1. Our Privacy Promise (How We Handle Your Info)

Your trust means the world to us. When you share your information, we promise to take good care of it. This policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your data to make your BFF Finder experience as wonderful as possible.

2. How We Use and Share Your Information

Your privacy is a big deal. We will never sell, trade, or rent out your personal details. We only use your information in ways that help you find your people and improve our service. This includes:

• Keeping You in the Loop: We’ll use your email to tell you about exciting upcoming BFF Finder meetups, share updates, and send you information relevant to our community.
• Helping You Find Your People: We use the profile information you share (like your attributes and interests) to help you connect with like-minded people at our events. We will never share your personal contact information with other users.
• Finding More Friends for the Community: Occasionally, we may use your contact details (like your email address) to create “lookalike” audiences on platforms like Meta and TikTok. This helps us show our ads to people who are likely to be a great fit for our community (which means more potential friends for you!). If you’d rather we didn’t use your info for this, just send us an email at heybesties@bfffinder.com to opt out.

3. Our Friend-Matching Approach

Our service is designed to help you meet compatible friends based on the attributes and interests you share with us. This use of technology is to enhance your experience and is not considered automated decision-making that would affect your legal rights.

4. Protecting Your Data

We work hard to protect your information with strong security measures. However, no online system is 100% foolproof. By using our service, you understand and accept the inherent risks of being online.

5. Your Rights Over Your Information

You are always in control of your personal data. In line with GDPR and POPI regulations, you have the right to:

• Access Your Data: You can ask for a copy of the information we hold about you.
• Update Your Data: If you spot anything that’s incorrect, you can ask us to update it.
• Delete Your Data: You have the right to ask us to permanently delete your personal information from our systems.
• Object to or Restrict Use: You can ask us to stop using your data for certain purposes (like the marketing mentioned in section 2) or to stop all contact.

To exercise any of these rights, please send your request to us at heybesties@bfffinder.com.

6. Updates to These Terms

We might change things up now and then to improve our service or to comply with new regulations. If we make any significant changes to these terms, we’ll let you know via the email you provided.

7. Our Meetup Guidelines

This is your space to make new friends in real life. Because our meetups are self-coordinating (meaning no official host will be present), you all get to co-create the experience together. These guidelines are here to help ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and ready to have a great time.

1. Show Up for Each Other: Your presence matters! When you RSVP, others are excited to meet you. Please be mindful of the start time and try your best to be on time. If something comes up and you can’t make it, please update your RSVP by contacting us at heybesties@bfffinder.com. It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big difference.
2. Be a Friendly Face in the Crowd: Finding new people in a busy place can feel a little awkward, so let’s make it easy. Look for the shared identifier communicated ahead of the event and be the one to say hello first! A simple “Are you here for the BFF Finder meetup?” is the perfect icebreaker. Look out for others who might be looking for the group and welcome them with a warm smile.
3. Create a Safe and Welcoming Vibe: Every person at the meetup is there to find friends, just like you. Help create an atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable and included.
   • Respect Boundaries: Friendships are built on trust and respect. Be mindful of personal space and different comfort levels with topics of conversation.  
   • Listen with Kindness: The best connections happen when we truly listen to each other’s stories. Be curious, ask questions, and give everyone a chance to share.
   • Zero Tolerance for Ickiness: Harassment, bullying, discrimination, or any form of intimidation have no place here. We are a community built on kindness.
4. What’s Shared Among Friends, Stays Among Friends: Friendship deepens through sharing, and that requires a circle of trust. The personal stories and experiences shared at your table are for your group only. Please respect everyone’s privacy by not sharing their personal details or stories outside of the meetup.  
5. Be Your Authentic Self: The goal is to find friends who love you for you. Be open, be honest, and let your true personality shine. The more genuine you are, the more likely you are to find those friendships that just click.

If you experience anything that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, please don’t hesitate to remove yourself from the situation and let us know immediately by emailing heybesties@bfffinder.com. We take this very seriously and will review every report.

8. Reporting & Consequences

If you see or experience something that doesn’t feel right or violates these guidelines, please let us know immediately by emailing heybesties@bfffinder.com. We take this very seriously and will review every report. Violations may result in warnings or permanent bans from the BFF Finder service, at our discretion.

9. Got Questions?

If anything is unclear or you just want to chat about our practices, please email us at heybesties@bfffinder.com. We’re here to help, and we always listen.