Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 9/22/2025

🔒 Privacy Notice

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information in compliance with applicable data protection laws including GDPR, CCPA, and other regional privacy regulations.

However, as an independent developer, we cannot guarantee absolute security or take responsibility for data breaches, privacy violations, or other security incidents that may occur despite our best efforts.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use the Towly mobile application ("App"). By using the App, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

📱 Information You Provide Directly

  • Account Information: Name, email address, profile information
  • Content: Photos, videos, text reports, incident descriptions
  • Location Data: GPS coordinates, address information
  • Communications: Messages, support requests, feedback

📊 Information We Collect Automatically

  • Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique identifiers
  • Usage Data: App features used, time spent, interaction patterns
  • Technical Data: IP address, browser type, crash reports, performance data
  • Location Information: Approximate location based on IP address

🔗 Information from Third Parties

  • Social media platforms (if you connect your accounts)
  • Analytics and advertising partners
  • Public databases and data aggregators
  • Other users (when they share information about you)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

🚀 Service Provision

  • Provide and maintain the App
  • Process and store your content
  • Enable community features
  • Provide customer support

📈 Improvement

  • Analyze usage patterns
  • Fix bugs and improve performance
  • Develop new features
  • Conduct research and analytics

📢 Communication

  • Send updates and notifications
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Provide technical support
  • Send marketing communications (with consent)

⚖️ Legal Compliance

  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Protect rights and safety
  • Prevent fraud and abuse
  • Enforce our terms of service

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

🤝 Service Providers

Third-party companies that help us operate the App (cloud storage, analytics, customer support)

⚖️ Legal Requirements

When required by law, court order, or government request

🛡️ Safety and Security

To protect the rights, property, or safety of users or the public

🏢 Business Transfers

In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of business assets

👥 With Your Consent

When you explicitly agree to share information (community features, social sharing)

4. Data Security

🔐 Security Measures We Implement

  • Encryption of data in transit and at rest
  • Secure cloud storage with reputable providers
  • Access controls and authentication measures
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Employee training on data protection
  • Incident response procedures

⚠️ Important Security Disclaimer

Despite our security measures, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information and are not liable for security breaches, unauthorized access, data loss, or other security incidents that may occur.

5. Your Privacy Rights

🌍 GDPR Rights (EU/EEA Users)

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal data
  • Rectification: Correct inaccurate personal data
  • Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
  • Restriction: Limit processing of your data
  • Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
  • Object: Object to processing of your data
  • Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
  • Complain: Lodge complaints with supervisory authorities

🏛️ CCPA Rights (California Residents)

  • Know: Know what personal information is collected and how it's used
  • Delete: Request deletion of personal information
  • Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information
  • Non-Discrimination: Not be discriminated against for exercising rights

📧 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights, contact us at privacy@towly.app with:

  • Your full name and email address
  • Specific right you want to exercise
  • Verification information (we may request additional verification)

Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days (or as required by applicable law). However, as an independent developer, we may need additional time for complex requests.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

  • Provide the App services to you
  • Comply with legal obligations
  • Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
  • Protect against fraud and abuse

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within 90 days, unless we are required to retain it for legal reasons.

7. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at privacy@towly.app.

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States. These countries may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

When we transfer personal data internationally, we implement appropriate safeguards such as:

  • Standard contractual clauses approved by the European Commission
  • Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
  • Other lawful transfer mechanisms as available

9. Third-Party Services and Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications that are not owned or controlled by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.

Third-party services we may use include:

  • Cloud storage providers (AWS, Google Cloud, etc.)
  • Analytics services (Google Analytics, Firebase, etc.)
  • Advertising networks
  • Social media platforms
  • Payment processors

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you interact with.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

  • Remember your preferences and settings
  • Analyze App usage and performance
  • Provide personalized content and features
  • Measure the effectiveness of our communications

You can control cookie settings through your device or browser settings, though this may affect App functionality.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

  • Posting the updated policy in the App
  • Sending you an email notification
  • Displaying a prominent notice in the App

Your continued use of the App after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: privacy@towly.app

Subject Line: Privacy Policy Inquiry

Response Time: We aim to respond within 5-10 business days

Data Protection Officer: As an independent developer, we may not have a formal Data Protection Officer. Privacy inquiries will be handled by our development team.

We're committed to protecting your privacy while helping you document towing incidents. While we've implemented comprehensive privacy protections, remember that you use the App at your own risk. Thank you for trusting us with your data! 🔒