Terms of Service

By creating an account, completing a profile, or using any feature on DesiConnect.com ("the Platform"), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform. These terms apply to all services offered, including the general dating/matchmaking features and the DesiConnect Matrimony section.

DesiConnect is a community platform designed for South African Indians across all nine provinces seeking romantic connections. The Platform offers: • A general dating and matchmaking service ("Browse", "AI Matchmaker") where user profiles are visible to other registered users. • A premium Matrimony section ("DesiConnect Matrimony") designed for serious, marriage-focused introductions with enhanced privacy protections. The Platform is operated by the owner of DesiConnect.com ("the Operator"). The Operator is not a licensed matchmaking agency, marriage bureau, or relationship counsellor. The Platform provides tools and a facilitated environment—nothing more.

General Site (Browse, AI Matchmaker): By creating a profile on the general site, you consent to your profile information (name, photos, bio, preferences, interests) being visible to other registered and authenticated users of the Platform. Your profile may appear in search results, AI-generated match suggestions, and browsing pages. DesiConnect Matrimony: Matrimony profiles are kept strictly private by default. Your full name, contact details, phone number, email address, and photographs are NOT shared with other users without explicit admin-mediated approval. Only anonymised information (first initial, age range, general background) is shown in match suggestions. Photographs are only shared with potential matches if you have given explicit photo-sharing consent AND the admin has approved the match introduction. You understand that despite our best efforts, no system is 100% secure. The Operator takes reasonable measures to protect your data but cannot guarantee absolute security against data breaches, unauthorised access, or technical failures.

Both the general AI Matchmaker and the Matrimony section involve admin-assisted or AI-assisted matchmaking. By using these features, you consent to the following: • The admin and/or AI system may review your profile information to suggest potential matches. • The admin may contact you regarding potential matches, introductions, or profile verification. • Match suggestions are generated using algorithms and human judgement, and are not guarantees of compatibility, mutual interest, or successful outcomes. • In the Matrimony section, the admin serves as a mediator for introductions—both parties must provide mutual consent before any personal details are shared. • The admin reserves the right to approve, reject, pause, or remove any profile or match at their sole discretion for quality and safety purposes. • You agree to cooperate respectfully with the admin during the matchmaking process.

THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE." THE OPERATOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, REGARDING: • The quality, accuracy, or reliability of match suggestions. • The truthfulness, accuracy, or completeness of any user's profile information. • The character, behaviour, intentions, or suitability of any user you are introduced to. • The success of any match, introduction, or relationship that arises from the Platform. • The continuous, uninterrupted, or error-free operation of the Platform. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE OPERATOR SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR: • Any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform. • Loss of data, personal information, or profile content due to technical failures, bugs, or system errors. • Bad experiences, failed matches, unsuccessful introductions, or any emotional distress. • Any actions, statements, or behaviour of other users, whether online or offline. • Financial loss, travel expenses, or other costs incurred in connection with any match or meeting. • Any harm resulting from meetings arranged through or arising from the Platform. You acknowledge that matchmaking involves inherent uncertainty and that the Operator cannot control or predict human behaviour, chemistry, or relationship outcomes.

By using the Platform, you agree to: • Provide truthful, accurate, and up-to-date information in your profile. • Be at least 18 years of age. • Not impersonate another person or create false/misleading profiles. • Not engage in harassment, abusive behaviour, threats, or discrimination towards other users or the admin. • Not share or distribute other users' personal information without their consent. • Not use the Platform for any commercial, fraudulent, or illegal purposes. • Report any suspicious, abusive, or inappropriate behaviour to the admin immediately. • Understand that the Platform may share your information with law enforcement if required by law or to protect user safety. The Operator reserves the right to suspend, terminate, or permanently ban any account that violates these terms, without prior notice or refund.

You may optionally upload photographs as part of your profile. By uploading photos: • On the general site: Your photos may be visible to other registered users if your profile is public. • On DesiConnect Matrimony: Your photos are kept private by default and only shared with potential matches after (a) you give explicit photo-sharing consent, (b) the admin approves the match, and (c) both parties agree to proceed with the introduction. You represent that you have the right to upload any photos you provide and that they are accurate, recent representations of yourself. You may withdraw photo-sharing consent at any time by updating your profile settings.

Your data is retained for as long as your account is active. You may request account deletion at any time through the Platform. Upon deletion: • Your profile information will be permanently removed from public visibility. • Some data may be retained for a reasonable period for legal, safety, or administrative purposes. • Data that has already been shared with matched users (e.g., names shared after mutual introduction approval) cannot be "un-shared" retroactively. The Operator is not liable for loss of information due to account deletion, technical errors, or platform changes.

The Operator reserves the right to modify these Terms & Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be posted on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. It is your responsibility to review these terms periodically.

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes arising from or related to the use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of South Africa.

For any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding these Terms & Conditions or the Platform, please contact us via the Contact page on the website or email [email protected].