popularph Privacy Policy

1. Who We Are

1.1 This Privacy Policy is issued by the operator of the popularph Platform, accessible at popularph.org (hereinafter referred to as "popularph," "we," "us," or "our").

1.2 popularph operates as an online gaming platform serving Filipino players under the regulatory framework of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). As a data controller, popularph is responsible for the personal data of registered players and visitors to the Platform.

1.3 This policy is issued in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173, also known as the Data Privacy Act of 2012 of the Philippines, and its Implementing Rules and Regulations.

2. Personal Data We Collect

2.1 popularph collects the following categories of personal data from players and Platform visitors:

Category	Examples	Purpose
Identity Data	Full name, date of birth, government ID number, photograph	Account registration, KYC verification, age verification
Contact Data	Email address, mobile number, residential address	Account communication, support, regulatory correspondence
Financial Data	GCash number, bank account details, transaction history	Processing deposits and withdrawals, AML compliance
Gaming Data	Game history, wager amounts, session duration, win/loss records	Platform operation, responsible gaming monitoring, dispute resolution
Technical Data	IP address, device type, browser type, operating system	Security, fraud prevention, Platform optimisation
Usage Data	Pages visited, features used, time spent on Platform	Analytics, product improvement, personalisation
Communications Data	Live chat transcripts, support emails, feedback submissions	Customer support, quality assurance, dispute resolution

2.2 popularph does not collect sensitive personal information as defined under RA 10173 (such as health data, political affiliations, or religious beliefs) unless specifically required by law or with your explicit consent.

3. How We Collect Your Data

3.1 Directly from you when you register an Account, complete KYC verification, make a deposit or withdrawal, contact our support team, or participate in promotions.

3.2 Automatically through your use of the Platform, including via cookies, web beacons, server logs, and similar tracking technologies that record technical and usage data.

3.3 From third parties, including identity verification providers, payment processors (such as GCash, PayMaya, BPI, BDO, and Metrobank), fraud prevention services, and regulatory authorities where required by law.

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

4.1 popularph uses your personal data for the following purposes:

• To create, verify, and manage your Account on the Platform;
• To process deposits, withdrawals, and other financial transactions;
• To verify your identity and age in compliance with PAGCOR regulations and Philippine anti-money laundering laws;
• To provide customer support and respond to your enquiries;
• To detect, investigate, and prevent fraud, money laundering, and other illegal activity;
• To monitor gaming activity for responsible gaming purposes and to identify signs of problem gambling;
• To send you account-related communications, including transaction confirmations, security alerts, and policy updates;
• To send you promotional communications where you have consented to receive them;
• To improve the Platform, personalise your experience, and conduct analytics;
• To comply with our legal and regulatory obligations under Philippine law.

5. Legal Basis for Processing

5.1 popularph processes your personal data on the following legal bases as recognised under RA 10173:

• Consent: Where you have given clear, informed consent to the processing of your data for a specific purpose, such as receiving marketing communications.
• Contractual Necessity: Where processing is necessary to perform the contract between you and popularph — specifically, to operate your Account and provide gaming services.
• Legal Obligation: Where processing is required to comply with applicable Philippine laws and regulations, including PAGCOR licensing requirements and anti-money laundering obligations.
• Legitimate Interests: Where processing is necessary for popularph's legitimate business interests, such as fraud prevention, Platform security, and service improvement, provided those interests are not overridden by your rights and interests.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 popularph does not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties for marketing purposes.

6.2 We may share your personal data with the following categories of recipients where necessary:

• Payment Processors: GCash, PayMaya, BPI, BDO, Metrobank, and other payment service providers to process your financial transactions;
• KYC and Identity Verification Providers: Third-party services that assist with age and identity verification;
• Fraud Prevention and Security Services: Providers that help us detect and prevent fraudulent activity on the Platform;
• Regulatory Authorities: PAGCOR, the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC), the National Privacy Commission (NPC), and other Philippine government bodies where required by law;
• IT and Infrastructure Providers: Cloud hosting, data storage, and technical service providers who process data on our behalf under strict data processing agreements;
• Professional Advisers: Lawyers, auditors, and consultants where necessary for legal or compliance purposes.

6.3 All third parties with whom popularph shares personal data are required to handle that data in accordance with applicable data privacy laws and are prohibited from using it for any purpose other than the specific service they provide to popularph.

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

7.1 popularph uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to operate and improve the Platform. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us recognise you, maintain your session, and understand how you use the Platform.

7.2 The types of cookies we use include:

• Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for the Platform to function. These cannot be disabled without affecting core functionality, including login sessions and security features.
• Performance and Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how players use the Platform so we can improve it. Data collected is aggregated and anonymised where possible.
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences, such as language settings and game lobby filters, to personalise your experience.
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant promotional content. These are only set with your consent.

7.3 You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of the Platform.

8. Data Retention

8.1 popularph retains your personal data for as long as your Account is active and for a period thereafter as required by applicable law and regulation.

8.2 Under Philippine anti-money laundering regulations, transaction records and KYC documentation must be retained for a minimum of five (5) years from the date of the transaction or the closure of the Account, whichever is later.

8.3 Gaming history and account activity logs are retained for a minimum of three (3) years for dispute resolution and regulatory compliance purposes.

8.4 Where data is no longer required for any lawful purpose, popularph will securely delete or anonymise it in accordance with our data retention schedule.

9. Data Security

9.1 popularph implements appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

• 256-bit SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmitted between your device and the Platform;
• Encrypted storage of sensitive data, including financial information and identity documents;
• Role-based access controls limiting staff access to personal data on a need-to-know basis;
• Regular security audits and penetration testing of Platform infrastructure;
• Two-factor authentication options for player accounts;
• Continuous monitoring for suspicious activity and potential security incidents.

9.2 While popularph takes all reasonable steps to protect your data, no online platform can guarantee absolute security. You are also responsible for keeping your Account credentials confidential and for notifying us immediately if you suspect any unauthorised access to your Account.

10. Your Rights Under Philippine Data Privacy Law

10.1 Under the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173), you have the following rights with respect to your personal data held by popularph:

• Right to be Informed: You have the right to be informed of how your personal data is being collected and processed, which this Privacy Policy fulfils.
• Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you at any time by contacting our Data Protection Officer.
• Right to Rectification: If any personal data we hold about you is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request that it be corrected.
• Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your personal data where it is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, subject to our legal retention obligations.
• Right to Object: You have the right to object to the processing of your personal data where that processing is based on legitimate interests or for direct marketing purposes.
• Right to Data Portability: You may request that we provide your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format.
• Right to Lodge a Complaint: If you believe your data privacy rights have been violated, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the National Privacy Commission (NPC) of the Philippines.

10.2 To exercise any of the above rights, please contact our Data Protection Officer using the details provided in Section 14 of this policy. We will respond to all verified requests within thirty (30) days in accordance with RA 10173.

11. Children's Privacy

11.1 The popularph Platform is strictly intended for individuals who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from individuals under the age of 21.

11.2 If popularph becomes aware that personal data has been collected from a person under the age of 21, we will immediately close the associated Account, forfeit any balances in accordance with our Terms & Conditions, and delete the personal data in question.

11.3 If you are a parent or guardian and believe that a minor has registered an Account on the Platform, please contact us immediately at the details provided in Section 14.

12. International Data Transfers

12.1 popularph primarily stores and processes personal data within the Philippines. Where it is necessary to transfer personal data to service providers or infrastructure located outside the Philippines — for example, cloud hosting providers — popularph ensures that such transfers are conducted in compliance with RA 10173 and that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

12.2 Such safeguards may include contractual clauses requiring the recipient to maintain data protection standards equivalent to those required under Philippine law, or reliance on the recipient's certification under a recognised data protection framework.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

13.1 popularph reserves the right to update or amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Where changes are material, we will notify you via the Platform or by email to your registered address prior to the changes taking effect.

13.2 The date of the most recent revision is displayed at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal data. Continued use of the Platform following any amendment constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

14. Contact Us & Data Protection Officer

14.1 If you have any questions, concerns, or requests relating to this Privacy Policy or the processing of your personal data, please contact the popularph Data Protection Officer:

• Email: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]
• Live Chat: Available 24/7 directly on the Platform

14.2 If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to escalate your complaint to the National Privacy Commission of the Philippines through their official channels.