1. Introduction

FaithStride (“we”, “our”, or “us”) is a digital faith-technology platform designed to help users grow spiritually, connect with others, and record their personal faith journeys through features such as prayer requests, journals, devotionals, and group interactions.

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and safeguard your personal data when you use our mobile application, website, or any related services (collectively, “the Service”).

By using FaithStride, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

• Account Information: When you register, we collect your name, email address, username, password, and any optional profile information you provide (e.g., church name, denomination, or location).

• Usage Data: We automatically collect technical data such as IP address, device type, browser type, operating system, session logs, and interaction patterns to maintain system performance and enhance user experience.

• Communications: If you contact us through email, support forms, or chat, we collect your messages and correspondence details.

• Activity Information: Data related to prayers, journal entries, participation in groups, or app engagement may be collected to deliver and personalize your FaithStride experience.

• Payment and Subscription Data: If you purchase a subscription or digital service, limited payment data (transaction ID, payment status, and billing contact) is collected. FaithStride does not store your full credit or debit card details; these are processed by secure third-party payment providers.

• Optional Data: You may choose to provide additional personal data such as testimonies or feedback. Providing this is entirely voluntary.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

• Consent: When you explicitly agree to data collection (e.g., newsletter signup, joining a connect group).

• Contractual Necessity: When processing is required to deliver the FaithStride Service or fulfill your subscription.

• Legal Obligation: When required by law or regulation (e.g., record-keeping or anti-fraud compliance).

• Legitimate Interests: For internal analytics, security, and platform improvements, provided your rights and freedoms are not overridden.

4. How We Use Your Information

• Create and manage your account;

• Provide access to FaithStride features, content, and tools;

• Personalize your experience based on your preferences and engagement history;

• Communicate with you regarding updates, support, or announcements;

• Process payments, subscriptions, or refunds;

• Improve app performance, analytics, and content relevance;

• Detect, prevent, and respond to security incidents or violations;

• Comply with applicable legal requirements.

We will never sell your data to any third party.

5. How We Share Information

Your data may be shared only under limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted vendors that assist with hosting, analytics, payment processing, email delivery, and support—each bound by strict confidentiality and data protection obligations.

• Legal or Regulatory Authorities: Where disclosure is required by law or legitimate government request.

• Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset transfer, your data may be included under equivalent privacy safeguards.

• Aggregated or Anonymized Data: We may publish non-identifiable insights, trends, or analytics for reporting and research purposes.

We do not share your personal information for third-party advertising or commercial resale.

6. International Data Transfers

Because FaithStride may use servers or partners located outside your country, your data might be transferred internationally. We will ensure adequate protection through mechanisms such as GDPR-approved Standard Contractual Clauses, data-transfer agreements, or your explicit consent, as required by law.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide our services, fulfill contractual or legal obligations, and resolve disputes. When data is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

If you close your account, your personal data will be deleted within a reasonable period, except where retention is required by law.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights under GDPR and POPIA:

• The right to access the personal data we hold about you.

• The right to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.

• The right to request deletion (“right to be forgotten”).

• The right to restrict or object to certain processing.

• The right to data portability.

• The right to withdraw consent at any time, where processing is based on consent.

• The right to lodge a complaint with your local Data Protection Authority.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@faithstride.org (or your regional contact address). We will respond within statutory time limits.

9. Data Security

We employ administrative, technical, and physical safeguards—such as encryption, secure data storage, network firewalls, and access controls—to protect your information. Despite our efforts, no system is entirely immune to unauthorized access. In the event of a data breach, you and the relevant regulators will be notified promptly as required by law.

10. Children’s Privacy

FaithStride is intended for users aged 16 years or older. We do not knowingly collect data from children under that age. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal data may contact us to request deletion.

11. Policy Updates

We may amend this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal or operational changes. Updated versions will be published with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of FaithStride constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Contact Information

For questions, complaints, or data requests, please contact: