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Frequently Asked Questions

What is SOU?

SOU is a private social application opened by invitation. Every Wednesday at 9:00 PM, you receive a single curated introduction from verified members — not a profile gallery, but a letter. The intent is chosen from four doors: acquaintance, friendship, professional, conversation.

What is this website, and where is the app?

This website only collects invitation requests. The SOU mobile app is coming soon; the full membership application, identity verification, matching, and weekly letter take place entirely inside the app. The information you leave on the web (name, email, city, intent) is so we can notify you when the app opens.

Will my application be accepted?

No — leaving an invitation request on the web is not a guarantee of membership. Acceptance is decided in the app after Persona identity verification, criminal-record check, and House Council human review.

How much does membership cost?

The tiers (Society, Charter, Charter · Founding, Elite) and pricing are finalised when the SOU app opens. All payments are processed through Apple App Store In-App Purchase by Apple Distribution International Ltd. No payment is taken via the website.

How do I cancel my subscription?

From your Apple ID account: App Store → Account → Subscriptions → SOU → Cancel. Cancellation must be made at least 24 hours before renewal. SOU cannot cancel subscriptions directly; cancellation goes through Apple.

I want a refund — how?

Apple App Store refund flow:

• Go to reportaproblem.apple.com
• Sign in with your Apple ID
• Select the SOU purchase, then "Request a Refund"
• Apple typically responds within 24–48 hours

SOU cannot directly intervene in refund requests (per Apple Media Services Terms), but please let us know your situation at hello@souprivate.com.

How do I close my account?

If you have not yet installed the app, you can request deletion of your web application via the privacy request form or by email to kvkk@souprivate.com (include your reference code). Deletion within 30 days.

If you have installed the app: Settings → Close Account. Data is kept in soft-delete for 30 days, then permanently destroyed.

I've been banned — what can I do?

You may appeal within 14 days of the ban decision by writing to appeal@souprivate.com. Review is completed within 14 business days. Detailed community rules: SOU House Code.

How does identity verification work?

SOU uses three layers of verification:

• NFC ID: Read from the Turkish e-ID NFC chip via Persona.
• Live selfie match: Persona liveness check confirms you are a real person.
• Criminal record: An E-Devlet QR-coded document is uploaded; verified via the Turkish Ministry of Justice QR system.

Important: SOU systems do not store the identity document or biometric template. Only the verification result ("verified / not verified") is retained. Details: Data Processing Notice.

What happens to fake profiles?

Even after the three layers of verification, suspected fake profiles are reviewed under the House Code. Bots, fake photos, and stolen identities result in permanent ban. Report channel: appeal@souprivate.com.

What should I do if I feel unsafe?

In an emergency, call 112 (emergency services) in Turkey, or the equivalent in your country. For harassment, threats, fraud, or other safety concerns on SOU, write to appeal@souprivate.com with details. Urgent moderation requests are reviewed within 24 hours.

Mental health crisis: Turkey Ministry of Health ALO 182 (suicide prevention). EU: Samaritans 116 123.

I suspect romance scam / fraud

Any message on SOU requesting money transfer, bank details, or directing you to another platform is always fraud. Take a screenshot and forward it to appeal@souprivate.com immediately. You may also report to your local cybercrime authority.

How do I exercise my privacy rights (GDPR/KVKK)?

Under GDPR Art. 15-22 and KVKK Art. 11, you have rights to access, rectification, erasure, portability, and to object to automated decisions. Submit a request via the privacy request form or by email to kvkk@souprivate.com. Response within 30 days.

My question is not here — who should I write to?

For general inquiries: hello@souprivate.com. Response within 3 business days.

Glossary

Terms used in SOU:

• House — Local communities in our cities (Istanbul, London, Paris, Bodrum). Each city has its own event calendar and membership threshold.
• Drop — A single curated introduction delivered every Wednesday at 9:00 PM. Not a profile gallery — a letter.
• Vouch — An existing member recommending an application. One of the three membership paths (invitation, application, vouch).
• Cadde — A members' city guide. Cafés, dinners, art, walking routes curated by members.
• Sunday Letter — A weekly editorial letter. Free to read; no membership required (coming soon).
• Society — Base membership tier: weekly Drop, access to member events.
• Charter — Society plus criminal-record verification and founder dinner access.
• Charter Founding — Charter with lifetime-locked price for the first 600 founding members of Istanbul. Closes after launch.
• Elite — Charter + pre-interview + concierge support. Limited capacity.
• Safety+ — E-Devlet QR-coded criminal-record verification. Included in all tiers, free during application.
• House Code — SOU community rules. Details.