Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Homate! (the "Company," "we," "Homate," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) outlines our practices and procedures regarding the collection, use, processing, storage, disclosure, transfer, and protection of your information, including personal information and sensitive personal data (“Information”), collected through your use of the Homate Platform or interaction with us. The Homate Platform refers to the services provided through the Homate mobile application (collectively, “Homate Platform”), which enables customers (“Customers”) to connect with drivers, referred to as “Mates,” for vehicle pick-up and drop-off services using the Customers' own cars. By accessing or using the Homate Platform or engaging with us offline, you agree to the terms of this Policy, which forms part of and is incorporated within the terms and conditions applicable to you as a user of our platform or services (“Services”). Capitalized terms not defined in this Policy shall have the meanings assigned to them in the applicable terms and conditions available on the Homate Platform. Please review this Policy carefully to understand our approach to safeguarding your privacy.

2. User Acceptance

By accessing or using the Homate Platform or the Services, you agree and consent to this Privacy Policy (“Policy”), including any amendments made by the Company at its sole discretion and posted on the Homate Platform from time to time. The collection, processing, retrieval, transfer, use, storage, disclosure, and protection of your Information will be governed by this Policy and applicable laws, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the rules framed thereunder (“Applicable Laws”). If you do not agree with this Policy, please refrain from using or accessing the Homate Platform. You hereby represent to Homate that:

• The Information you provide to Homate is and will remain authentic, accurate, current, and up to date. You also confirm that you have all necessary rights, permissions, and consents to provide such Information to Homate.
• Your provision of Information, as well as Homate's collection, storage, usage, transfer, access, or processing of such Information, does not and will not violate any agreements, Applicable Laws, judgments, orders, or decrees.
• If you disclose any Information relating to other individuals to Homate, you represent and warrant that you have the authority to do so and to permit Homate to use such Information in accordance with this Policy.

3.Definitions

Unless otherwise provided in this Policy, the capitalized terms shall have the following meanings:

• “Mates”: Independent third-party drivers who provide vehicle pick-up and drop-off services for Customers using the Customers' own cars through the Homate Platform.
• “Customers”: Individuals who utilize the Homate Platform to connect with Mates for vehicle pick-up and drop-off services.
• “Device”: Any computer, mobile phone, or other electronic device used to access the Homate Platform or Services.
• “Device Identifier”: An IP address or any other unique identifier associated with a Device.
• “Personal Information”: Information that can be used to identify an individual, such as name, email address, mobile number, and other contact details.
• “TPSP”: Third-party service provider.
• “Promotion”: Any contest, offer, or promotion organized by Homate for the benefit of its users.
• “Services”: The vehicle pick-up and drop-off services provided by Mates to Customers, as facilitated through the Homate Platform.
• “Homate Platform”: The Homate mobile application and website through which the Services are provided.

4.What Information Do We Collect?

Information You Provide to Us .

• Personal Information : We may ask you to provide certain Personal Information through various means, such as account registration forms, contact forms, or other interactions. This information is collected to enable the provision of Services and is limited to what is necessary and lawful.
• Account Information : When you create or update your Homate account, we may collect details such as your email address, name, residential address, mobile number, gender, date of birth, photograph, and other relevant information. This may also include banking or payment-related details as permitted by applicable laws.
• Saved Information : While using our Services, we may store information to process your requests and streamline future transactions. This includes your phone number, address, email address, billing information, and emergency contact information.
• Verification Information (For Mates) : If you are a Mate (driver), we may collect location details, profile picture, call and SMS details, and copies of government-issued identification documents such as Aadhaar and driver’s license.We may also request self-clicked images (selfies) for identity verification.
• GPS Location : To facilitate seamless Services, we collect real-time GPS location data from Customers to identify their current location for pick-up and drop-off.
• ackground Check Information (For Mates): We may conduct background checks on Mates, including driver history and criminal record checks, where permitted by law. This process may be carried out by third-party service providers on our behalf.
• Other Information : We collect additional information when you correspond with Homate for customer support, report issues, or use in-app messaging. Additionally, when you provide ratings, reviews, or comments, this information may also be stored. If you refer a friend, we may collect their name and contact details to promote our Services.

5.Information We Collect As You Access

Transaction Information

We collect transaction details such as trip information, pick-up and drop-off addresses, distance traveled, and payment transaction data (subject to applicable laws).

6.Location Data

• Customers: We collect precise or approximate location data from your device when you enable location permissions. This data is collected from the time a service is requested until its completion, or when the app is actively running. Even if you disable location permissions, Homate retains basic trip-related location data to offer services like receipt generation and customer support.
• Mates: Currently, Homate does not collect GPS location data for Mates.

7.Usage Information

We may collect data about how you interact with the Homate App, such as the time of use, features accessed, and search activities. This helps us improve the platform’s usability and functionality.

8.Cookies

We do not currently implement cookies as part of our MVP (Minimum Viable Product). As the product evolves, cookie usage and settings may be updated in accordance with user preferences and platform requirements.

9.Use of Information Collected

Our primary goal in collecting your information is to enhance your experience when using the Homate Services. We may use the information we collect in accordance with this Policy for the following purposes:

• To enable you to access the Homate Platform and its Services.
• To verify your identity and capacity to provide services through the Homate Platform, as required by applicable laws. /li>
• To monitor which features of the Services are used most, track trip history, rate services, and identify areas for improvement in user experience.
• To provide you with accurate and relevant notifications, such as confirmation of your account creation, service status, or updates related to your trip.
• To help diagnose technical problems with the Homate server and administer the platform.
• To send service-related announcements when necessary, such as when our services are temporarily suspended for maintenance.
• To detect and investigate violations of this Policy or any applicable terms of service or terms of use.
• To identify and detect security breaches, fraud, or other criminal activities and take appropriate action.
• To provide necessary information (e.g., name, contact number, service details) to the assigned Mates for fulfilling customer requests.
• To enhance the user experience by customizing and personalizing the Homate platform.
• To offer relevant rewards or notifications based on your usage patterns (e.g., special promotions).
• To resolve disputes or enforce our terms and conditions as applicable.
• To comply with applicable laws, regulations, or requests from authorities.
• To facilitate communication via social media (including WhatsApp), SMS, or other media related to your use of the Services.

10. How and When Do We Disclose Information to Third Parties

We do not sell, share, rent, or trade the information we have collected about you, other than as disclosed within this Policy or at the time you provide your Information. The following outlines when your information may be shared:

11.Third-Party Payment Gateway

We use a third-party payment gateway for processing payments for services. We do not share any personal information with third-party payment providers, except what is necessary for processing transactions. Please note that their use of your information will be governed by their own privacy policies.

12.Third-Party Service Providers (TPSPs)

We may share the information you provide with third-party service providers, business partners, and agents. These providers may handle certain aspects of our services on our behalf, such as hosting, troubleshooting, technical support, and customer service. These providers will only have access to your information to carry out services on our behalf and will be required to maintain the same level of data protection as we do.

13.Legal and Administrative Requirements

We may access, use, preserve, transfer, and disclose your information if required by law or to comply with legal requests. This may include responding to government or law enforcement requests, protecting our services, or addressing issues related to fraud, security, or legal compliance.

14.Affiliates and Business Transfers

We may share your information with our affiliates for internal business purposes, or during a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets. In such cases, your information will continue to be protected in accordance with this Policy.

15.Data Storage and Security

Data Storage and Security The information we collect is securely stored within our databases, and we implement industry-standard, commercially reasonable security practices, such as encryption, firewalls, and SSL (Secure Socket Layers), to protect your information. However, while encryption technology is effective, no security system is completely impervious. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of our databases, nor can we guarantee that information you transmit will not be intercepted during transmission over the Internet or wireless communication. Any information you transmit to us is done at your own risk. We recommend that you keep your password confidential and not disclose it to anyone.

16.User Rights-Change of information and Cancellation

You are responsible for keeping your information accurate, such as your contact details provided during registration. If your personal information changes, or if you no longer wish to use our services, you can update or delete your information directly through the app. We will make reasonable efforts to update your details as soon as possible. If you wish to cancel your account or request that we no longer use your information for services, you can contact us through the app. Please note that certain information may be required to use our services, and deleting it may affect your access. We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account termination, some data may be retained for up to 180 days for the purpose of resolving any issues related to your account. After that period, your data will be deleted or anonymized for analytical purposes.

17.Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from individuals under the age of 18. Our services are intended for users who are able to enter into a legally binding contract under applicable laws. If you are under the age of 18, please refrain from providing any personal information to us. If we discover that we have unintentionally collected personal data from a user under 18, we will take steps to remove such information from our records. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us so we can address the issue.

18.Compliance with Laws

Homate complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning the collection, use, and protection of personal information. We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in response to a valid legal request by public authorities, such as a court or government agency. We are committed to ensuring that your information is handled in accordance with the laws that govern data privacy and security, and we will cooperate with law enforcement when necessary to protect the safety and security of our users and services.

19.Third-Party Services

Third-Party Services Our service may contain links to websites or services that are not operated by Homate. If you click on a third-party link, you will be directed to that third party's site. We strongly advise you to review the privacy policy of every site you visit. Homate has no control over and assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites or services.

20.Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will post the updated Privacy Policy on this page. We will notify you about any significant changes via email or through a prominent notice on our service before the changes take effect. The "Last updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy will also be updated. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about any changes. Any changes to this Privacy Policy are effective as soon as they are posted on this page.