At Kova, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our rideshare platform.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Name and surname
- Email address (for students)
- Phone number (for professional drivers)
- University affiliation (for students)
- Graduation year (for students)
- Gender (optional)
- Profile picture (optional)
1.2 Driver Verification Information
For drivers, we collect additional information for safety verification:
- Driver's license information and images
- Insurance documents
- Employment verification (for professional drivers)
- Driving history questionnaire responses
1.3 Referral Information
We generate a unique referral code for each user to track referrals within the platform.
2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Create and manage your account
- Verify driver credentials and ensure safety
- Process referrals and track waitlist status
- Communicate with you about your account
- Improve our services and user experience
- Comply with legal obligations
3. Data Storage and Security
3.1 Where We Store Your Data
All user data is stored securely using Google Firebase Cloud Firestore, which provides:
- End-to-end encryption in transit (TLS/SSL)
- Encryption at rest
- Enterprise-grade security infrastructure
- Regular security audits and compliance certifications
3.2 Authentication
We use Firebase Authentication for secure user login:
- Email/password authentication with industry-standard encryption
- Phone number verification using SMS codes
- Email verification links sent securely
- Passwords are never stored in plain text
3.3 Document Storage
Driver verification documents (license, insurance, employment proof) are stored as base64-encoded images in our secure Firestore database. These documents are:
- Only accessible to authorized Kova administrators
- Used solely for verification purposes
- Encrypted at rest and in transit
- Automatically deleted if your account is deleted
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
4.1 Within the Platform
Limited information is shared with other users:
- Your name and profile picture are visible to other users
- Your university (for students)
- Driver verification status (verified/not verified badge)
4.2 Service Providers
We work with trusted third-party service providers:
- Firebase/Google Cloud: Data storage and authentication
- Expo: Mobile app development and delivery
4.3 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information if required by law, such as to:
- Comply with legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
- Protect the rights and safety of Kova and its users
- Prevent fraud or illegal activity
5. Your Privacy Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: View all personal information we have about you
- Update: Edit your profile information at any time
- Delete: Request deletion of your account and all associated data
- Export: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
To exercise these rights, contact us at help@ridekova.com or use the "Delete Account" option in your profile settings.
6. Account Deletion
When you delete your account:
- Your profile is immediately removed from the platform
- All personal information is permanently deleted from our databases
- Driver verification documents are permanently deleted
- Your referral code becomes inactive
- This action cannot be undone
We may retain certain information for a limited period to comply with legal obligations or resolve disputes.
7. Data Retention
We retain your information for as long as your account is active. If you delete your account, we permanently delete your data within 30 days, except where we're required by law to retain it longer.
8. Children's Privacy
Kova is intended for users who are at least 18 years old. We do not knowingly collect information from children under 18. If we discover that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it immediately.
9. International Users
Your information may be transferred to and stored on servers located in the United States. By using Kova, you consent to this transfer.
10. Email and Phone Verification
We use your email and phone number solely for:
- Account verification
- Password reset requests
- Important account security notifications
- Service updates (you can opt out)
We will never sell your contact information or send spam.
11. Cookies and Tracking
Our mobile app does not use cookies. We use Firebase Analytics to understand how users interact with our app, which may collect:
- Device type and operating system
- App usage patterns (anonymized)
- Crash reports to improve stability
This data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify you personally.
12. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by:
- Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top
- Sending you a notification within the app
- Emailing you (for major changes)
13. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:
Email: help@ridekova.com
14. Your Consent
By using Kova, you consent to this Privacy Policy and our collection, use, and storage of your information as described herein.
Kova is committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the security of your personal information.