Privacy Policy

RoadShade Privacy Policy

Last Updated: June 22, 2025

RoadShade is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you use the RoadShade mobile application (the "App") and our related services.

By accessing or using the RoadShade App, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access or use the App.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information from and about you when you use our App:

  • Information You Provide Directly:

    • Account Information: When you register and log in, we collect your mobile phone number for OTP (One-Time Password) verification and account creation. We may also collect your email address (if you choose to provide it) for communication purposes and account recovery.
    • Profile Information: You may choose to provide a username or display name which will be associated with your posts.
    • Post Content:
      • Photos/Images: Images you upload of animals or plants.
      • Details Provided: Names, types, descriptions, or any other textual information you add about the animal or plant.
    • Communications: Any messages or communications you send to us, such as support inquiries or feedback.

  • Information Collected Automatically (Device & Usage Data):

    • Location Data: We collect precise or approximate location information from your device (e.g., using GPS, Wi-Fi, or cellular network triangulation) when you actively create a post and grant us permission to access your location. This data is directly associated with your post to accurately map and display the location of the animal or plant. We do not collect your location data in the background.
    • Device Information: We collect information about your mobile device, including the device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers (e.g., IMEI, Android ID), IP address, mobile network information, and browser type (if applicable). This data helps us optimize the App's performance and ensure compatibility.
    • Usage Data: We collect information about how you interact with our App, such as the features you use, the time and duration of your activities, and any errors or crashes. This helps us understand user behavior and improve the App.

2. How We Use Your Information

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

  • To Provide and Maintain the App: To operate, deliver, and maintain the functionality of the RoadShade App, including allowing you to create an account, log in, and make posts.
  • To Display Post Content: To display your uploaded photos, animal/plant details, and associated location on a map publicly within the App, enabling other users to view and interact with your posts.
  • To Facilitate Animal/Plant Support: To help users identify, locate, and potentially support animals or plants in need as intended by the App's purpose.
  • To Communicate with You: To send you OTPs for login, respond to your inquiries, provide customer support, and send you important updates or notifications related to the App.
  • To Improve and Personalize the App: To understand user trends, fix bugs, develop new features, and enhance your overall experience within the App.
  • For Security and Fraud Prevention: To protect the security and integrity of our App, prevent fraudulent activities, and enforce our terms of service.
  • For Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes.

3. Sharing and Disclosure of Information

We are committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. We do not sell or rent your personal data to third parties. We may share or disclose your information in the following limited circumstances:

  • Publicly Displayed Information:
    • The photos/images you upload, the animal/plant details you provide, your username/display name, and the location data associated with your posts will be visible to all users of the RoadShade App and potentially on our public website (if applicable). This is the core functionality of the App.
  • With Partnered Rescue Agencies (if applicable):
    • If you explicitly opt-in or if we partner with specific animal/plant rescue or conservation agencies, we may share relevant post details (including images, descriptions, and precise location) to facilitate direct support or intervention for animals or plants in need. We will clearly inform you if this feature is implemented and provide options to control this sharing.
  • Service Providers:
    • We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as cloud hosting, analytics, OTP delivery services (e.g., SMS providers), and technical support. These service providers are obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
  • Legal Requirements and Business Transfers:
    • We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights or property, prevent fraud, or protect the safety of our users or the public.
    • In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via a prominent notice in the App or on our website of any such change in ownership or control of your personal information.

4. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide you with our services, comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. If you wish to delete your account, please contact us at the email address provided below. Upon account deletion, your personal information will be removed from our active databases, though some residual data may remain in backup systems for a limited period due to technical and legal requirements. Public posts may remain visible, but they will be de-identified or attributed to an anonymous user where technically feasible.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable technical, administrative, and physical security measures designed to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of 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.

6. Children’s Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and you believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

7. Your Choices and Rights

  • Account Information: You can access and update your profile information (like username) through the App's settings.
  • Location Permissions: You can enable or disable location services when creating a post through your device settings. If you do not enable location services, you will not be able to create posts that require location data.
  • Data Deletion: You have the right to request the deletion of your account and associated personal data. Please contact us at the email address below to initiate this process.
  • Access/Correction: You may have the right to request access to or correction of your personal information held by us.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy within the App or on our website, and by updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Policy. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the App after any changes signifies your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: info@theroadmate.com, Website: https://www.theroadmate.com