Your Privacy Matters

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how AIKO Technologies ("we," "our," or "us"), the owner and operator of Aero, collects, uses, processes, and protects your personal information when you use our ride-hailing services.

2. About AIKO Technologies

AIKO Technologies owns and operates Aero, a revolutionary ride-hailing platform that connects riders with driver partners. We are committed to transparency, safety, and protecting your personal information in compliance with applicable data protection laws.

3. Information We Collect

3.1 Information You Provide

• Account Information: Name, phone number, email address, profile photo, date of birth, gender
• Identity Verification: Government-issued ID, driving license (for drivers), vehicle registration documents
• Payment Information: Payment card details, UPI information, digital wallet details, billing address
• Trip Information: Pickup and destination addresses, trip preferences, special requirements
• Communications: Messages, feedback, support interactions, ratings and reviews
• Emergency Contacts: Emergency contact information for safety purposes

3.2 Information We Collect Automatically

• Location Data: Real-time GPS coordinates, route information, trip tracking data, frequent locations
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, mobile network information
• App Usage: Features used, time spent in app, interaction patterns, crash reports, performance data
• Technical Data: IP address, browser information, network details, cookies, log files
• Sensor Data: Accelerometer, gyroscope data (for safety features), microphone (with permission)
• Camera and Photo Data: Photos uploaded by users, images captured for verification

3.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social Media: Information from social media accounts when you choose to connect them
• Background Checks: Criminal background check results (for drivers)
• Payment Partners: Transaction information from payment processors
• Referrals: Information about you from other users who refer our services
• Public Sources: Publicly available information used for identity verification

4. How We Use Your Information

4.1 Service Delivery

• Provide and improve our ride-hailing services and platform functionality
• Match riders with nearby driver partners based on location and preferences
• Enable communication between riders and drivers
• Calculate fares, routes, and estimated arrival times
• Process payments and manage financial transactions
• Maintain and improve our transparent daily fee model

4.2 Safety and Security

• Verify identity of users and conduct background checks for drivers
• Monitor trips for safety and security purposes
• Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and unsafe behavior
• Emergency response and location sharing with emergency contacts
• Implement safety features like trip sharing and emergency assistance
• Investigate safety incidents and insurance claims

4.3 Customer Support and Communication

• Provide customer support and resolve service issues
• Send service updates, trip confirmations, and important notifications
• Handle ratings, reviews, and feedback between users
• Respond to inquiries and support requests
• Send promotional offers and marketing communications (with consent)

4.4 Legal Compliance and Business Operations

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
• Respond to legal requests and court orders
• Protect our rights, property, and legal interests
• Conduct business analysis and operational improvements
• Perform accounting, auditing, and other business functions
• Research and develop new features and services

5. Information Sharing

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

5.1 With Other Users

• Driver Partners: Name, pickup/destination locations, contact number, trip details, ratings
• Riders: Driver name, photo, vehicle details, contact information, location during trip
• Shared Rides: Limited profile information with co-passengers when using shared ride options

5.2 With Service Partners

• Payment Processors: Payment information required to process transactions securely
• Background Check Providers: Information needed for driver verification and safety screening
• Insurance Partners: Incident and trip information for insurance claims and coverage
• Map and Navigation Services: Location data for route optimization and traffic information
• Customer Support Partners: Relevant information to help resolve support requests

5.3 For Safety and Legal Compliance

• Emergency Services: Location and contact information during safety incidents or emergencies
• Law Enforcement: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights and safety
• Government Authorities: For regulatory compliance and legal obligations
• Legal Proceedings: Information relevant to legal disputes or investigations

5.4 Business Transfers

• Corporate Transactions: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or sale of business assets
• Restructuring: During corporate restructuring or reorganization proceedings

5.5 With Your Consent

• Third-Party Integrations: When you choose to connect with third-party apps or services
• Marketing Partners: For promotional activities (only with explicit consent)
• Research Partners: For transportation research and urban planning studies (anonymized data)

6. Location Information

Location data is essential for our services. We collect location information to:

• Match you with nearby drivers
• Provide accurate pickup and navigation
• Track trips for safety and billing purposes
• Improve route optimization and service quality

You can control location sharing through your device settings, but disabling location services will prevent you from using our ride-hailing services.

7. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure payment processing with PCI DSS compliance
• Regular security audits and assessments
• Access controls and employee training programs
• 24/7 monitoring and incident response procedures

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services and support your account
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Improve our services and safety measures

Trip data is typically retained for 3-5 years for safety, legal, and operational purposes.

9. Legal Basis for Processing (India)

Under Indian data protection laws, we process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: When you provide explicit consent for specific processing activities
• Contract: To perform our contractual obligations and provide ride-hailing services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulatory requirements
• Legitimate Interests: For safety, security, fraud prevention, and business operations
• Vital Interests: To protect your life, health, or safety, or that of others

10. Compliance with Indian Laws

10.1 Information Technology Act, 2000

As a company operating in India, we comply with the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.

10.2 Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023

We are committed to complying with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, including:

• Obtaining proper consent for data processing activities
• Providing clear notice about data collection and use
• Implementing data protection by design and by default
• Ensuring data accuracy and minimization principles
• Respecting data principal rights and preferences
• Reporting data breaches to the Data Protection Board when required

10.3 Grievance Redressal

In compliance with Indian regulations, we have appointed a Grievance Officer to address privacy concerns:

• Grievance Officer: [To be appointed]
• Email: privacy@aero.co.in (to be activated)
• Response Time: We will acknowledge grievances within 24 hours and resolve them within 30 days

11. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal information
• Update: Correct or update your account information
• Delete: Request deletion of your account and data
• Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Portability: Request your data in a portable format
• Object: Object to certain processing of your information

10. Children's Privacy

Aero services are intended for users 18 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.

14. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic platform functionality and security
• Performance Cookies: Help us analyze usage patterns and improve our services
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements (with consent)

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings, but some features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

15. International Data Transfers

While we primarily store and process data within India, your information may occasionally be transferred to other countries for:

• Technical support and cloud storage services
• Payment processing by international payment partners
• Customer support services provided by third-party vendors
• Data backup and disaster recovery purposes

When we transfer data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards including standard contractual clauses, adequacy decisions, and other approved transfer mechanisms to protect your information.

16. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that may affect your privacy or security:

• We will assess the breach impact within 72 hours
• Notify relevant authorities as required by law
• Inform affected users if there is a high risk to their rights and freedoms
• Provide clear information about the breach and remedial actions
• Take immediate steps to contain and remediate the breach

17. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will:

• Post the updated policy on our website and app
• Notify you of significant changes through email or in-app notifications
• Provide at least 30 days' notice for material changes
• Obtain fresh consent for new processing activities where required

Continued use of our services after policy changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

18. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy, to exercise your rights, or to file a complaint:

• Company: AIKO Technologies
• Phone: +91 9073 1111 50
• Email: TBD (to be provided)
• Privacy Email: privacy@aero.co.in (to be activated)
• Registered Address: AIKO Technologies, 371,GN BLOCK,7TH FLOOR ASSYST PARK, SEC-V Sech Bhawan North 24 Parganas West Bengal India 700091
• Grievance Officer Response: Within 24 hours (Resolution within 30 days)

For Data Protection Board Complaints (DPDPA 2023):
If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to file a complaint with the Data Protection Board of India as per the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.