Account Deactivation & Deletion Policy

1. Purpose & Principles

Friendium recognizes that users may wish to step away from the platform temporarily or permanently. This policy exists to provide clear, lawful, and secure mechanisms for account deactivation and deletion while balancing user autonomy, legal compliance, platform integrity, and the safety of other users.

The policy aligns with global privacy frameworks including GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, and other applicable data protection laws.

2. Definitions

• Deactivation: A reversible action that temporarily disables an account.
• Deletion: A permanent action resulting in account termination.
• Retention Period: A limited timeframe during which certain data is retained.
• Residual Data: Data retained for legal, security, or compliance reasons.

3. Account Deactivation

Deactivation allows users to pause their presence on Friendium without permanently deleting their account or associated data.

• Profile becomes hidden from other users
• Posts and interactions are not publicly visible
• Friend connections are preserved
• Account can be reactivated at any time by logging in

4. Deactivation Limitations

Certain data and actions may remain accessible during deactivation:

• Messages previously sent to other users
• Content quoted, shared, or archived by others
• Records required for legal or safety purposes

5. Account Deletion

Account deletion is a permanent action that terminates a user’s access to Friendium and initiates irreversible data removal processes.

Once deletion is finalized:

• The account cannot be restored
• User credentials are invalidated
• Profile visibility is permanently removed

6. Deletion Request Process

Users may request deletion through account settings or by contacting Friendium’s Privacy Office. Requests are subject to verification to prevent unauthorized actions.

7. Identity Verification

Before processing deletion requests, Friendium may require:

• Login confirmation
• Email or phone verification
• Multi-factor authentication
• Additional proof for high-risk accounts

8. Cooling-Off Period

To prevent accidental or coerced deletions, Friendium may implement a short cooling-off period during which the deletion request can be canceled.

9. Data Removal Scope

Upon deletion, Friendium initiates the removal or anonymization of:

• Profile information
• User-generated content where feasible
• Account settings and preferences
• Authentication credentials

10. Data Retention Exceptions

Certain data may be retained after deletion where required by law or legitimate business interests:

• Legal compliance and recordkeeping
• Fraud prevention and security investigations
• Enforcement history and abuse prevention
• Financial and transactional records

11. Anonymization & Aggregation

Where possible, deleted account data may be anonymized or aggregated for statistical, research, or reporting purposes, ensuring it cannot be linked back to the individual.

12. Impact on Other Users

Deleting an account does not remove content from other users’ accounts, such as messages they received or posts they reshared, except where legally required.

13. Enforcement-Related Accounts

Accounts subject to ongoing investigations, enforcement actions, or legal holds may have deletion requests delayed or denied until obligations are satisfied.

14. Deceased Users

Friendium supports special handling for deceased users, including memorialization or deletion, subject to verification and applicable laws.

15. Minors & Guardians

For accounts held by minors, deletion requests may require consent or initiation by a verified parent or legal guardian.

16. Third-Party Services

Deletion requests do not automatically extend to third-party services integrated with Friendium unless required by law.

17. Processing Timeframes

Friendium aims to complete deletion requests within legally mandated timeframes, typically within 30–90 days depending on complexity.

18. Audit & Documentation

Friendium maintains internal logs documenting deactivation and deletion actions to ensure compliance and accountability.

19. Abuse Prevention

Fraudulent, coercive, or malicious deletion attempts may be blocked or escalated for review by security teams.

20. Policy Changes

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, platform functionality, or security practices.

21. Contact Information

Privacy Office: privacy@friendium.com
Data Protection Officer: dpo@nexa-group.org
Legal Department: legal@nexa-group.org