Last updated: June 15, 2026 · We take your privacy seriously — here's exactly what we collect and why.
Milemates ("we", "us", or "our") operates the Milemates mobile application. This policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and your rights. By using Milemates you agree to this policy.
We collect only what's necessary to match neighbors and keep the community safe.
| Data type | What it is | Why we need it |
|---|---|---|
| Phone number | Mobile number with country code | OTP sign-in — your primary account identifier |
| Name | First and last name | Shown to trip partners so they know who they're meeting |
| Profile photo | Photo you upload (optional) | Helps your partner recognize you at pickup |
| Age acknowledgment | Timestamp confirming you are 18+ | Adults-only community per our Terms |
| Home city | City you select from our list | Match you with nearby neighbors |
| Vehicle details | Make, model, color, plate (drivers) | Riders identify the correct vehicle at pickup |
| Live GPS location | Coordinates during an active trip | Show driver position to rider — never stored after trip ends |
| Chat messages | In-app messages to trip partners | Coordinate pickup; retained for moderation |
| Ratings & reviews | Star rating + optional comment | Build community trust |
| Push token | Device identifier from Apple | Send ride request and trip notifications |
| Emergency contact | Phone number you optionally store | Sent trip details via SMS only when you tap Share |
We do NOT collect: payment card data, government IDs, phone contacts, browsing history, social media accounts, or background location when no trip is active.
We do not sell your personal information and do not send marketing emails without explicit opt-in.
We only collect GPS when a trip is active. Location tracking begins when a driver taps "Start trip" and stops when either party ends the trip. Your location is shared only with your matched partner and is not stored after the trip ends. Background location is used only during active trips and only with your explicit permission.
You can deny location permission at any time in your device settings. Live tracking will not work, but all other app features remain available.
| Service | Purpose | Privacy policy |
|---|---|---|
| Supabase | Database, authentication, file storage | supabase.com/privacy |
| Twilio | SMS OTP for phone verification | twilio.com/legal/privacy |
| Expo (EAS) | Push notifications & app distribution | expo.dev/privacy |
| Apple Maps | In-app map display | apple.com/legal/privacy |
We use HTTPS/TLS for all data in transit. Database records are protected by row-level security policies. Phone numbers are verified via OTP before any account access is granted. We regularly review our security practices.
Milemates is intended for users 18 years of age and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If we become aware that a user under 18 has created an account, we will delete it promptly.
We may update this policy as Milemates grows. When we make significant changes, we will notify you via a push notification or in-app banner. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.