Safeguarding Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2024

Last Updated: 25 February 2025

Introduction

This Agreement (the 'Agreement') outlines Simply Nikah's commitment to user safety, data protection and ethical conduct. By using Simply Nikah, users agree to adhere to these guidelines. This Agreement further outlines Simply Nikah's commitment to preventing Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) in compliance with the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store's provisions and relevant UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989, the including the Children Act 1989, the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the Online Safety Act 2023. This policy establishes comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of minors across all Simply Nikah platforms.

Scope of Agreement

This Agreement applies to all employees, contractors, users, and third-party affiliates of Simply Nikah who interact with the platform's services. It extends to all digital spaces managed by Simply Nikah, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding.

Zero-Tolerance Approach

Simply Nikah enforces a zero-tolerance policy towards CSAE. Any content, behaviour, or communication that promotes, depicts, or exploits minors is strictly prohibited. Violations will result in immediate termination of services, permanent bans, and mandatory reporting to UK law enforcement under the Children Act 1989 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

Age Verification

Simply Nikah mandates that all users must be 18 years or older to register and use its services. The platform utilises a multi-step age verification process in compliance with the Online Safety Act 2023, which includes:

ID Verification

Users must submit a valid government-issued photo ID for verification. The data is processed securely under the Data Protection Act 2018.

Biometric Verification

Advanced facial recognition technology cross-verifies submitted IDs to prevent identity fraud.

Real-Time Verification Checks

AI-driven systems cross-check user details against public records to confirm authenticity. These layers employ mechanism to ensure minors cannot access the platform, supporting legal compliance and safeguarding objectives.

Content Moderation

Simply Nikah employs a combination of AI-powered tools and trained human moderators to monitor user-generated content. The moderation process includes AI flagging, which embodies machine learning algorithms to scan all uploads, chats, and user profiles for potential violations, including CSAE-related material. The moderation process further includes a manual flagging system, which entails a human flagging content; such an individual undergoes thorough evaluation by safeguarding experts trained in UK child protection laws.

Simply Nikah employs an immediate action protocol which ensure content identified as violating CSAE policies is removed instantly, and offending accounts are permanently banned. All incidents are reported to the National Crime Agency (NCA) where applicable.

Content Moderation & User Protection

Simply Nikah employs the following content moderation and user protections:

Account Verification

This entails mandatory email and phone verification along with AI-driven tools flag suspicious activity for manual review.

Prohibited Content

Simply Nikah adopts no tolerance for hate speech, harassment, explicit content, or illegal activities. Content violating these terms will be removed, and offending accounts may face suspension or permanent bans.

Reporting & Flagging

Users can report inappropriate behaviour directly through the app. Reports are reviewed within 48 hours, with priority given to safety-related issues.

Child Safety Assurance & CSAE Prevention

Simply Nikah is strictly for users aged 18 and over. Individuals under 18 are strictly prohibited from using our services, creating accounts, or submitting personal information.

Simply Nikah do not knowingly collect data from individuals under 18. If it is discovered that such information has been collected, it will be promptly deleted. Users who suspect that an account may belong to someone under 18 should report it immediately for review and action.

Simply Nikah has a zero-tolerance policy for CSAE. Advanced AI algorithms and manual moderation work together to detect and remove CSAE content. Detected CSAE material is immediately removed, and relevant authorities are notified as required by law. Moderation staff receive specialised CSAE detection and response training. Users can report suspected CSAE content, which is prioritised for urgent review. Regular audits and policy reviews ensure CSAE prevention measures remain effective and compliant with global standards.

Reporting Mechanisms

Users are provided with intuitive reporting tools within the app to flag suspicious or harmful content. The reporting process includes a 24-hour Safeguard Team Monitoring; a dedicated team reviews all reports within 24 hours, with priority given to CSAE concerns. The reporting process also includes escalation to authorities on verified cases of CSAE; these are immediately escalated to UK law enforcement and relevant child protection agencies, including CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command).

Data Protection and Privacy

Simply Nikah upholds strict data protection protocols in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Measures include data encryption for all user data, is encrypted using end-to-end protocols, ensuring unauthorised parties cannot access sensitive information, and minors' data deletion; should any data relating to minors inadvertently be collected, it is immediately purged in compliance with legal obligations.

Simply Nikah's full data policy is available on its website.

Employee Training

It is declared, all Simply Nikah employees undergo continuous safeguarding training, focusing on CSAE prevention and compliance with UK laws.

Collaboration with Authorities

Simply Nikah actively collaborates with UK law enforcement agencies and child protection organisations. In cases involving CSAE, the platform shares relevant data in line with the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, to support investigations, and engages in industry-wide safeguarding initiatives to stay aligned with best practices and legal standards.

Policy Review

This policy undergoes annual reviews or sooner if significant legal or operational changes occur. The review process includes consultations with legal experts and child protection specialists to ensure ongoing compliance with UK law, the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

Enforcement

Breaches of this policy by users, employees, or third parties result in strict disciplinary actions, including termination and potential legal prosecution. Third-party affiliates must adhere to these safeguarding standards or risk the termination of partnerships.

Contact Information

For safeguarding concerns or policy clarifications, please contact:

Safeguard Team

Email: compliance@simpynikah.app