Privacy Policy

Last modified: 15 April 2025

Welcome to the PublicMatches Privacy Policy. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this policy.

PublicMatches operates both a mobile application and a website (collectively, the “Service”). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you use the Service, as well as our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information. It also explains how we may contact you and the choices you have regarding your personal data.


What Does This Policy Cover?

This policy applies to all services provided by PublicMatches. Please read it carefully to understand how we handle your information. If you do not agree with this policy, you should not use the Service.

By accessing or using the Service, you agree to this Privacy Policy. We may update this policy from time to time. Continued use of the Service after changes are made constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.


Children Under the Age of 18

The Service is not intended for individuals under the age of 18. No one under 18 may provide personal information through the Service. If we become aware that personal data from a user under 18 has been collected without verified parental consent, we will delete such information promptly.

If you believe we may have collected information from or about a minor, please contact us at support@publicmatches.com.


Information We Collect and How We Collect It

We collect information from and about users of the Service in the following ways:

  • Directly from you when you provide it

  • Automatically when you use the Service

  • From third-party sources, including social media platforms (where applicable)


Information You Provide to Us

When using the Service, you may provide information including:

  • Personally identifiable information such as name, email address, phone number, payment details, or other identifiers

  • Non-identifying information such as demographics, interests, and preferences

  • Profile information, including photos used for identity verification

  • Messages, chats, and interactions with other users


Facial Data Collection and Use

Why We Collect Facial Data
PublicMatches uses real-time selfie verification to confirm user authenticity, prevent fake accounts, reduce abuse, and maintain platform safety. Facial verification may also be used to support lawful investigations when required.

How Long We Store Facial Data
Facial data is retained under the same retention rules as other personal data. It is stored for the duration of an active account and for up to one (1) year after account deletion, unless an earlier verified deletion request is submitted.

Do We Share Facial Data?
We do not sell or share facial data with third parties. Facial data is used strictly for internal verification, safety, and abuse prevention purposes.

Third-Party Storage of Facial Data
PublicMatches does not permit third parties to store or process facial data on its behalf.


Automatic Data Collection Technologies

We use technologies such as cookies, device identifiers, and analytics tools to collect:

  • Usage data, logs, and interaction details

  • Device information, including operating system and browser type

  • Approximate or real-time location data (subject to user permissions)

You may control these technologies through your device or browser settings. Disabling them may limit certain features of the Service.


How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

  • Create and manage user accounts

  • Facilitate matches and user interactions

  • Improve, personalize, and secure the Service

  • Communicate important updates, including policy or service changes

  • Comply with legal and regulatory obligations


Disclosure of Your Information

We may disclose personal information:

  • To service providers and contractors supporting our operations

  • In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or business transfers

  • To comply with legal requirements or protect rights, safety, and property

We may also share aggregated or anonymized data that cannot be used to identify individuals.


Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal data. However, no system is completely secure. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.


Your Choices About Your Information

You have the ability to:

  • Access and update your account information

  • Delete your account (data removed after a one-year safety retention period)

  • Opt out of non-essential communications

  • Control location data permissions via your device settings


Cross-Border Data Transfers

PublicMatches operates globally. Your personal data may be processed or stored outside your country of residence, including within the European Union.

For users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we ensure that cross-border transfers comply with GDPR requirements using appropriate safeguards.


Data Subject Rights (GDPR)

If you are an EEA resident, you have the following rights:

  • The right to be informed

  • The right of access

  • The right to rectification

  • The right to erasure (“right to be forgotten”)

  • The right to restrict processing

  • The right to data portability

  • The right to object to processing

  • Rights related to automated decision-making and profiling

Requests can be submitted via your account or by contacting support@publicmatches.com.


Authenticity and Transparency

PublicMatches requires selfie verification to ensure that every account represents a real individual. This prevents fake profiles, bots, and deceptive practices and helps maintain a trustworthy dating environment.


Prohibited Content and Activities

PublicMatches strictly prohibits compensated companionship, exploitative dating practices, deceptive services, and any illegal or misleading activity. Users must comply with these standards to use the Service.


Changes to This Privacy Policy

We will post updates to this Privacy Policy on this page. Material changes may be communicated via email or within the Service.


Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Germany, with exclusive jurisdiction in the courts of Munich, Germany.


Contact Information

Email: support@publicmatches.com
Website: https://publicmatches.com