kokochat UK GDPR Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 6 September 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Data We Collect
3. Legal Basis for Processing
4. How We Use Your Data
5. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling
6. Sharing Your Data
7. Data Retention
8. International Transfers
9. Data Security
10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR
11. Opting Out of Data Processing and Communications
12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
13. Children’s Data
14. Complaints
15. Changes to This Policy
16. Contact Us

Summary of Our Privacy Practices

We are committed to protecting your personal data and ensuring transparency in how we use it. Here’s an overview:

• What We Collect: Information like name, email, and browsing habits to operate and improve our dating platform.
• How We Use It: To facilitate connections, provide support, send marketing (if opted in), and ensure security.
• Your Control: Opt out of marketing, targeted ads, or certain data processing (Section 11). Exercise rights like access or deletion (Section 10).
• Children’s Data: We do not target children under 16 (Section 13).
• Contact: Reach out at customerservice@kokomatch.co.uk (Section 16).

Please read the full policy below for details.

1. Introduction

kokomatch is dedicated to safeguarding your personal data in compliance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you use our dating website, kokochat.co.uk, and related services (collectively, the “Site”). By using the Site, you agree to the data practices described. If you disagree, please discontinue use or refer to Section 11 to opt out of certain processing. We prioritize transparency and empower you to control your data.

2. Data We Collect

We collect and process the following personal data, depending on your Site usage:

• Personal Identification: Name, email, phone number, postal address, and date of birth (e.g., for age-restricted features). Name and email are required for accounts or profile creation; others are optional.
• Account Information: Username, password, and profile details you provide.
• Transactional Data: Details of communications and interactions (e.g., messages, matches).
• Payment Data: Bank or payment card details, processed securely via third-party providers.
• Device and Technical Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, and device information.
• Marketing Preferences: Your choices for receiving newsletters, promotions, or notifications.
• Usage Data: Browsing behavior, search history, and interaction with profiles.

2.2. Special Categories of Data

We do not intentionally collect special categories of data (e.g., health, religion, political opinions) unless provided explicitly. If you provide this data, we process it only with your explicit consent and delete it promptly after its intended purpose is fulfilled.

3. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under UK GDPR based on:

• Consent: For actions like marketing emails or newsletters you opt into.
• Contractual Necessity: To fulfill agreements, such as account management or service facilitation.
• Legitimate Interests: For business purposes like preventing fraud and improving the Site, provided your rights are not overridden; you can object (Section 10).
• Legal Obligations: To comply with laws, such as record-keeping or regulatory requests.

4. How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

• Provide and Improve Services: Facilitate connections, manage accounts, and enhance the Site through analytics. Opt-out of non-essential analytics via cookie settings (Section 12).
• Process Payments: Handle any applicable payments securely.
• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries and provide assistance.
• Marketing: Send promotional materials or messages based on your consent.
• Security: Monitor for fraud and enforce terms.
• Compliance: Meet legal obligations (e.g., GDPR, tax laws).

5. Automated Decision-Making and Profiling

We may use automated tools for profiling, such as analyzing browsing habits for targeted matching. This does not produce legal or significant effects on you. You can object to profiling (Section 10) or request human review by contacting us (Section 16).

6. Sharing Your Data

We share your data with:

• Users: Limited contact details (e.g., name, email) you choose to share when connecting with others.
• Third-Party Providers: Trusted partners for payment processing, hosting, analytics, or support, bound by GDPR-compliant contracts.
• Legal Authorities: When required by law or to protect our rights, users, or the public.
• Business Transfers: If Kokochat undergoes a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, your data may be transferred with appropriate safeguards.

7. Data Retention

We retain data only as needed for the purposes outlined, including legal compliance. Examples include:

• Account Data: Kept while active and up to 7 years after closure for legal obligations.
• Transactional Data: Retained up to 7 years for tax and financial reporting. Data is securely deleted or anonymized afterward for aggregated analytics. Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely but cannot be linked to you.

8. International Transfers

Data transfers to EEA countries (e.g., our Bulgaria headquarters) are permitted under UK adequacy decisions. For transfers outside the UK and EEA, we use safeguards such as standard contractual clauses to ensure GDPR-equivalent protection. Contact us (Section 16) for details.

9. Data Security

We use robust measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption in transit and at rest.
• Secure authentication protocols.
• Regular security audits.
• Firewalls to prevent unauthorized access. No method is 100% secure, but we continuously update practices to minimize risks.

10. Your Rights Under UK GDPR

You have the following rights:

• Access: Request a copy of your data and processing details.
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Erasure: Request data deletion in certain cases (“right to be forgotten”).
• Restriction: Limit processing in specific circumstances.
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format.
• Object: Object to processing (e.g., marketing or legitimate interests).
• Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent (e.g., for newsletters) at any time. Contact us (Section 16) to exercise these rights. We respond within 30 days, with possible extensions for complex requests.

11. Opting Out of Data Processing and Communications

You can control data processing or communications via:

• Marketing: Unsubscribe via email links, account settings (“Notifications”), or by replying “STOP” to SMS (if applicable).
• Targeted Ads: Opt-out via our Cookie Consent banner, browser settings, or sites like Your Online Choices or Network Advertising Initiative.
• Objecting: Object to specific processing (e.g., analytics) by contacting us.
• Account Deletion: Stop all processing by deleting your account via settings or contacting us. Some data (e.g., transaction records) may be retained for legal purposes (Section 7).

12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies for preferences, analytics, and targeted ads. Manage or opt-out of non-essential cookies via our Cookie Consent banner or browser settings. Essential cookies ensure Site functionality and cannot be disabled. For details, see our Cookie Policy: https://kokochat.co.uk/cookies-policy/

13. Children’s Data

Our Site is not intended for children under 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 16 without verifiable parental consent. If you are under 16, please do not provide personal data. For age-restricted features, date of birth is used solely for verification and deleted after use unless legally required.

14. Complaints

If you have concerns, contact us first (Section 16). You can also lodge a complaint with the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

• Website: www.ico.org.uk
• Phone: 0303 123 1113
• Address: Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy to reflect legal, technical, or business changes. Material changes (e.g., affecting your rights or data usage) will be notified to registered users via email and posted prominently on the Site for 30 days. Non-registered users should review this policy regularly.

16. Contact Us

For questions or to exercise your rights, contact:

• Email: customerservice@kokomatch.co.uk
• Postal Address: kokomatch, 7 Stara Planinia, Gradishte Village, Postcode 5435 Sevlievo, Bulgaria. Our headquarters are in Bulgaria, but we fully comply with UK GDPR for UK users.