Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Mikano ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our roadside assistance platform, whether as a customer or service provider.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and password
• Profile Information: Profile photo, vehicle details (make, model, license plate), and service preferences
• Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address (processed securely through our payment providers)
• Identification Documents: For service providers - driver's license, insurance certificates, certifications
• Communication Data: Messages, support tickets, and feedback you send to us

2.2 Location Information

When you use our services, we collect precise location data to:

• Connect you with nearby service providers
• Display your location on maps during service requests
• Calculate distance and estimated arrival times
• Improve our service coverage and quality

Location Permissions: You can control location access through your device settings. However, location services are essential for our roadside assistance platform to function properly.

2.3 Automatically Collected Information

• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Usage Data: Pages visited, features used, time spent on platform, click patterns
• Log Data: IP address, browser type, access times, referring URLs
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to enhance your experience and analyze platform usage

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Service Delivery

• Facilitate roadside assistance requests and service provider matching
• Process payments and maintain transaction records
• Communicate service updates, arrival times, and completion status
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Send service receipts and invoices

3.2 Platform Improvement

• Analyze usage patterns to improve our services
• Develop new features and optimize existing ones
• Conduct research and analytics
• Monitor and prevent fraud, abuse, and security issues

3.3 Communication

• Send important service notifications and updates
• Respond to your questions and support requests
• Send marketing communications (with your consent)
• Conduct surveys and request feedback

3.4 Legal Compliance

• Comply with legal obligations and regulations
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect rights, safety, and property of Mikano, users, and the public
• Resolve disputes and investigate violations

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Service Providers

When you request roadside assistance, we share necessary information with matched service providers:

• Your name and phone number
• Vehicle information
• Service location and request details
• Real-time location during active service

4.2 With Customers (For Service Providers)

When you accept a service request as a provider, we share:

• Your business name and profile information
• Your ratings and reviews
• Your estimated arrival time and location during service

4.3 Third-Party Service Providers

We work with trusted third parties who provide services on our behalf:

• Payment Processors: Stripe, PayPal (for payment processing)
• Cloud Services: Cloudflare, Google Cloud (for hosting and infrastructure)
• Analytics: Google Analytics (website usage analysis)
• Communications: SMS and email service providers
• Mapping Services: Google Maps API

Note: These providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for specified purposes.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal process (subpoenas, court orders)
• Respond to lawful requests from government authorities
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Prevent fraud or other illegal activities
• Enforce our Terms of Service

4.5 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity, subject to the same privacy protections.

5. Data Retention

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

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (e.g., tax records, 7 years in Canada)
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records and analytics

Account Deletion: If you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

6. Your Privacy Rights (Under Canadian Law)

6.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information we hold
• Request corrections to inaccurate information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format

6.2 Consent Withdrawal

You may withdraw consent for:

• Marketing communications (unsubscribe links provided)
• Location tracking (through device settings)
• Cookies (browser settings)

Important: Withdrawing consent may limit your ability to use certain features of our platform.

6.3 Data Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information by:

• Deleting your account through the app settings
• Contacting us at [email protected]

6.4 Complaint to Privacy Commissioner

If you believe we have not addressed your privacy concerns adequately, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

• Website: www.priv.gc.ca
• Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376

7. Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: HTTPS/TLS for data transmission, AES-256 for data at rest
• Access Controls: Role-based permissions and multi-factor authentication
• Secure Infrastructure: Cloudflare's enterprise-grade security
• Regular Audits: Security assessments and penetration testing
• Employee Training: Privacy and security awareness programs
• Incident Response: Procedures for data breach detection and notification

Breach Notification: In the event of a data breach affecting your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by Canadian law.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

8.1 Types of Cookies

• Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality (login, sessions)
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand usage patterns
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used for targeted advertising (with consent)

8.2 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect platform functionality.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are not intended for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child, we will promptly delete it.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be processed on servers located outside Canada. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions
• Your explicit consent

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our practices
• New legal requirements
• Platform improvements

Notification: We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification. Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. Quebec Residents

If you reside in Quebec, you have additional rights under Quebec's Act Respecting the Protection Lof Personal Information in the Private Sector. These rights include specific consent requirements and enhanced access rights.