Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Automate ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and password
• Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, license plate number, and VIN
• Payment Information: Credit/debit card details (processed securely via third-party payment processors)
• Communication Data: Messages sent through our platform to workshops
• Profile Data: Profile photo, preferences, and service history

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use our Services, we automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Location Data: GPS coordinates (with your permission) to find nearby workshops
• Usage Data: Features used, time spent, and interaction patterns
• Log Data: IP address, browser type, access times, and pages viewed

2.3 Workshop Partner Information

For workshop partners, we additionally collect:

• Business name and trade license information
• Business address and contact details
• Bank account details for payment processing
• Staff and operational information

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To facilitate bookings, connect you with workshops, and process payments
• Communication: To send booking confirmations, updates, and customer support responses
• Personalization: To customize your experience and provide relevant recommendations
• Safety & Security: To verify identities, prevent fraud, and ensure platform security
• Improvement: To analyze usage patterns and improve our Services
• Legal Compliance: To comply with UAE laws and regulations
• Marketing: To send promotional offers (with your consent, which you can withdraw anytime)

4. Information Sharing & Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 With Workshop Partners

When you book a service, we share necessary information (name, phone, vehicle details) with the workshop to fulfill your booking.

4.2 Service Providers

We work with third-party companies that help us operate our Services, including payment processors, cloud hosting providers, analytics services, and customer support tools.

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Automate, our users, or others.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit (TLS/SSL) and at rest
• Secure payment processing compliant with PCI-DSS standards
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and employee training on data protection
• Secure cloud infrastructure with regular backups

However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our Services. We may also retain data as required for legal, accounting, or regulatory purposes.

• Account Data: Retained until account deletion, then deleted within 30 days
• Transaction Records: Retained for 7 years as per UAE commercial law
• Communication Logs: Retained for 2 years for quality and dispute resolution

7. Your Rights

Under UAE data protection regulations, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Portability: Request your data in a commonly used, machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
• Object: Object to certain processing activities

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@automateapp.ae

8. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

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

• Essential Cookies: Required for the website to function properly
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors interact with our website
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not operated by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a minor, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than the UAE. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. UAE Regulatory Compliance

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 regarding the Protection of Personal Data and other applicable UAE regulations governing data protection and privacy.