Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

EKOW is a ride-sharing service operated by Ekowsystems, Inc. ("EKOW," "we," "us," or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and share personal information when you use the EKOW rider app, the EKOW driver app, our website at ekow.app, and related services (together, the "Service").

This policy takes effect on the effective date shown above and replaces any earlier version. The Service is intended only for people aged 18 and older. By creating an account or using the Service, you confirm that you have read this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information you provide, information collected automatically as you use the Service, and limited information from third parties.

Information you provide

• Account details: your name, email address, password, and optional profile photo.
• Phone number: used to create your account, verify you, and send ride and account messages.
• Payment information: your card is entered and processed by our payment provider, Stripe. We store limited details such as the last four digits; we do not store full card numbers.
• Communications: support requests, feedback, and messages you send us.

Information collected automatically

• Precise location: while you use the Service for a ride, we collect precise GPS location from your device to match riders and drivers, show trips on a map, navigate, and estimate arrival times.
• Ride information: pickup and drop-off locations, routes, dates and times, fares, and ride history.
• Device and usage data: device type, operating system, app version, IP address, approximate location derived from your IP, in-app activity, and crash logs.

Information from third parties

• If you sign in with Google or Apple, we receive basic profile information such as your name and email from that provider.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to operate, protect, and improve the Service, including to:

• Create and manage your account and verify your identity
• Match riders with drivers and complete ride requests
• Process payments and provide receipts
• Send ride updates and account notifications by text message (SMS), push notification, and email
• Provide customer support and respond to your requests
• Maintain safety and security, and detect and prevent fraud or misuse
• Analyze usage to fix problems and improve the Service
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms

4. SMS / Text Messaging

As part of the Service, EKOW sends text messages (SMS) to the mobile number associated with your account.

• Consent. By providing your mobile number, you agree to receive text messages from EKOW related to your account and rides. Consent to receive texts is not a condition of using the Service.
• Message types. We send transactional and service messages only, such as ride status updates, driver and pickup details, verification codes, and account notifications. We do not send marketing text messages through this program.
• Frequency and rates. Message frequency varies with your activity. Message and data rates may apply, depending on your carrier and plan.
• Opt out. Reply STOP to any message to opt out, and HELP for help. After you reply STOP, we will send one confirmation and stop sending texts to that number; opting out may limit ride and account notifications.

We do not sell, rent, or share your mobile number, SMS opt-in, or consent with any third party or affiliate for their own marketing purposes. We share your number only with the providers that help us deliver the Service, as described below.

5. How We Share Your Information

We share personal information only as described here. We do not sell your personal information.

Service providers. We share information with vendors who process data on our behalf under contract, only to provide the Service:

Between riders and drivers. To complete a ride, we share the limited information needed to coordinate the trip, such as first name, pickup area, and vehicle or contact details. We do not share your exact home address or payment details with other users.

Legal and safety. We may disclose information when required by law or legal process, or when we believe it is necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of any person, or to investigate fraud or misuse.

Business transfers. If EKOW is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you before your information becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

6. Data Retention

We keep personal information for as long as your account is active and as needed to provide the Service. After you close your account, we delete your personal information within a reasonable period, except where we must keep certain records longer — for example, billing and tax records, and information needed to meet legal obligations, ensure safety, or resolve disputes. Aggregated or anonymized data that can no longer identify you may be kept indefinitely.

7. Security

We protect your information with encryption in transit and at rest, access controls that limit staff access to those who need it, and regular security reviews. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. You are responsible for keeping your account credentials confidential and for notifying us of any unauthorized use of your account. If a breach affects your personal information, we will notify you and the relevant authorities as the law requires.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You can access, correct, export, or delete your personal information at any time by contacting us at support@ekowtech.com. Depending on where you live, you may also have the right to object to or restrict certain processing, withdraw consent you previously gave, or complain to a data protection authority. We do not sell or share personal information for targeted advertising.

To opt out of marketing emails, use the unsubscribe link in any such email; we will still send essential service messages. We will respond to requests within the time the law requires, and may need to verify your identity first.

9. Account and Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your account and the personal information associated with it at any time:

• Email us at support@ekowtech.com from the email address or phone number associated with your account, and we will delete your account and the personal information we hold about you.

When you delete your account, we remove your personal information within a reasonable period, except for records we are required to keep by law (such as billing and tax records) or that we need to resolve disputes or prevent fraud. We will confirm once your request has been completed.

10. Age Requirement: 18 and Over

The Service is only for people aged 18 or older. You may not create an account or use the Service if you are under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we learn that someone under 18 has provided us personal information, we will delete it and close the account. If you believe this has happened, please contact us.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the effective date at the top of this page, and for material changes we will notify you by email or in the app before they take effect. Your continued use of the Service after changes take effect means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions or requests about this Privacy Policy or your personal information, contact us:

Ekowsystems, Inc.
Canton, Ohio, United States
Email: support@ekowtech.com
Phone: 844-356-9743