Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Route 66 ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and usage when you use our Progressive Web App (PWA) and services.

Information We Collect

Location Data

With your explicit consent, we collect real-time GPS location data to provide GPS-triggered audio stories, geofenced sponsor offers, and location-based features. You can disable location access at any time through your device settings, though this will limit core app functionality.

Account Information

We collect email addresses and SMS numbers only when you voluntarily opt-in to receive notifications, offers, or account updates. Providing this information is optional.

User-Generated Content

When you submit ratings, tips, photos, or other content, we collect this information along with associated metadata. By uploading content, you grant us permission to use, display, and share your content with sponsors and partners as outlined in our Terms of Service.

Usage Data

We collect analytics data including audio story listens, offer views and redemptions, feature usage, and session duration. This helps us improve the app and provide meaningful insights to our sponsors.

Device Information

We collect device type, operating system, browser information, and IP address for technical support and security purposes.

How We Use Your Information

  • Deliver GPS-triggered audio stories and location-based content
  • Show relevant geofenced sponsor offers within approximately 30 miles of your location
  • Send optional notifications about offers, updates, and app features
  • Improve app performance and user experience
  • Provide aggregated, anonymized analytics to sponsors and partners
  • Maintain security and prevent fraud
  • Comply with legal obligations

Data Sharing and Third Parties

We share data with third parties only as necessary to provide our services:

  • Sponsors and Merchants: Aggregated, anonymized analytics about offer performance, user engagement, and geographic trends. We never share personally identifiable information without consent.
  • Payment Processors (Stripe): Merchant payment information for paid offer services.
  • Cloud Infrastructure Providers: Hosting and content delivery services to operate the app.
  • Analytics Services: Privacy-safe analytics to measure app performance.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain session state, remember preferences, and analyze usage patterns. You can control cookie settings through your browser, though this may affect app functionality.

Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

  • 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 obligations.
  • Data Portability: Request your data in a machine-readable format.
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications or disable location tracking.
  • Object: Object to certain processing of your data.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at privacy@route66app.com.

GDPR and CCPA Compliance

We comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for European users and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for California residents. This includes providing transparent data practices, obtaining explicit consent for data collection, and honoring data subject rights requests.

Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including encryption in transit (HTTPS), secure data storage, access controls, and regular security audits. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain personal data only as long as necessary to provide services, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes. Location data and usage analytics may be aggregated and anonymized for long-term analysis.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.

International Data Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers in compliance with applicable laws.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by email (if provided) or through the app. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@route66app.com

Mail: Route 66 App, Privacy Office, [Address to be added]