Privacy Policy

Last updated: September 26, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how AMKAI INC (“SideCar,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, discloses, and protects information when you use the SideCar mobile application and related services.

Information we collect

Account and profile information

We collect information you provide when you create and use an account, including your name, UCSB email address, age, gender, profile photo, and account role. SideCar is for adults age 18 and older, and age eligibility is confirmed during registration.

Verification and driver information

To support trust and safety, identity verification may require a government-issued ID and selfie through Stripe Identity. Drivers may provide a driver’s license and vehicle or insurance information. SideCar receives and stores verification status and necessary account references; verification providers process sensitive verification materials under their own privacy terms.

Ride, location, and communications data

We process pickup and drop-off locations, trip routes, live trip location while an active trip feature is in use, ride history, seat requests, messages, ratings, reports, and related activity needed to provide the service.

Payment and technical data

Stripe processes payment card and payout details. SideCar receives transaction status and identifiers, not complete card numbers. We may collect device, app, crash, diagnostics, notification-token, and general usage information needed to operate, secure, and improve SideCar.

How we use information

• Provide accounts, ride matching, booking, messaging, payments, payouts, maps, notifications, and support.
• Verify eligibility and identity, prevent fraud and abuse, investigate safety reports, and enforce our Terms.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and improve app reliability and user experience.
• Meet legal, tax, accounting, dispute, and regulatory obligations.

How we share information

We share information only as needed to provide SideCar, comply with law, protect people and the service, or complete a business transaction. Service providers include Stripe for payments, payouts, and identity verification; Google Maps for mapping and places; Firebase and Google Cloud for application infrastructure; and Resend for transactional email. We do not sell personal information and do not use third-party advertising trackers.

Information visible to other users

People coordinating a ride may see information needed to evaluate and complete the trip, such as your first name, profile photo, verification status, rating, vehicle information, ride route, and the pickup or drop-off details shared for that booking. SideCar does not display your payment-card number or identity document to other users.

Location information

Location information is used for ride routes, pickup and drop-off coordination, map features, and active trips. Device permissions control access. SideCar does not use location for advertising.

Retention and security

We retain information for as long as needed to operate SideCar and meet tax, payment, fraud-prevention, safety, dispute, and legal obligations. Retention may continue after account deletion where legally required or necessary to resolve an outstanding transaction or dispute. We use administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards, but no system can guarantee absolute security.

Your choices and account deletion

You may update profile information in the app, control device permissions, and request account deletion. Use Profile → Delete account in SideCar or follow the instructions on our account deletion page. Deletion removes or de-identifies account information except information that we must retain for legitimate legal or operational reasons.

Children

SideCar is not intended for anyone under 18, and users must confirm that they are at least 18 when registering. Contact us if you believe a minor has provided personal information.

California privacy rights

California residents may request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal information, subject to applicable exceptions. SideCar does not sell or share personal information for cross-context behavioral advertising. To make a privacy request, use the in-app account controls or contact us at the address below.

Changes to this policy

We may update this policy as the service or applicable law changes. The revised policy will show a new “Last updated” date.

Contact us

Email hi@ride-sidecar.com or write to AMKAI INC, 205 De Anza Blvd #42, San Mateo, CA 94402.