Public Protection Policy

Core Promise
  • Goal: Safe matchmaking, not just finding love.

  • Method: Every member is vetted using standards modeled on UK police forces (College of Policing, West Midlands Police).

  • Key Defense: Combats AI deception, romance scams, and fake profiles.

Who Can Join?
  • Location: Members must be based in the United Kingdom only.

  • Reason: Allows full verification using official UK documents and background checks.

The Public Protection Department
  • Role: Independent team (separate from matchmaking).

  • Mission: Protect members from fraud, deception, and harm.

  • Key Tasks: ID verification, enhanced DBS checks, immigration checks, fraud monitoring, deepfake detection.

The Vetting Process (5 Steps)
  1. Identity Verification: UK Passport or Driving Licence + recent proof of address.

  2. Immigration Check: Proof of visa status & right to remain (for non-British citizens).

  3. Enhanced DBS Check: Certificate dated within last 3 months.

  4. Profile Review: Checks for accuracy, inconsistencies, or AI-generated content.

  5. Activation: Profile goes live only after full approval.

Automatic Exclusions (Zero Tolerance)

Your application is automatically rejected for:

  • Violent & Sexual Offences: Any conviction for violence, sexual assault, or domestic abuse.

  • Child Protection Offences: Any offence involving minors.

  • Hate Crimes: Racially/religiously motivated offences, homophobia, transphobia, hate group membership.

Merit-Based Review (For Other Offences)

Offences not in the automatic exclusion list get an individual review. Examples include: theft, minor drug possession, historic minor offences.

Factors considered:

  • Nature & seriousness of offence

  • Time elapsed since offence

  • Age at time of offence

  • Pattern of behaviour (one-off vs. repeated)

  • Evidence of rehabilitation

  • Honesty in disclosure

Possible Outcomes & Rules

1. Approved (No issues)

  • Profile activated normally.

2. Merit-Based Approval (with Transparency Consent)

  • For: Applicant has historical low-risk convictions.

  • Rule: Must sign a Transparency Consent Agreement.

  • How it works: Their profile shows “Merit-Based Review.” Anyone they connect with can request the DBS info from UK Rishta.

  • Consequence of refusal: Application is declined.

3. Approved with Conditions

  • May have extra monitoring or restrictions.

  • Your duty if interacting with such a person:

    • Report any safety concerns or scary behavior immediately to UK Rishta’s Vetting Department.

    • If needed, contact local police and inform UK Rishta.

    • Why: Platform safety depends on community cooperation.

4. Deferred

  • More information needed before decision.

5. Rejected

  • Application denied.

Policy Details
  • Effective Date: 1st January 2026

  • Next Review: 1st January 2027