Privacy Policy

Effective Date: October 26, 2023
Last Updated: October 26, 2023

Welcome to ridez.xyz ("we," "our," "us," or "the Company"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with transparency and care. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website, mobile application, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

1. Information We Collect

We collect several types of information to provide and improve our Services to you.

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Account Information: When you create an account, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and a hashed version of your password.
• Profile Information: You may choose to provide additional details such as a profile picture, preferred payment methods, and vehicle information if you are a driver.
• Ride Information: When you request or provide a ride, we collect pickup and destination locations, trip routes, timestamps, and payment transaction details.
• Communication Data: We collect information when you contact our support team, participate in surveys, or provide feedback.
• Payment Information: We collect payment card details or other financial information necessary to process transactions. This data is handled by our secure, PCI-compliant third-party payment processors.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access our Services, including hardware model, operating system, unique device identifiers, IP address, and mobile network information.
• Usage Data: We collect data about your interactions with our Services, such as the pages you visit, features you use, and the time and duration of your activities.
• Location Data: With your explicit permission, we collect precise or approximate location data from your device to facilitate ride matching, navigation, and safety features. You can control location permissions through your device settings.

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information about you from other sources, such as:

• Social media platforms if you link your account or sign up through them.
• Background check and identity verification services (for drivers, where permitted by law).
• Marketing and analytics partners.

2. Use of Information

We use the information we collect for various business purposes, including:

• To Provide and Maintain Our Services: To create and manage your account, facilitate rides, process payments, and enable communication between riders and drivers.
• To Improve and Personalize: To understand how our Services are used, develop new features, and provide a personalized experience, including showing relevant offers.
• For Safety and Security: To verify user identities, conduct background checks (for drivers), prevent fraud, investigate suspicious activity, and enhance the safety of our platform.
• For Customer Support: To respond to your inquiries, troubleshoot problems, and resolve disputes.
• For Communication: To send you service-related announcements, administrative messages, promotional communications (where you have consented), and requests for feedback.
• For Legal and Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or enforceable governmental requests, and to enforce our Terms of Service.

3. Data Protection and Security

We implement a variety of technical, administrative, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure.

• We use encryption (SSL/TLS) to protect data transmitted between your device and our servers.
• We store personal information on secure servers with access limited to authorized personnel who need it to perform their job functions.
• We regularly review our data collection, storage, and processing practices to guard against unauthorized access.

Despite our efforts, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, while we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee its absolute security.

4. Cookies and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities.

4.1 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They enable core functionality like security and account access.
• Performance Cookies: Allow us to count visits and traffic sources to measure and improve site performance.
• Functionality Cookies: Enable enhanced functionality and personalization, such as remembering your login details or language preference.
• Targeting/Advertising Cookies: Set by us or our advertising partners to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant ads on other sites.

4.2 Your Choices Regarding Cookies

Most web browsers are set to accept cookies by default. You can usually modify your browser settings to decline or delete cookies. Please note that if you choose to remove or reject cookies, this could affect the availability and functionality of our Services.

5. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Other Users: To facilitate a ride, we share necessary information between riders and drivers, such as names, pickup locations, and vehicle details.
• With Service Providers: We share data with trusted third parties who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, data analysis, marketing, customer support, and background checks.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose information if we believe it is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, financing, or sale of company assets, your information may be transferred to the new owners.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information for any other purpose with your explicit consent.

6. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information. These