free hosting sessions.
Once the free allowance is used, hosting live sessions may require payment
using Safado Coins or through direct in-app purchases
processed by Apple or Google.
Transaction-related data is processed in accordance with this Privacy Policy
and the applicable rules and policies of the Apple App Store and
Google Play Store.
International Data Transfers
Your personal data may be processed or stored outside the United Kingdom (UK) or the European Economic Area (EEA). This can occur when our trusted service providers or partners operate from other countries to help deliver our services.
Whenever such transfers take place, Safado.UK ensures that your data remains protected through the use of lawful transfer mechanisms and appropriate safeguards, including:
- UK International Data Transfer Agreement (IDTA) – for transfers from the UK.
- EU Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) – for transfers from the EU/EEA.
- Additional technical, contractual, and organizational measures where required to maintain data security and compliance.
These measures ensure that your data is protected with a level of security and privacy equivalent to UK and EU data protection standards, regardless of where it is processed.
Data Retention
We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including providing the service, ensuring user safety, preventing fraud, and complying with legal obligations. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and its purpose.
- Account / Profile Data: Retained while your account is active and for a reasonable period after deletion to support safety, fraud prevention, and compliance with legal requirements.
- Messages: Retained as needed to deliver and maintain the messaging feature and for safety monitoring. Message metadata may be kept longer to prevent abuse and enforce community rules.
- Verification Outcomes: We retain only the verification status (e.g., pass/fail) and minimal metadata. Raw documents or images are stored by our verification provider according to their own retention policies.
- Billing Records: Retained in accordance with applicable tax and accounting laws.
- Reports & Safety Files: Retained as necessary to enforce our community standards, investigate issues, and comply with legal or regulatory obligations.
Coins, Live Sessions & Call Metadata
Safado Coins transaction records are retained in accordance
with applicable accounting, tax, and anti-fraud requirements.
Live session metadata and related moderation records
are retained for as long as necessary to enforce community standards
and comply with legal obligations.
Call metadata may be retained for a limited period
for security, troubleshooting, and abuse prevention purposes.
When data is no longer required for these purposes, we will delete it securely or irreversibly anonymize it so that it can no longer be linked to you.
Permissions & Privacy Rights
App Permissions
Safado.UK requests certain permissions to function correctly. You can manage or revoke these permissions anytime in your device settings.
- Location: Used to display nearby users, distances, and Map View features. You can enable or disable this in your device settings. Without it, distance-based features will be limited.
- Microphone (Voice Control): Optional feature used for voice commands. You can disable access anytime in your device settings.
- Photos/Camera: Required to upload, update, or verify your photos.
- Notifications: Optional. Used to alert you about messages, matches, or activity on your profile.
Your Privacy Rights (UK/EU GDPR)
Under the UK and EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Rectify: Correct any inaccuracies or incomplete data.
- Erase: Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”) where applicable.
- Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data under certain conditions.
- Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.
- Object: Object to certain processing activities, including limited profiling.
- Withdraw Consent: Where processing relies on your consent (e.g., Voice Control, certain advertising), you can withdraw it at any time.
- Complain: Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK or your local data protection authority.
To exercise your rights or make a request: Email us at admin@safado.uk.
For your protection, we may need to verify your identity before processing your request.
Children
Safado.UK is strictly for adults aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly allow or collect data from minors.
If you believe that a minor is using Safado, please report it through the app or contact us immediately at admin@safado.uk.
Safety, Reporting & Zero Tolerance Policy
Safado.UK maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of Child Sexual Abuse or Exploitation (CSAE), trafficking, non-consensual content, or hate and harassment.
We actively protect our users and the community by using a combination of:
- Automated moderation tools to detect harmful or illegal activity;
- Human moderation teams to review reports and enforce our rules;
- Identity and age verification systems to ensure user safety and authenticity;
- Block and report features for immediate user protection;
- Escalation to law enforcement where required by law or to prevent harm.
Enhanced Safety for Live & Real-Time Features
Due to the real-time nature of features such as
Safado Connection live sessions and
audio and video calling,
Safado.UK applies enhanced safety and moderation measures.
These measures may include automated detection systems,
human review, user reporting tools, identity and age verification
where appropriate, and escalation to law enforcement
when required by law or to prevent serious harm,
including child sexual abuse and exploitation
(CSAE).
How to Report Concerns
We encourage all users to report any suspicious, abusive, or unsafe behaviour immediately.
- In-App Reporting: Use the built-in reporting tools on user profiles or messages.
- Email: Contact us at admin@safado.uk.
This inbox also serves as our dedicated child-safety contact channel.
External Reporting Resources
For guidance on reporting child sexual abuse or exploitation in the UK, visit:
https://www.gov.uk/report-child-abuse
Cooperation with Authorities
We fully cooperate with law enforcement and relevant authorities where legally required, including preserving evidence for investigations and supporting child-safety operations.
Safado.UK remains committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all users.
Advertising and Monetization
Safado.UK utilizes Google Ads for in-app advertising to support the ongoing development and maintenance of the platform. Users may encounter personalized advertisements based on their preferences, activity, and interactions within the app. This is done in compliance with: – Google’s advertising policies – User consent preferences (e.g., GDPR-compliant consent for ad personalization and tracking)
We also adhere to the Google Ads Policy requirements, including but not limited to: – No use of restricted content or prohibited ad categories; – Ensuring that all ad placements meet ageappropriateness for an 18+ LGBTQ+ dating environment; – Compliance with region-specific ad regulations (e.g., the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act); – Implementation of controls to prevent ad fraud or unauthorized tracking.
Data Security and Encryption
Safado.UK takes the protection of your personal data seriously. We implement a combination of technical and organizational measures to safeguard your information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
Our Security Measures Include:
- Encryption in transit: All data exchanged between your device and our servers is encrypted using secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS/TLS).
- Access controls: Personal data is accessible only to authorized personnel who require it for legitimate business purposes.
- Logging and monitoring: We continuously monitor system activity to detect and respond to unauthorized access or potential security threats.
- Regular audits: Our systems and processes undergo periodic reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with data protection and security standards.
Important: While we maintain high security standards, no system can ever be 100% secure. We encourage you to help protect your data by:
- Keeping your device and app updated with the latest security patches.
- Using a strong, unique password for your Safado account.
- Not sharing your login details with others.
- Reporting any suspicious activity immediately to admin@safado.uk.
Together, these measures help ensure your Safado experience remains safe, secure, and private.
Third-party links & plugins
Safado.UK may include links to or integrations with third-party websites, apps, or services to enhance your experience. These third parties operate independently and have their own privacy policies and data-handling practices.
Examples of third-party services we may use include:
- Speech-to-Text Providers: Process voice commands for our Voice Control feature.
- Verification Providers: Handle selfie, ID, and liveness verification during account authentication.
- App Stores: (Apple App Store and Google Play) manage billing, subscriptions, and app downloads.
- Advertising Partners: Serve and measure ads for Free/Try Out plan users.
Each of these providers processes data under its own privacy policy, not under Safado.UK’s direct control. We encourage you to review their privacy terms before interacting with or providing any personal data to them.
Safado.UK is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of any third-party site or service.
Changes to this Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect new features, services, or legal requirements. Updates help ensure that our practices remain transparent and aligned with current laws and technologies.Examples of features that may prompt updates include:
- Map View and location-based features
- Voice Control and speech-to-text capabilities
- Verified Profiles and identity checks
- Read receipts and messaging enhancements
- Multi-language support
- Subscription, trial, or plan structure changes
When we make changes, we will:
- Post the updated Privacy Policy with a new “Last Updated” date at the top of the page.
- Where appropriate, notify you in-app or via email if the changes are significant or affect your rights.
- Introduction or modification of live community features (Safado Connection), virtual currency systems (Safado Coins), or audio/video calling functionality.
We encourage you to review this Policy regularly to stay informed about how Safado.UK protects your information and respects your privacy.
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