Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RydLnk ("we," "our," or "us") operates a ridesharing platform that connects commuters with compatible schedules and routes.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use the RydLnk mobile app, website (rydlnk.com), and related services. By using RydLnk, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

• Name and phone number (for account creation)
• Profile photo
• Location data (pickup and dropoff points, route creation)
• Schedule and commute information
• Payment information (credit/debit cards, bank accounts for drivers)
• Messages and voice messages sent through the app
• Driver verification documents (driver's license, vehicle photos, insurance)
• Vehicle information (make, model, year, color, license plate)
• Support ticket messages

Information collected automatically:

• Device information (device type, OS version, app version)
• Push notification tokens
• Usage analytics (app interactions, feature usage)
• Crash reports and performance data
• IP address

Information from third parties:

• Background check results (for drivers, via Checkr)
• Payment processing data (via Stripe)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Match riders with drivers based on compatible schedules and routes
• Process payments (rider charges and driver payouts)
• Send ride notifications, reminders, and updates
• Enable in-app messaging between riders and drivers
• Verify driver identity and driving record
• Provide real-time ride tracking
• Send account verification codes via SMS
• Respond to support requests
• Improve our service through analytics
• Detect and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

4. Information Sharing

With other users:

• First name and profile photo are shared between matched riders and drivers
• Pickup and dropoff locations are shared with your driver
• We never share your phone number, exact home address, or payment details with other users

With service providers (data processors, not sold):

• Stripe — Payment processing and driver payouts
• Checkr — Driver background checks (Basic+ Motor Vehicle Report)
• Telnyx — SMS delivery for account verification and ride notifications
• PostHog — Anonymized product analytics
• Sentry — Crash reporting and error monitoring
• Expo — Push notification delivery
• MinIO (self-hosted) — Secure file storage for photos and voice messages

We do NOT sell your personal information to anyone.

Legal disclosure:

• We may disclose information when required by law, legal process, or government request
• To protect the safety of our users or the public
• To enforce our Terms of Service

5. Location Data

• We collect location data when you create routes and during active rides.
• For drivers: background location is collected ONLY during active rides to share real-time position with riders. Location tracking stops when the ride ends.
• For riders: location is used for route creation and to show nearby pickup points.
• We do not track your location when you are not actively using ride-related features.
• You can revoke location permissions at any time through your device settings.

6. SMS Communications

By providing your phone number, you consent to receive SMS messages for account verification and ride-related notifications.

Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

• Reply STOP to opt out at any time
• Reply HELP for assistance
• We do not send marketing or promotional SMS messages

Your phone number will not be shared with third parties for marketing purposes. For support, contact us at support@rydlnk.com or visit rydlnk.com/contact.

7. Data Security

• We use industry-standard encryption for data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest.
• Payment information is processed by Stripe and never stored on our servers.
• Voice messages and photos are stored on our self-hosted secure servers.
• We implement access controls and regular security reviews.
• No system is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Data Retention

After you delete your account, we retain data according to these periods:

• Payment and financial records: 7 years (legal/tax compliance)
• Ride history: 3 years (liability and insurance purposes)
• Messages: 1 year (dispute resolution)
• Driver verification documents: 3 years after driver deactivation
• SMS/OTP logs: 90 days
• Analytics data: 2 years (anonymized)
• All other personal data (profile, saved locations, device tokens): 30 days

After retention periods expire, data is permanently deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data through your app profile
• Correct inaccurate information through your profile settings
• Delete your account and personal data (in-app under Profile settings)
• Export your data by contacting us
• Opt out of SMS communications by replying STOP
• Revoke location permissions through your device settings

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at privacy@rydlnk.com.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: You may request details about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you
• Right to Delete: You may request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights
• Right to Opt-Out of Sale: We do NOT sell personal information, so no opt-out is necessary

To submit a CCPA request, email privacy@rydlnk.com. We will verify your identity before processing requests and respond within 45 days.

11. Age Requirement

RydLnk is intended for users 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we discover that we have collected information from a person under 18, we will delete it promptly. If you believe we have information from someone under 18, please contact us at privacy@rydlnk.com.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes through the app or by other means. Your continued use of RydLnk after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy:

• Email: privacy@rydlnk.com
• Web: rydlnk.com/contact
• Mail: RydLnk, Orem, Utah