1. Introduction

Welcome to MyVanLink ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform that connects customers with van drivers for transportation services. By using MyVanLink, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and profile photos
• Driver Information: Vehicle details, license information, insurance documents, verification documents, business descriptions, equipment lists
• Payment Information: Processed securely through Stripe (we do not store complete payment card details)
• Job Information: Pickup/delivery addresses, job descriptions, photos of items, pricing details
• Communication Data: Messages exchanged through our platform between users
• Reviews and Ratings: Feedback provided about services rendered

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

• Location Data: Real-time location during active jobs (with driver consent), pickup and delivery locations
• Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform, interaction patterns
• Cookies: Session cookies, preference cookies, and analytics cookies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Facilitate connections between customers and drivers
• Process payments and manage transactions
• Verify driver credentials and maintain platform safety
• Enable real-time job tracking and location sharing during active jobs
• Send notifications about job updates, responses, and messages
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Prevent fraud, abuse, and ensure platform security
• Analyze platform usage to improve services
• Send promotional communications (with your consent)
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Users

When you use our services, certain information is shared with other users to facilitate job completion:

• Customers can see driver profiles, ratings, reviews, and availability
• Drivers can see job details, pickup/delivery locations, and customer contact information for accepted jobs
• Both parties can view real-time location data during active job tracking

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers:

• Payment Processing: Stripe (for payment and payout processing)
• Cloud Hosting: Infrastructure providers (Base44 platform)
• Analytics: Service usage and performance monitoring
• Email Services: For transactional and notification emails
• AI Services: For customer support chatbot and pricing suggestions

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law, to respond to legal processes, to protect our rights, prevent fraud, or ensure user safety.

4.4 Business Transfers

If MyVanLink is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

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

• Encrypted data transmission using SSL/TLS
• Secure password hashing and authentication
• Regular security audits and monitoring
• Restricted access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Payment data handled by PCI-DSS compliant providers (Stripe)

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Update

You can access and update your profile information through your account settings at any time.

6.2 Data Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and personal data by contacting us. Note that we may retain certain information as required by law or for legitimate business purposes (e.g., transaction records, dispute resolution).

6.3 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of promotional emails by clicking the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or adjusting your notification settings.

6.4 Location Tracking

Drivers can disable real-time location tracking through their device settings, though this may limit job tracking features.

6.5 GDPR Rights (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights:

• Right to access your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing
• Right to withdraw consent

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Specific retention periods:

• Account Information: Retained until account deletion
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years for tax and legal purposes
• Chat Messages: Retained for 2 years
• Location Data: Real-time location deleted after job completion
• Reviews: Retained indefinitely unless account is deleted

8. Children's Privacy

MyVanLink is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect information from children. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child, we will take steps to delete such information.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your session and keep you logged in
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze platform usage and performance
• Improve user experience

You can control cookie settings through your browser, though disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.

11. Third-Party Links

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

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of MyVanLink after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Limitation of Liability

MyVanLink acts as a platform connecting customers and drivers. We are not responsible for the actions, services, or conduct of drivers or customers. Users engage with each other at their own risk. We do not guarantee the accuracy of user-provided information or the quality of services rendered.

14. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising from the use of MyVanLink or this Privacy Policy shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the laws of England and Wales, unless otherwise required by law.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us: