Privacy policy

This policy explains what BlackCar collects when you use the BlackCar website and apps, how it is used and the choices you have. BlackCar is operated by Elyes Ouechtati, a sole proprietor, Rockville, Maryland ("BlackCar", "we").

What we collect

• Account details. Your name, mobile number and email address. You sign in with a one-time code sent to your mobile number, or with Apple or Google. We never ask for a password.
• Reservation details. Pickup and drop-off addresses, stops, pickup time, flight number when you give one, passenger count, luggage, notes for the chauffeur, and the name of a passenger you reserve for.
• Payment. Payments are processed by Stripe. Card data goes directly to Stripe and never touches our servers; we keep only a reference to the saved card, its brand and last four digits, and the amounts charged.
• Location during rides. The chauffeur app shares the vehicle's location with us from the time the chauffeur sets off until drop-off, so you can follow your vehicle and so we can resolve disputes. The rider app uses your device location only when you choose to use it, for example to fill in a pickup address.
• Messages and calls. Messages between you and your chauffeur are sent inside the app and are stored with the reservation. In-app calls connect through LiveKit; real phone numbers are never shown to either side, and calls are not recorded.
• Device and usage data. Device type, app version, push notification tokens, crash reports and the pages or screens you use.
• Text message consent. If you opt in to text updates, the time, the exact wording you agreed to and where you agreed (app or website), and any STOP, HELP or START replies.

How we use it

• To take, price, confirm and perform your reservations, and to assign a chauffeur and vehicle.
• To place a hold on your card when you reserve and charge it after drop-off, and to issue receipts.
• To send you reservation updates by push notification, email and, only if you opted in, text message.
• To let you and your chauffeur message and call each other inside the app around the time of the ride.
• To provide support, resolve disputes and investigate safety incidents.
• To keep the service secure and to meet legal and regulatory record-keeping obligations.

We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for advertising.

Who we share it with

We share information only with providers that process it for us, and only what each one needs:

• Supabase hosts our database, sign-in and file storage.
• Stripe processes payments and stores card details.
• Bird delivers sign-in codes and, if you opted in, text message updates.
• Mapbox provides maps, address search and route estimates.
• LiveKit carries in-app calls.
• Apple and Google when you sign in with them, and for push notifications.

Your chauffeur sees your first name, the pickup and drop-off details and your notes for the ride; never your phone number or payment details. We may also disclose information when the law requires it or to protect the safety of riders, chauffeurs or the public.

Mobile phone numbers and SMS consent are not shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

How long we keep it

Reservation, payment and ride records are kept for as long as your account is open and for the period that passenger-for-hire and tax rules require afterwards. Live vehicle locations are deleted shortly after each ride; only the route summary stays with the reservation. Messages are kept with the reservation. Text message consent records are kept for as long as the law requires so we can prove consent.

Your choices

• You can update your name, email and saved cards in the app at any time.
• Text updates are off unless you opt in. You can opt out in the app under Notifications or by replying STOP.
• You can turn off push notifications in your device settings.
• You can delete your account from the app under Account, or by emailing us. We delete or anonymise your data except for records we must keep by law.
• You can ask us for a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

Children

BlackCar accounts are for adults. We do not knowingly collect information from anyone under 18.

Changes

When this policy changes, we update the date at the top and tell signed-in users in the app. Material changes are announced before they take effect.

Contact

Questions and requests about your data: support@blackcarservices.app. See also our terms of service and text message terms.