TheFaithApp — Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)
Effective Date: ___
Last Updated: May 20 2025
This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") applies to every church, ministry, or other organization (collectively, "you" or "your") that connects PayPal, Stripe, bank accounts, or any other payment method ("Payment Services") to TheFaithApp platform ("we," "our," "us"). By onboarding or continuing to use Payment Services through TheFaithApp, you agree to comply with this AUP in addition to our Terms of Service and the applicable terms of each Payment Service provider. Violation of this AUP may result in suspension or termination of your Payment Services integration, removal of content, or other action at our discretion.
1 Purpose and Scope
This AUP describes activities, industries, goods, and services that are prohibited or restricted when you accept donations, payments, or other transfers through TheFaithApp. It incorporates by reference (and is not a substitute for) the most current:
- PayPal Acceptable Use Policy and Restricted Activities list;
- Stripe Restricted & Prohibited Businesses list;
- Applicable banking regulations in your jurisdiction.
If a conflict exists, the strictest requirement applies.
2 General Compliance Requirements
- Legal compliance. You must obey all laws, regulations, and regulatory guidance that apply to you, your donors, congregants, or end‑users, including export controls, economic sanctions, tax obligations, data‑privacy laws, anti‑money‑laundering (AML), and counter‑terrorist‑financing (CTF) rules.
- Processor policies. You must follow each Payment Service provider's terms, including PayPal's "Restricted Activities" and Stripe's "Restricted Business" policies.
- Permitted scope. Payment Services on TheFaithApp are intended primarily for religious ministry activities (e.g., tithes, offerings, event fees, bookshop items directly related to ministry). Using them for other purposes requires our prior written approval.
3 Prohibited Activities
You may not use Payment Services on TheFaithApp to transact in connection with, or facilitate:
| Ref | Category | Examples (non‑exhaustive) |
|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Illegal or fraudulent acts | Money laundering, terrorism financing, financial scams, pyramid schemes, forgery, identity theft |
| 3.2 | Harmful or exploitative content | Sexual exploitation, child abuse material, human trafficking |
| 3.3 | Hate, violence, or discrimination | Funding or promotion of extremist organizations, racist literature, content inciting violence against protected classes |
| 3.4 | Adult content & sexual services | Pornography, escort or massage parlors, sexual products not directly related to marital/family ministry |
| 3.5 | Controlled substances & drug paraphernalia | Sale of narcotics, cannabis, vaping devices, drug‑making equipment |
| 3.6 | Weapons & destructive devices | Firearms, ammunition, explosives, instructions for making weapons |
| 3.7 | Gambling & games of chance | Lotteries, raffles, sports‑betting, casino chips ✝ |
| 3.8 | High‑risk financial products | Foreign‑exchange trading, binary options, high‑yield investment programs |
| 3.9 | Intellectual‑property infringement | Sale of counterfeit goods, bootleg media, unlicensed software or music |
| 3.10 | Deceptive marketing or get‑rich‑quick schemes | Multi‑level marketing (MLM) promising unrealistic income, investment advice without license |
| 3.11 | Cryptocurrency dealings | ICOs, token sales, wallets, crypto mining fees |
| 3.12 | Political or lobbying fundraising | Payments intended for political parties, campaigns, or PACs |
| 3.13 | Extremist or terrorist fundraising | Support for organizations sanctioned by any government or listed by the UN, OFAC, or EU |
| 3.14 | Other prohibited goods/services | Body parts, stolen property, fireworks, payday loans, debt‑repair services |
✝ Churches may conduct charitable raffles only where legal, with prior written consent from TheFaithApp and the payment processor.
4 Restricted Activities Requiring Pre‑Approval
The following may be allowed only with TheFaithApp's and the Payment Service provider's written approval before processing any transactions:
- Ticket sales for large events >1 000 attendees
- Medical, counseling, or therapeutic services
- International charitable fundraising outside your home country
- Sale of religious‑themed merchandise exceeding USD 10 000 per month
- Travel packages, pilgrimages, or mission trips that include flights or lodging
- Import or resale of goods from sanctioned or high‑risk jurisdictions
5 Content Standards
- Accuracy. All descriptions, prices, and donation appeals must be truthful and not misleading.
- Transparency. You must clearly disclose how funds will be used. If a donation is for a designated project (e.g., building fund), it must be applied only to that purpose.
- Data security. You must implement appropriate safeguards for donor data in accordance with GDPR (if applicable), the Ugandan Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019, and other relevant regulations.
- Non‑exclusivity. Posting disallowed content elsewhere (e.g., your own site) does not permit processing that content through TheFaithApp.
6 Donor Data & Privacy
You are the controller of donor personal data. You must obtain any required consents and provide legally sufficient privacy notices. You may not sell, rent, or share donor data with third parties except as required to complete the transaction or comply with law.
7 Enforcement and Remedies
- Monitoring. We may review activity, content, and transaction data (manually or via automated tools) to verify compliance.
- Notice & suspension. We may suspend or limit your Payment Services if we suspect a violation. We will usually notify you and give you an opportunity to respond, unless prohibited by law or processor rules.
- Termination. Serious or repeated violations may lead to immediate termination of your account or Payment Services integration.
- Funds reserve or confiscation. Processors may place reserves or seize funds linked to illegal activity, in line with their own terms.
8 Reporting Violations
If you believe another organization is violating this AUP, please email support@thefaithapp.com with details. We investigate all credible reports.
9 Modifications
We may amend this AUP at any time. Changes become effective on posting. Continued use of Payment Services after a change constitutes your acceptance of the revised AUP.
10 Acceptance
By connecting any Payment Service to TheFaithApp or continuing to process payments/donations, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to abide by this AUP.
Need help?
Questions about this AUP can be directed to support@thefaithapp.com.