Trust & Privacy: Why Verification Matters

Online matchmaking offers amazing opportunities, but also real risks. Here's why verification matters and how Sahan protects your safety and privacy.

The Problem With Unverified Platforms

Mainstream apps allow anyone to create profiles with minimal checks, leading to:

Fake profiles and catfishing
Scammers seeking money
People misrepresenting marital status
Individuals with bad intentions
Time wasted on non-serious users

How Verification Protects You

1. Confirms Real Identity

Verification ensures the person you're talking to is who they claim to be, using ID checks and photo verification.

2. Reduces Fake Profiles

Making verification mandatory dramatically reduces fake accounts and bots.

3. Filters for Serious Users

People willing to verify are typically serious about marriage, not casual browsing.

4. Builds Community Trust

When everyone is verified, the whole community benefits from increased trust and safety.

What Sahan Verifies

Identity — Government-issued ID to confirm legal name and age
Photos — Real-time selfie verification to match profile pictures
Marital Status — Confirmation that users are single and eligible for marriage
Optional Family Verification — Option for family members to confirm involvement

Privacy Protection

While verification requires sharing information, Sahan protects your privacy:

What We Collect

ID for verification (stored securely, not shown to other users)
Photos for profile (you control visibility)
Contact info (email/phone for account access only)

What We DON'T Share

Your ID documents (never shown to other users)
Your exact location (only city/region)
Your contact info (until you choose to share it)
Your activity with third parties

Your Controls

Who can see your profile (all users, matches only, etc.)
What information displays (you can hide certain details)
When to share contact information
How to report and block users

Red Flags Even on Verified Platforms

Verification helps, but stay vigilant:

Rushing to move off-platform to avoid reporting tools
Refusing to video call (might not be the person in photos)
Financial requests of any kind
Inconsistent stories about family, work, or background
Pressure for inappropriate communication or photos

Reporting and Blocking

If someone violates community standards:

Block immediately to stop all contact
Report the profile with details about the violation
Our team investigates within 24 hours
Violators are removed from the platform

Community Standards

Sahan users agree to:

Be honest about identity and intentions
Communicate respectfully
Honor Islamic boundaries
Respect others' privacy
Report violations

Your Role in Safety

Verification is just the start. You also should:

Trust your instincts — if something feels off, it probably is
Don't share personal info too quickly (address, workplace, financial details)
Tell someone you trust about your conversations
Meet in public with a mahram present
Take your time — scammers rush; serious people are patient

Data Security

Your information is protected through:

Encrypted data transmission
Secure server storage
Regular security audits
Strict access controls for staff
Compliance with data protection laws

Why It's Worth It

Yes, verification adds a step. But that small inconvenience provides:

Peace of mind
Higher quality matches
Safer interactions
Stronger community standards
Better chance of finding a real, compatible spouse

Experience matchmaking you can trust. Join Sahan's verified community of serious Somali Muslims seeking marriage.