Privacy Policy

Last Updated: December 14, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Lanternphilia ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our dating platform and services (the "Service").

By using the Service, you consent to the data practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Registration:

• Full name (first and last name)
• Email address
• Date of birth
• Password Encrypted
• Gender and sexual orientation preferences
• Phone number (optional)

Profile Information:

• Bio/description
• Photos (up to 20)
• Location (city, state, country)
• Interests and preferences
• Relationship preferences

Verification Information:

• Government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID)
• Identity number (SSN, NIN, or equivalent) Encrypted
• Residential address
• Social media account handles
• Email account age verification
• Payment method information for address verification

Payment Information:

• Credit/debit card information Stored by payment processor
• Billing address
• Transaction history

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device identifiers
• Usage data (pages visited, features used)
• Location data (approximate and precise if permitted)
• Cookies and similar technologies

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social media profile information
• Background check results
• Payment verification data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• Create and manage your account
• Enable connections with verified members
• Process payments ($4.99 per connection)
• Facilitate messaging between connected users
• Display your profile to other users
• Provide customer support

3.2 Safety and Security

• Verify your identity and age (21+)
• Conduct background checks
• Detect and prevent fraud and abuse
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect user safety
• Investigate user reports

3.3 Service Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns
• Improve matching algorithms
• Develop new features
• Optimize user experience

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 With Other Users

Your profile information is visible to other verified members:

• Profile photos and bio
• Location (city/state level)
• Online status and last active time
• First name and age
• Verification badge status

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers:

Service Provider	Purpose	Data Shared
Payment Processor (Stripe)	Process payments	Payment information, billing address
Background Check Providers	Verify identity & safety	Name, DOB, ID number, address
Cloud Storage (AWS/Azure)	Store data securely	Encrypted user data
Email Service	Send notifications	Email address, name
Analytics	Improve service	Anonymized usage data

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with court orders or subpoenas
• Respond to law enforcement requests
• Protect our rights or property
• Ensure user safety
• Investigate potential violations

5. Data Retention

5.1 Active Accounts

• Profile information: Retained while account is active
• Messages: Retained for duration of both users' accounts
• Transaction records: Retained for 7 years (legal requirement)
• Verification documents: Retained while account is active

5.2 Deleted Accounts

When you delete your account:

• Profile removed from public view immediately
• Most personal information deleted within 30 days
• Transaction records retained for 7 years (legal compliance)
• Backup copies may persist for up to 90 days

6. Your Rights and Choices

To exercise these rights: Email privacy@lanternphilia.com or use your account settings. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Data Security

7.1 Security Measures

• Encryption in transit: TLS/SSL for all data transmission
• Encryption at rest: AES-256 for sensitive data storage
• Password security: bcrypt hashing (never stored in plain text)
• Access controls: Role-based access and authentication
• Security audits: Regular third-party security assessments
• Intrusion detection: 24/7 monitoring and alerts
• Secure data centers: SOC 2 Type II certified facilities

7.2 Sensitive Information Protection

• SSN/NIN encrypted with AES-256 encryption
• Payment info never stored (handled by PCI-compliant processor)
• Verification documents stored in encrypted buckets
• Background check results protected with additional access controls

8. Children's Privacy

If we discover we have collected information from someone under 21:

• We will delete the account immediately
• We will delete all associated information
• We will take steps to prevent future access

If you believe we have information about someone under 21, contact us immediately at: privacy@lanternphilia.com

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We use appropriate safeguards:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions
• Your explicit consent when required

Data Processing Locations:

• United States
• European Union
• Other countries with adequate data protection

10. State-Specific Privacy Rights

10.1 California Residents (CCPA/CPRA)

Your California Rights:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to request deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights
• Right to correct inaccurate information
• Right to limit use of sensitive personal information

To Exercise Your Rights:

• Email: privacy@lanternphilia.com
• Toll-free: 1-800-XXX-XXXX
• Website form: www.lanternphilia.com/privacy-request

10.2 Virginia, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah Residents

You have the right to:

• Confirm whether we process your personal data
• Access your personal data
• Correct inaccuracies
• Delete your personal data
• Obtain a copy of your data
• Opt out of targeted advertising
• Opt out of profiling

10.3 European Union/UK Residents (GDPR)

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Consent: For optional features and marketing
• Contract: To provide the Service
• Legitimate interests: For security and service improvement
• Legal obligation: To comply with laws

Data Protection Officer: dpo@lanternphilia.com

11. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Types of Cookies We Use:

Cookie Type	Purpose	Duration
Essential	Authentication, security, session management	Session/1 year
Analytics	Usage statistics, performance monitoring	2 years
Preference	Language, display settings	1 year
Marketing	Ad targeting (with consent only)	1 year

Your Cookie Choices:

• Control cookies through browser settings
• Opt out through privacy settings in your account
• We honor "Do Not Track" signals

12. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing information.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date
• Notify you by email
• Display a prominent notice on the Service
• Request your consent if required by law

14. Contact Us

15. Acknowledgment