Data Privacy Statement for the EliteSingles App
As of August 2015
Finding a suitable partner for any person requires gathering, processing, and using personal data. Since we are serious about our business as a matchmaking service, responsible use and protection of data is close to our heart.
At this point, we would like to explain which personal data we process, for what purpose, and in what form, if an individual uses our EliteSingles dating app on their mobile device.
Table of Contents
1. Protection of Your Personal Data and Data Privacy
2. Collection, Processing, and Use of Data
2.1 Data Collection When Downloading and Installing the App
2.2 Data Collection When Using the App without Registering
2.3 Data Collection When Registering and Using the App
3. Data Collection and Processing When Using Specific Features
3.1 Messaging
3.2 Profile Visitors
3.3 Partner Suggestions
3.4 The “Like” Function
3.5 Push Notifications
4.1 Android Operating System (various manufacturers, e.g. Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG)
4.1.1 Reading Phone Status and Identity
4.1.2 Recording Pictures and Videos
4.1.3 Changing, Deleting, or Reading Contents of an USB Memory Device
4.1.4 Finding Accounts on the Device
4.1.5 Full Network Access and Obtaining Internet Data
4.1.6 Viewing Network Connections
4.1.7 Accessing Running Applications
4.1.8 Other Authorisations
4.2 iOS Operating System (e.g., Apple iPhone and iPad)
4.2.1 Notifications / Push Notifications
4.2.2 Access to the Camera
4.2.3 Access to Stored Photos
5. Configuring Push Notifications
5.1 Android Operating System (various manufacturers, e.g. Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG)
5.2 iOS Operating System (e.g., Apple iPhone and iPad)
1. Protection of Your Personal Data and Data Privacy
EliteSingles is a reputable Internet portal that helps an individual find the right partner.
The EliteSingles dating app is operated by Affinitas GmbH, Kohlfurter Straße 41/43, 10999 Berlin. Affinitas GmbH is the responsible entity for purposes of the German Federal Data Protection Act.
The privacy of personal data is very important to us. We follow the strict provisions of German and European data protection laws. The purpose of the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and of the Telemedia Act (TMG) is to protect personal data. This includes data that can be linked to a person (e.g., a name or an email address). Information that cannot be linked to a specific or ascertainable person, or that can be linked to a person only with a disproportionately large expenditure of time, cost, and work, are categorised as anonymous data.
In order to offer the service to its customers, EliteSingles collects, processes, or uses (“utilises”) personal data. In the context of legal provisions, we can evaluate profiles under a pseudonym for purposes of advertising, market research and improving our services. But this is only if individuals have not made use of their legal right to object to this use of data at any time.
If an individual has any questions or concerns regarding data privacy, our customer service is always available. It can be reached at:
Affinitas GmbH
– EliteSingles Customer Service –
Kohlfurter Straße 41/43
10999 Berlin
Email: [email protected]
2. Collection, Processing, and Use of Data
EliteSingles is a legitimate online partner-mediation offering that uses a scientifically based matching procedure to bring people together who are looking for a long-term relationship. To provide this service, we utilise a number of personal details. In many cases, data is only utilised with pseudonyms or made anonymous. We would like to inform our users about the relevant details below.
2.1. Data Collection When Downloading and Installing the App
In order to download and install our app from an app store (for example, Google Play, Apple AppStore),an individual is first required to register with their provider of the respective app store for a user account and conclude a corresponding user contract. We have no influence on this, and we are not a party to such a user contract. When downloading and installing the app, the information necessary for this is sent to the respective app store, in particular; username, email address, customer account number, time of download, payment information and the individual’s device code. We have no influence on the data collected and are not responsible for it. We process the supplied data only to the extent that it is needed for downloading and installing the app on their mobile device (for example, a smartphone or tablet). In addition, the data is not stored afterwards.
2.2. Data Collection When Using the App without Registering
When the app is in use, we capture the following technical data to enable its functions; it is gathered automatically by an individual’s mobile device and sent to us:
•Device information
•Device code (unique Affinitas ID)
•Operating system information
• Affinitas Unique Device Identifier (UDID)
• Apple iOS Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA)
This data is used by us for troubleshooting, and is evaluated anonymously for statistical purposes, in order to optimise our offering.
2.3. Data Collection When Registering and Using the App
If an individual wants to use the offerings described in more detail in EliteSingles’ General Terms and Conditions, personal information is required and will be collected within the context of registration. It is now possible to register via the app when an individual selects “”Register now for free””.
For more information about data processing on the website, please see the website’s data privacy statement.”
After registration, logging into the app means an individual can send messages to other EliteSingles participants, view partner suggestions, or upload photos. Some features are reserved for Premium members.
When an individual uses the app when registering, we collect the data provided to us by filling out the corresponding fields or activating a check box. This involves data like:
• User
• Message contents
• Interactions with other participants (e.g., likes or smiles)
• Uploaded photos
3. Data Collection and Processing When Using Specific Features
Other EliteSingles members can write messages to other members, but EliteSingles does NOT provide personal information to other members. Messages are delivered only through an individual’s EliteSingles mailbox.Users have the ability to “block” any undesired persons to become uncontactable.
Other members can see when an individual visited their profile page, by the same token, an individual can also see which member has visited your profile. This feature within the app is available only to Premium members. Premium members can also view uploaded photos on EliteSingles.
An individual’s profile, such as profile details and uploaded photos, will be suggested to other members by our matching system. An individual will likewise receive partner suggestions. From their user account settings on the website, an individual can decide whether or not to continue being suggested and thus displayed to other members through our matching system. An individual can find further information on this in the data privacy statement for our website.
Within the profiles of other members, there are “like” buttons that can be clicked. Using the “like” feature, with a click can make it clear that an individual liked a statement, a photo or another member’s profile. As a result, the other member will be notified.
The app notifies an individual of certain events or topics, such as messages or smiles from other users, even if an individual’s not actively using the app.
To provide the push-notification feature, we use the Apple push notification service (iOS) or the Google CD2M service (Android). These services are part of the standard functionality of the mobile operating systems of Apple (iOS) and Google (Android), and can be configured in the device’s system settings. For push notifications to work on an individual’s mobile device, we collect the unique Device Token ID (iOS) or registration ID (Android) that is generated automatically with app use on an individual’s device by Apple or Google. The ID is used to identify the correct recipient – analogous to an email address or phone number. We find out an individual’s ID when an individual gives the app permission to display push notifications. To display push notifications on a mobile device, we send the contents of the message together with an individual’s ID in an encrypted form to Apple or Google. They in turn use an individual’s ID to forward the message encrypted to a user’s mobile device.
If an individual does not want this feature of the app, they have the freedom to disable the feature on their device settings. For more information about push notifications and your configuration options, see section 5.
4. Requested Authorisations
For some functions, the app must be able to access certain services and data on an individual’s mobile device, depending on mobile operating system in use, this partly requires a user’s explicit permission for access.
Separated below by the mobile operating systems for which we offer the app, we explain which permissions are requested and the kind of functions these permissions need.
4.1. Android Operating System (various manufacturers, e.g. Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG)
4.1.1. Reading Phone Status and Identity
During installation, the authorisation “Read phone status and identity” is requested. With this authorisation,an individual allows the app to determine whether a user is on a phone call or receiving a call, in order to interrupt the app’s action. Through this function, we can recognise a users device model and its operating system, in order to correctly display the EliteSingles content.
4.1.2. Recording Pictures and Videos
During installation, the authorisation “Record pictures and videos” is requested. With this authorisation an individual allows the app to access the camera so that they can click on “Upload photo” (and then select “Take photo”) in order to take pictures and to make them available to other users.
4.1.3. Changing, Deleting, or Reading Contents of an individual’s Memory Device
When an individual installs the app, the authorisations “Change or delete the contents of your SD memory” and “Contents of your SD card” are requested. With these authorisations, you allow the app to access the SD storage device on your mobile device. This allows the app settings to be stored on the SD storage device. For example, a user wants to receive push notifications
4.1.4. Finding Accounts on the Device
During installation, the “Find accounts on the device” authorisation is requested. This function allows the application to retrieve a list of known accounts on the phone. This enables the app to connect with different services. This does not give the app permission to access an individual’s passwords.
4.1.5. Full Network Access and Obtaining Internet Data
During installation, the authorisation “obtaining internet data” and “full network access” are requested. With these authorisations, an individual allows the app to automatically load Internet content to be shown in the app when it’s needed to access various functions. For example, displaying “partner suggestions” or for viewing “My Profile”. There is no technical limitation on individual pages.
4.1.6. Viewing Network Connections
During installation, the authorisation “View network connections” is requested. With this authorisation, individuals allow the app to determine whether there is an internet connection available through a WIFI network or mobile data connection (GRPS, 3G, 4G and LTE). This can determine whether elements inside the app are called upon.
4.1.7. Accessing Running Applications
During installation, the authorisation “Access running applications” is requested. With this authorisation, individuals allow the app to access information on current and recently run applications. This function is used for sending push notifications.
Finally, the authorisation “Deactivate hibernation”, “Control vibration” and “Sticky broadcasts” are requested. These authorisations involves technical functions needed for operating the app. These processes do not collect or process personal data.
4.2. iOS Operating System (e.g., Apple iPhone and iPad)
4.2.1. Notifications / Push Notifications
If an individual answers “Yes” to a question regarding push notifications from EliteSingles, then the individual is allowing the app to use push notifications to alert them on certain events and topics. This function is active even when an individual has an unopened app. The alerts are sent in various forms, such as ring tones, messages (screen notification) and/or a character symbol (an image or a digit on the app icon).
For more information about push notifications and configuration options, see section 5.
If an individual answers “Yes” to questions of whether EliteSingles may access a user’s camera, then the individual’s allowing the app to access the camera in order to take photographs with the function “Take photo” (and then by selecting “Take photo”) to display them to other users.
4.2.3. Access to Stored Photos
If an individual answers “Yes” to questions of whether EliteSingles may access a user’s camera, then the individual is allowing the app to access the camera in order to take photographs with the function “Take photo” (and then by selecting “Take photo”) to display them to other users.
5. Configuring Push Notifications
With push notifications also known as “messages” in iOS,an individual can be alerted to certain events and topics (for example, messages from other users), even if the app was unopened. For this,an individual has to answer the question within the app of whether EliteSingles may send push notifications with “Yes.” The individual receives this request when the app has been started the first time or when signing in.
An individual can activate or deactivate push notifications via the app. To do this, click on “Settings” in the menu and select the function”Push notifications.”An individual can choose from the following two functions; “Activate push service” or “Deactivate push service.” If an individual has successfully enabled or disabled push notifications, a confirmation message is sent.
5.1. Android Operating System (various manufacturers, e.g. Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG)
With Android, individuals have the ability to enable or disable push notifications within their phone settings. To do this, click on “”Settings”” app in your device’s main menu, select menu item, “”Apps.”” An overview of all the apps installed on your device will be displayed. Select the “EliteSingles” app, by selecting one of the checkbox options for “Show notifications,” a user has the ability to enable or disable push notifications. The labels may vary depending on an users Android version.
5.2. iOS Operating System (e.g., Apple iPhone and iPad)
With iOS you can also turn push notifications on or off in System Preferences. To do this, open the iOS “Settings” app and select “Notifications.” In the following menu you’ll find an overview of all apps that are installed on your device and that use a push-notification function. Select the EliteSingles app. You can turn the push notification feature on or off here.
6. Sharing Personal Data
When conveying data to other members, the data is exclusively associated with the username the individual has chosen. Under no circumstances do we give a member’s contact details, such as their name, address or email to other members. Communication made between members through EliteSingles is directly sent to a user’s internal mailbox, so that a user can decide to whom they will disclose their contact information too. Data that is voluntarily provided during the creation of the EliteSingles profile will always be visible to other registered users. These details include: age, gender, height, ethnicity, religious affiliation, occupation, smoking habits and desire to have children.
Personal data is not sold by us and is only disclosed to third parties if it is necessary for performing the offered services (for example, for payment processing with chargeable memberships), or if you have given us your consent for this purpose, or if disclosure is prescribed or permitted on the basis of relevant legal provisions (for example, if we need to comply with a request from a state investigative or security authority). An overview of possible third parties can be seen on our public index of procedures.
In addition, Apollo Solutions Ltd., Informatics Park, La Tour Koenig, Pointe aux Sables, Mauritius (“Apollo Solutions”) and Lionentry, Chevchenka 25, Liviv, Ukraine (“Lionentry”) check uploaded photos and texts from EliteSingles members for genuineness and probity, in order to ensure a high quality of service and protection for our members. Since the data protection laws outside the EU are in general less strict than in the EU, Apollo and Lionentry have signed standard contractual clauses adopted by the European Commission for the transfer of personal data to contracting processors in third countries, in order to ensure the protection of personal data at EU standards. The protection of your personal data is therefore completely ensured.
7. Reviewing Personal Data
In order to protect our customers from people abusing the EliteSingles service, we analyse activities on the platform through various automated monitoring tools, and our customer service performs random tests to check customer inputs for plausibility, without our being legally obligated to do so. Certain sequences of characters or logins by different members that appear to come from a computer can lead to the blocking of suspicious activities.
In addition, EliteSingles reserves the right to automatically filter messages. Texts written by customers are thereby checked against a word list for their compatibility with current law as well as with the General Terms and Conditions. For example, pornographic or clearly offensive words are automatically correlated with customer texts. Using “Anti-Scamming Scans,” we try to protect our members from scammers.
In case of suspicion or misuse of the EliteSingles service emerging from these checks, the legal consequences are listed within our General Terms and Conditions. EliteSingles may also block the receipt and delivery of incoming and outgoing messages, if as a result of the investigation there is a high probability that the affected message is unlawful and/or violates the General Terms and Conditions. In this case there is no notification of rejected or undelivered messages.
8. Right to Information
You have the right to receive information about the personal data and settings stored for your user account, and to have it corrected or deleted at any time.We would like to point out, that every member has the right to data deletion, according to legal storage obligations that must be followed, can be restricted.
In addition, courts, law enforcement agencies, or other authorities designated by law, may have a legal basis to retrieve data or request information.
For information, correction, or deletion requests, please contact us using the contact information named in section 1, while stating your name, your email address, and your user name.
Of course you can also easily view, change, or delete many details yourself in your user account.
9. Data Security
Starting from registration, all data sent to us is transmitted in encrypted form. This encryption protects the confidentiality of data exchanged between an individual and our web server as it helps to prevent the interception of data. As encryption technology, we employ SSL (Secure Socket Layer), a recognised and widely-used technology.
Regarding our databases, all technical measures have been taken to store your data in a secure environment. Access to all your information is reserved for a few selected employees and is granted only for purposes of quality control, to review complaints, and to thwart fraud. All our employees are compelled by an agreement to ensure data protection, and are trained accordingly.
10. Right of Revocation
Whenever we use data for a purpose that requires your consent pursuant to statutory regulations, we will always ask you for your express consent and record your consent.
You may at any time withdraw the consent you have given and/or revoke future uses of your data.
For an individual to withdraw draw their consent or to make a revocation, it will be sufficient to send a simple email to the contact provided in section 1.
Please keep in mind that in the case of revoking the use of certain data, it might become impossible for EliteSingles to provide its offering. We gladly remain available for your related questions.