Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SwapRidez ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our vehicle exchange platform. By using SwapRidez, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you create a listing or use our services, we collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address
• Location Data: Zip code (used solely for matching purposes)
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, estimated value, description
• Images: Photos of your vehicle that you upload
• Communications: Messages or inquiries you send through the platform

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our platform, we automatically collect:

• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, operating system
• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
• Cookies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 8)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Matching Services: To connect you with nearby users with similar-valued vehicles (within 10 miles and ±20% value)
• Platform Operation: To provide, maintain, and improve our services
• Communication: To facilitate contact between matched users via email
• Security: To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, and security issues
• Legal Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and law enforcement requests
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our platform and improve user experience

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

When you are matched with another user, your email address and vehicle listing information (including images) are visible to that user. This is necessary for users to contact each other and arrange vehicle exchanges.

4.2 With Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Cloud hosting and data storage (Fly.io)
• Image hosting services (Cloudinary)
• Database management (PostgreSQL)
• Analytics and performance monitoring

These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

4.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to:

• Valid legal process (subpoenas, court orders, warrants)
• Law enforcement requests or governmental inquiries
• Protection of our legal rights or the safety of users
• Investigation of fraud, security issues, or Terms of Service violations

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity. You will be notified of any such change.

4.5 What We Do NOT Do

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (SSL/TLS)
• Secure cloud infrastructure with access controls
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data

Important: While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. You acknowledge that you provide information at your own risk.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide services. Specifically:

• Active Listings: Retained while your listing is active
• Account Data: Retained until you request account deletion
• Transaction Records: Retained for legal and compliance purposes (typically 7 years)
• Communications: Retained as necessary for dispute resolution

Upon account deletion, we will delete or anonymize your personal information, except where retention is required by law.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

7.1 Access and Portability

You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Correction

You may update or correct your account information at any time by contacting us.

7.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated data. Note that some information may be retained for legal compliance.

7.4 Opt-Out

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at swapridez@gmail.com

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. These include:

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may limit platform functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

SwapRidez is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected information from a child under 18, we will delete it promptly.

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

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

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell your data)
• Right to deletion of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

12. International Users

SwapRidez is operated in the United States. If you are accessing our platform from outside the U.S., please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by updating the "Last updated" date at the top of this page. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at: