Privacy Policy
Last updated: 1 June 2025 · Effective: 1 June 2025
1. Introduction
Verve Dating Pty Ltd ("Verve", "we", "us", "our") is deeply committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you use the Verve mobile application and website (verve.dating). By creating an account or using Verve, you agree to the practices described in this Policy.
Verve was built by queer women, for queer women. We understand that our community's privacy is not just a legal requirement — it is a fundamental pillar of the safety and trust that makes Verve possible. We take our obligations seriously.
2. Information We Collect
Information you provide directly:
- Account registration data: name, email address, date of birth
- Profile information: photos, display name, biography, pronouns, sexual orientation, gender identity, relationship style, interests
- Identity verification data: selfie photo and liveness check data (used solely to confirm you are a real person — permanently deleted from our servers immediately after verification is confirmed)
- Location preferences and proximity radius settings
- Messages and communications (content is end-to-end encrypted — see Section 4)
- Subscription and payment information (processed by Apple App Store / Google Play — not stored directly by Verve)
- Support communications and feedback
Information collected automatically:
- App interaction logs (features used, screens visited, session duration)
- Match activity and messaging metadata (timestamps, not content)
- Device information: device type, operating system version, app version
- Crash reports and performance diagnostics
- Firebase Analytics events (anonymized, aggregated)
3. Location Data & GPS Usage
Verve uses location data to power our discovery features, allowing you to find queer women in your vicinity. We operate on a strict minimum-data principle regarding location:
- We request "While Using the App" location permission only — we never access location when the app is backgrounded without explicit "Always Allow" consent
- Discovery features use a configurable proximity radius (e.g., within 5 km, 10 km, 50 km) — your precise GPS coordinates are never displayed to other users
- You may disable location access at any time via your device Settings — discovery will gracefully degrade to city/region-level matching
- Location data is stored temporarily to serve match results and is not retained beyond the current session without your consent
- We never sell, license, or share your location data with third-party advertisers
4. Data Encryption & Security
In transit: All data transmitted between your device and Verve servers is encrypted using TLS 1.3.
Direct messages: All messages exchanged between users are protected by end-to-end encryption using the Signal Protocol. This means Verve's servers cannot read the content of your messages. Only you and the person you are communicating with can read them.
At rest: Profile data and sensitive fields stored in our databases are encrypted using AES-256.
Security practices: We conduct regular third-party security audits, penetration testing, and maintain a responsible disclosure program. Our infrastructure is hosted on Google Cloud Platform with enterprise-grade security controls.
5. Cookies & Tracking (Website)
Our website (verve.dating) uses:
- Essential cookies: Required for session management and security. Cannot be disabled.
- Analytics cookies (Firebase Analytics): Used to understand how visitors interact with our website in aggregate. Anonymized. You may opt out via our cookie consent banner.
We do not use third-party advertising cookies, tracking pixels, or retargeting tools.
6. How We Use Your Information
- To provide, maintain, and improve the Verve app and services
- To facilitate matching, discovery, and communication features
- To verify identity and maintain community safety standards
- To process your subscription via Apple App Store or Google Play
- To send essential service communications (account, safety, legal notices)
- To analyze aggregate usage patterns and improve features
- To investigate and respond to safety reports and support requests
- To comply with applicable laws and regulations
7. Data Sharing & Disclosure
We do not sell your personal data. Ever.
We may share data with trusted service providers who assist us in operating Verve, including: cloud hosting (Google Cloud), identity verification (under strict data processing agreements), analytics (Firebase, anonymized), and payment processing (Apple / Google). All partners are contractually bound to use your data only for specified purposes.
We may disclose data if required by applicable law, court order, or to protect the safety of our users or the public.
8. Your Privacy Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the following rights:
- Access: Request a copy of personal data we hold about you
- Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Erasure: Request deletion of your account and associated personal data
- Portability: Export your data in a machine-readable format
- Objection: Opt out of non-essential data processing
- Restriction: Request restriction of processing in certain circumstances
To exercise any of these rights, email verve@verve.dating. We respond within 30 days.
9. Data Retention
Your personal data is retained for as long as your account is active. Upon account deletion, personal data is purged from our systems within 30 days. Anonymized, aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely. Certain data may be retained longer where required by law (e.g., financial records for taxation purposes, safety records related to bans).
10. Children's Privacy
Verve is strictly for users aged 18 and over. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If we become aware that an account belongs to a person under 18, we will immediately delete it. If you believe a minor has an account, contact verve@verve.dating.
11. International Data Transfers
Verve operates globally. Your data may be processed in countries outside your own (including Australia and the United States, where our cloud infrastructure operates). We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place (such as Standard Contractual Clauses for EU/UK users) for all cross-border transfers.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be notified via in-app notification or email with at least 14 days' notice before the change takes effect. Continued use after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.
13. Contact Us
For all privacy enquiries and data subject requests:
- Email: verve@verve.dating
- Postal: Verve Dating Pty Ltd, Australia