chalo-privacy-policy

Privacy Policy for Chalo

Last updated: August 16, 2026

Chalo (“we”, “our”, “the app”) is operated by Mintaka Labs. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect from drivers and passengers who use the Chalo app, how we use it, and how it is protected.

1. Information We Collect

Account Information

• When you log in, we use Google Sign-In to verify your identity, which provides us your name, email address, and profile picture from your Google account
• If you’re a new user, we also collect your phone number and name directly from you during profile setup
• Additional profile details you choose to provide (e.g. vehicle details for drivers)

Location Information

• Real-time GPS location, used to match drivers with nearby passengers, calculate routes, and show live trip progress
• For drivers, location may be collected while the app is running in the background, in order to keep your position updated to nearby passengers during an active or available-for-rides state
• Passengers may optionally save a “Home” and/or “Work” location for convenience. These saved locations are stored permanently in our systems until the user deletes them or requests account deletion. We may also capture a passenger’s general area on their first app use, to help us understand demand across different parts of the city.

Trip Information

• Pickup and drop-off locations, trip history, and ride status (requested, accepted, completed, cancelled)

Device & Usage Information

• Basic device information (device model, OS version) and app performance/crash data, used to diagnose and fix technical issues
• Push notification tokens, used to deliver ride-related alerts (e.g. new ride requests, ride status updates)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information above to:

• Connect drivers and passengers for rides
• Show accurate pickup/drop-off locations and live trip tracking
• Send notifications related to your rides
• Verify your identity and prevent fraudulent use of the app
• Diagnose crashes and improve app stability and performance

We do not collect or process payment information within the app, as Chalo currently operates on a cash-payment basis between drivers and passengers.

3. How We Share Your Information

• Between users: A driver’s live location and basic profile info (e.g. name, vehicle details) is shared with a passenger during an active ride request, and vice versa, so both parties can identify and locate each other.
• Administrators: Authorized administrators of Chalo (currently limited to Mintaka Labs’ operations team) can access account information (phone number, email, ride history) and, for passengers who have chosen to save one, their Home and/or Work location, for the purposes of customer support, safety investigations, and fraud prevention. This access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
• Service providers: We use third-party services to operate the app, including:
  • Google Sign-In — for account login and identity verification
  • Firebase (Google) — for account authentication, data storage, cloud messaging, and crash reporting
  • OneSignal — for delivering push notifications
  • OpenStreetMap — to display map tiles (the visual map itself)
  • LocationIQ — to convert GPS coordinates into readable addresses (reverse geocoding), used to show pickup/drop-off locations in a human-readable format
  • OSRM (Open Source Routing Machine) — to calculate and display route paths on the map between pickup and drop-off points

  These providers process data on our behalf and are bound by their own privacy and security standards.

• We do not sell your personal information to third parties.
• We do not share your information with advertisers.

4. Data Storage & Security

Your information is stored securely using Firebase’s cloud infrastructure. We take reasonable technical measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of electronic storage or transmission is 100% secure. Users can delete their account and all associated data directly through the app by going to Profile → Delete Account. Account deletion is permanent and all data will be removed immediately.

5. Your Choices

• You may request deletion of your account and associated data by contacting us at the email below.
• You can disable location permissions at any time through your device settings, though this will limit or prevent core app functionality (ride matching, tracking).
• You can disable notification permissions through your device settings.

6. Children’s Privacy

Chalo is not intended for use by individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect information from minors.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is handled, contact us at:

Mintaka Labs Email: chalosupport9@gmail.com