PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: August 15, 2025 (Version 1.0)

1) Overview

A Lasting Tie is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you engage with our Christian matchmaking services.

2) What We Collect

We collect personal information you provide through intake forms, consultations, and correspondence. This may include, but is not limited to: your name, age or age range, city and state of residence, religious affiliation/denomination, marital status, relationship intentions, contact information, personal narratives (such as “About Me” or “What You’re Looking For”), responses to faith and lifestyle questionnaires, and any correspondence with A Lasting Tie.

If you participate in a video consultation, we may also collect information about your faith journey, vision for marriage, past relationship experiences, lifestyle expectations, church involvement, family background, cultural expectations, and readiness for commitment. Consultations may be recorded—with your explicit consent—and stored securely using encrypted Google Workspace Business tools. Consultation materials include video and audio recordings, transcripts, and any screenshots taken during the consultation. These materials are used solely for internal matching purposes and are never sold, used for advertising, or shared with third parties. You may choose not to answer any question, and you may revoke your consent at any time.

3) How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the purpose of:

- Assessing compatibility for potential matches
- Conducting consultations and follow-ups
- Facilitating match introductions
- Storing match records for re-engagement (if applicable)
- Improving the quality of our service
- Ensuring compliance with our Terms & Conditions
- Generating anonymous, aggregated data to understand general trends

4) Automated Recommendations

We may use limited automated tools to suggest compatible matches based on the information you provide. These tools assist our human-led discernment process but do not replace personalized consultation and guidance.

5) How We Store and Protect Your Data

Your personal information is securely stored using the following platforms:
- Tilda
- Google Workspace Apps

All systems apply reasonable technical and organizational safeguards to protect your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse.

Disclaimer on Consultation Recordings - Recordings of consultations are used solely for internal matching purposes and are not shared externally. By participating in a recorded consultation, you agree not to hold A Lasting Tie liable for the outcomes of any match or consultation content.

6) U.S.-Based Processing Only

We only serve clients residing in the United States. All data collection, processing, and storage take place exclusively on U.S.-based platforms.

7) Technical Information We May Collect

When you access our website, we may collect basic technical information such as your IP address, browser type, and session timestamps for troubleshooting purposes and to improve the security and performance of our services.

8) Background Checks Disclaimer

Please note that A Lasting Tie does not conduct criminal or background checks on clients. Each family or individual is responsible for conducting any due diligence they feel is necessary. We recommend confirming details such as education, employment, church involvement, and references through trusted means before further engagement.

9) Cookies

We do not use cookies for tracking, analytics, or advertising. Any cookies present are strictly functional and necessary to support secure operation of our website.

10) Data Retention & Deletion

We retain personal information and consultation records for up to one (1) year from your last date of engagement.

You have the right to request deletion of your data at any time, including:
- Intake form submissions
- Consultation recordings and transcripts
- Match records and communication history

To request deletion, email contact@alastingtie.com with your full name and the subject line “Data Deletion Request.” Requests will be processed within 10 business days unless retention is required by law.

11) Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your information with third parties. Your data will only be disclosed:
- With your express consent
- To complete a matchmaking process (e.g., sharing basic non-identifying info with a match)
- If required by law or court order
- To prevent fraud or abuse of the service

12) Confidentiality and Profile Privacy

Clients are expected to maintain relational confidentiality. Information shared in the matchmaking process should not be disclosed outside the context of that process without explicit consent. Additionally, clients control what information is shared with prospective matches, and all introductions are handled with mutual respect and discretion.

13) Your Consent

By submitting information through our forms, participating in consultations, or continuing to use our services, you consent to the collection, use, storage, and potential sharing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.

14) Updates to This Policy

This policy may be updated from time to time. You will be notified of any significant changes via the email provided during your initial engagement.

15) Contact

If you have any questions or concerns about this policy or your data, please contact us at: contact@alastingtie.com.