Privacy Policy

Essence Personal Chauffeur ("we", "our", or "us") operates the Essence taxi dispatch mobile application and operator web dashboard (collectively, the "App"). This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights.

1. Information We Collect

All users

• Name, username, email, and phone number
• Session tokens (30-day expiry)
• Push notification tokens (with permission only)

Drivers

• Precise GPS location, only while "online"
• Compliance document uploads (licence, insurance, MOT, DBS, and similar documents)
• Vehicle details and availability

Riders

• Booking addresses and coordinates
• Journey details and ratings

All participants

• In-app messages
• Fare and invoice records

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for:

• Account management
• Dispatch and bookings
• Push notifications
• Compliance verification
• Messaging
• Diagnostics
• Legal compliance

3. Precise Location Data

Precise location is collected from drivers only, while they are online. Collection stops when a driver goes offline. Location data is never sold or used for advertising.

4. Document Photos

Compliance document photos are stored securely and are visible only to the driver and their operator.

5. Sharing

We do not sell your data. We share information only with platform participants (as needed to provide the service), with Expo (push notifications), with Sentry (anonymised crash reporting), with our hosting providers, and where required by law.

6. Data Retention

• Active accounts are retained while active
• Bookings are retained for 6 years (UK tax requirements)
• Location is stored as the latest position only

7. Security

We protect your data with HTTPS, bcrypt-hashed passwords, and server-side sessions.

8. Your Rights (UK GDPR)

You have the right to access, rectification, erasure, restriction, objection, and portability. We will respond to requests within 30 days.

9. Cookies

The web dashboard uses a session cookie only. The mobile app uses the device Keychain (iOS) or Keystore (Android).

10. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13.

11. International Transfers

Data is hosted in the UK/EEA. Where US providers are used, appropriate safeguards are in place.

12. Changes

We will give 14 days' notice for material changes to this policy.

13. Contact

See also our Terms of Service.