Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to RoadHarbor! We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal information is handled in a safe and responsible manner. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you use our website and services. Our platform is designed to connect hosts and guests, and it operates on a subscription model for hosts rather than taking commissions from bookings.

The privacy of your information is of utmost importance to us. We understand that you trust us with your personal data, and we are dedicated to maintaining that trust by safeguarding your privacy. This policy explains the types of information we collect from you, how we use it, and the steps we take to ensure its security.

This Privacy Policy applies to all users of our website, including but not limited to hosts, guests, and visitors. By using our services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We encourage you to read this Privacy Policy carefully and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

2. Information We Collect

To provide and improve our services, we collect various types of information from our users. This section details the kinds of information we gather and how we use it.

Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide to us directly. This includes:

Account Information: When you sign up on our platform, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and password. For hosts, we also collect additional details necessary for subscription management and service provision.
Profile Information: You may choose to provide more details, such as a profile picture, personal description, and other information to help hosts and guests learn more about each other.
Payment Information: To process payments, we collect payment information, such as credit card numbers, billing addresses, and other financial data. This data is securely transmitted to our payment processors and is not stored on our servers.
Communication Information: If you communicate with us via email, or other forms of communication, we may collect and store those communications.

Non-Personal Information

We also collect non-personal information, which includes:

Device Information: Information about the device you use to access our services, such as the hardware model, operating system, browser type, and IP address.
Usage Data: We collect data on how you interact with our website, including the pages you visit, the features you use, and the time and date of your visits. This information helps us understand user preferences and improve our services.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with our website. This includes data on your browsing habits and preferences, which helps us provide a more personalized experience.

Data from Third Parties

In some cases, we may receive information from third-party sources, which may include:

Social Media: If you choose to link your account with social media platforms or other third-party services, we may receive information such as your social media profile, contacts, and content that you have made public.
Payment Processors: We work with third-party payment processors to handle financial transactions. These processors may provide us with information such as payment status, transaction details, and fraud detection data.

We use this information to provide and improve our services, enhance security, and comply with legal obligations. Your privacy is important to us, and we take measures to protect your personal data from unauthorized access and use.

3. How We Use the Information

We use the information we collect for various purposes to enhance your experience and ensure the efficient functioning of our services. This includes:

Providing Services

Account Creation and Management: We use your personal information to create and manage your account, allowing you to access and use our platform. This includes authenticating your identity and providing personalized services based on your preferences and previous interactions.
Facilitating Bookings: Information provided by both hosts and guests is essential for facilitating the booking process. This includes verifying guest information, confirming bookings, and communicating booking details to both parties.
Payment Processing: We use your payment information to process transactions for subscriptions (for hosts) and any other services offered. This involves securely transmitting payment details to our third-party payment processors and ensuring that transactions are completed efficiently and safely.
Customer Support: Your contact information and communication history help us provide customer support, address inquiries, resolve issues, and offer technical assistance.

Communication

Service-Related Communications: We may use your contact information to send important notices regarding your account, booking confirmations, subscription renewals, updates to our terms, conditions, and policies, and other service-related information.
Promotional Communications: With your consent, we may send you promotional emails or messages about new features, special offers, and events. You can opt-out of receiving promotional communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in the emails or contacting us directly.

Improvement of Services

Data Analysis: We analyse usage data and feedback to understand user behaviour, preferences, and trends. This analysis helps us to improve our website, develop new features, and enhance the overall user experience.
Personalization: By understanding your preferences and usage patterns, we can offer a more tailored experience. This includes recommending services, hosts, or properties that may interest you, and customizing your interactions with our platform.

Compliance and Security

Legal Compliance: We may use your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, and legal processes. This includes responding to lawful requests from government authorities or other authorized entities.
Security Measures: To protect your personal data and the integrity of our platform, we use the information to detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized activities, and other potential security issues. We monitor and secure our systems to safeguard your information from potential threats.

We are committed to using your data responsibly and transparently, ensuring that your privacy is protected while enabling you to enjoy our services to the fullest.

4. Sharing of Information

We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. However, there are certain circumstances where we may share your data with third parties, as outlined below:

With Hosts and Guests

To facilitate bookings and ensure a smooth experience on our platform, we need to share certain information between hosts and guests:

Guest Information for Hosts: When a guest makes a booking, the host will receive details such as the guest's name, contact information, and other relevant details necessary for the booking and stay. This helps hosts manage bookings and prepare for guests.
Host Information for Guests: Guests receive information about the host, including their name, contact details, and property details. This ensures clear communication and coordination for the stay.

We emphasize that this information sharing is strictly for the purpose of facilitating the booking and interaction between hosts and guests. Both parties are expected to use this information responsibly and in accordance with our terms and policies.

Third-Party Service Providers

We work with third-party companies and individuals to help us operate and improve our services. These third parties include, but are not limited to:

Payment Processors: We share payment information with secure, third-party payment processors to handle transactions for subscriptions, bookings, and other services. These processors are responsible for ensuring the security and confidentiality of your payment data.
Hosting Services: We use web hosting and data storage services to operate our website and store data. These service providers may have access to your information as part of their services, but they are contractually obligated to protect it.
Analytics and Marketing Partners: We may share data with analytics providers to help us understand user behavior and improve our services. We may also work with marketing partners to manage our communications and promotional activities. These partners are required to use the data only for the specific purposes agreed upon.

Legal Obligations

We may disclose your personal information in response to legal requests or to comply with applicable laws, regulations, or governmental requests. This includes:

Law Enforcement and Regulatory Authorities: We may share your information if required to do so by law or in response to a valid legal process, such as a subpoena, court order, or government investigation.
Protection of Rights and Safety: We may disclose information if we believe it is necessary to protect the rights, property, or safety of our company, our users, or the public. This includes preventing fraud, investigating potential security breaches, and addressing other illegal activities.

Business Transfers

In the event of a business transaction such as a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of the transaction. We will ensure that the receiving party upholds the privacy protections outlined in this policy. If such a transfer would result in a material change in the use of your personal data, we will provide you with notice and an opportunity to opt-out before your information is transferred or becomes subject to a different privacy policy.

We are committed to transparency in how we handle your data and will continue to implement measures to safeguard your privacy. If you have any questions or concerns about the sharing of your information, please contact us.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to comply with legal and regulatory obligations. The retention periods for different types of personal data are based on the following criteria:

Purpose-Based Retention

Account Information: We retain your account information, including personal details and contact information, for as long as your account remains active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you choose to delete your account, we will erase your personal data within a reasonable period, unless otherwise required by law.
Transaction and Payment Data: We keep transaction and payment information for as long as necessary to complete the transaction, provide customer support, and fulfill legal and financial record-keeping requirements. This data may be retained longer if required by tax laws or other legal obligations.
Communication Data: Communications with our customer support or through our platform may be retained as long as necessary to address inquiries, provide support, improve our services, and for training purposes.

Legal and Regulatory Requirements

We may retain personal data longer than the above-stated periods if required to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, or protect our legal rights. This includes:

Retention for Compliance: Certain data may be retained for extended periods to comply with legal requirements, such as accounting, taxation, and anti-money laundering regulations.
Retention for Litigation and Defense: We may retain information that is necessary to defend against or pursue legal claims, protect our rights, or respond to regulatory inquiries.

Data Minimization and Deletion

We regularly review our data retention practices to ensure we do not retain personal data longer than necessary. When personal data is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention policies and applicable laws.

Your Rights

You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances. We will process such requests in accordance with applicable legal requirements and our data retention policies. Please note that certain data may need to be retained for legal or contractual reasons, even after a deletion request is made.

By implementing these data retention practices, we aim to balance the necessity of retaining information with our commitment to respecting your privacy. If you have any questions about our data retention policies or wish to request data deletion, please contact us through the provided channels.

6. Security

We take the security of your personal information seriously and implement a variety of measures to protect it from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction. Our security practices are designed to safeguard your data both during transmission and while at rest.

Security Measures

Encryption: We use encryption technologies to protect your data during transmission. Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols encrypt sensitive information, such as payment details, to ensure that it cannot be intercepted by unauthorized parties.
Secure Storage: Personal data is stored on secure servers with robust security measures in place. We use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security technologies to protect our infrastructure from external threats.
Access Control: Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel who need it to perform their job functions. We implement role-based access controls and regularly review access permissions to ensure that only necessary personnel have access to sensitive data.
Data Anonymization: Where possible, we anonymize or pseudonymize personal data to protect individual privacy. This means that data cannot be attributed to a specific individual without the use of additional information, which is kept separately and securely.

Wix Security Practices

As our website is hosted on the Wix platform, we also rely on Wix's security practices to protect your information. Wix is a well-established website builder and hosting service known for its robust security measures, which include:

Data Encryption: Wix encrypts sensitive data during transfer using HTTPS, ensuring that data exchanges between your browser and Wix servers are secure.
Compliance and Certifications: Wix complies with various data protection regulations and industry standards, such as GDPR and PCI DSS. They regularly undergo security audits and assessments to ensure their systems are secure and compliant.
DDoS Protection and Monitoring: Wix employs systems to protect against Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks and other malicious activities. They continuously monitor their infrastructure for potential security threats and take proactive measures to mitigate risks.

User Responsibilities

While we implement extensive security measures, it's also important for users to protect their information. This includes:

Strong Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts and do not share them with others.
Account Monitoring: Regularly review your account for suspicious activity and report any concerns to us immediately.
Secure Devices: Ensure that the devices you use to access our services are secure and protected with up-to-date antivirus software.

Despite our best efforts, no system can be completely secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your personal data. However, we are committed to continually improving our security practices and working with industry experts to enhance the protection of your information.

If you have any questions or concerns about the security of your data, please contact us. We are here to help and ensure that your information is protected to the best of our abilities.

7. User Rights

We respect your privacy and are committed to providing you with control over your personal information. As a user of our services, you have several rights concerning your data, which we are obliged to honor. These rights include:

Access and Update

Right to Access: You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you. This includes details about the data we collect, how it is used, and who it may be shared with. You can request a copy of your personal data at any time.
Right to Update: If any of your personal information is inaccurate or incomplete, you have the right to request its correction or completion. You can update your account details directly through your profile settings or by contacting our support team.

Data Portability

Right to Data Portability: You have the right to receive your personal data in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. This right applies to data you have provided to us and that we process based on your consent or for the performance of a contract. You can also request that we transmit this data to another data controller where technically feasible.

Deletion and Restriction

Right to Deletion: You may request the deletion of your personal data under certain circumstances, such as when the data is no longer necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or if you withdraw your consent on which the processing is based. Upon receiving a valid deletion request, we will securely delete or anonymize your data, except where we are required to retain it for legal or legitimate business purposes.
Right to Restriction: You have the right to request the restriction of processing your personal data in specific situations, such as when you contest the accuracy of the data or object to our processing based on legitimate interests. In such cases, we will restrict the processing of your data to certain activities while the issue is resolved.

Opt-out

Right to Opt-out of Marketing Communications: You have the right to opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us. You can unsubscribe from promotional emails by following the instructions provided in those emails or by contacting us directly. Please note that even if you opt-out of marketing communications, we may still send you non-promotional messages related to your account, bookings, or our ongoing business relationship.

Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us through the contact information provided in this privacy policy. We may require you to verify your identity before fulfilling your request to ensure the security of your data. We will respond to your requests promptly and in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

We are committed to respecting your privacy rights and ensuring that you have full control over your personal information. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights or how to exercise them, please reach out to us, and we will be happy to assist you.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and other tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with our website. This helps us enhance your user experience, improve our services, and provide personalized content. This section outlines the types of cookies and tracking technologies we use, the purposes they serve, and how you can manage your preferences.

Types of Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Essential Cookies: These cookies are necessary for the operation of our website. They enable basic functionalities such as page navigation, access to secure areas, and ensuring the proper functioning of the website. Without these cookies, some parts of our website may not work correctly.
Performance and Analytics Cookies: These cookies collect information about how you use our website, such as the pages you visit, the time spent on the site, and any errors encountered. This data helps us understand how users interact with our site and improve its performance and user experience.
Functionality Cookies: These cookies allow our website to remember your preferences and choices, such as your language preference or login details. They enhance your experience by providing a more personalized and convenient browsing experience.
Targeting and Advertising Cookies: These cookies are used to deliver advertisements that are more relevant to you and your interests. They may also limit the number of times you see an ad and help measure the effectiveness of advertising campaigns. These cookies may be set by us or third-party advertising networks.

Other Tracking Technologies

In addition to cookies, we may use other tracking technologies, such as web beacons, pixels, and similar technologies. These tools help us understand user behavior, track conversion rates, and measure the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

Purposes of Using Cookies and Tracking Technologies

To Provide and Improve Our Services: We use cookies to ensure our website functions properly and to enhance your experience by remembering your preferences and login details.
To Analyze Usage and Performance: Cookies help us gather data on website usage, identify areas for improvement, and optimize the performance of our services.
To Personalize Content and Advertising: We use cookies to provide you with personalized content and advertisements based on your interests and browsing behavior. This helps us deliver a more relevant and engaging experience.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

You have the right to accept or reject cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can modify your browser settings to decline cookies if you prefer. Please note that disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

Browser Settings: You can adjust your browser settings to manage your cookie preferences. Each browser provides different options for managing cookies, so please refer to your browser's help section for instructions.
Opt-out Tools: Some third-party service providers offer tools to opt-out of data collection for advertising purposes. You can visit the websites of these providers to manage your preferences.

Do Not Track (DNT)

Some web browsers offer a "Do Not Track" feature that signals your preference not to be tracked across websites. Our website does not currently respond to DNT signals, but we provide options to manage your cookie preferences as described above.

We are committed to using cookies and tracking technologies responsibly and transparently. For more information about our use of cookies or if you have any concerns, please contact us. We are here to help you understand and manage your online privacy.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, services, or resources that are not operated or controlled by us. These links are provided for your convenience and to enhance your experience by directing you to additional information or services that may be of interest. However, it is important to note the following:

No Control Over Third-Party Practices

We do not have control over and are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or policies of these third-party websites. The inclusion of a link does not imply endorsement or approval of the linked website or its content. We encourage you to review the privacy policies and terms of service of any third-party websites you visit, as their practices may differ from ours.

Scope of Responsibility

This Privacy Policy applies solely to information collected by our website and services. Once you leave our website or interact with third-party content, the collection and use of your information will be governed by the privacy policies of the third-party service providers. We cannot guarantee the security or privacy of any information you provide to third-party websites, and you access these sites at your own risk.

Types of Third-Party Links

The types of third-party links on our website may include, but are not limited to:

External Websites: Links to informational websites, blogs, or forums that provide additional insights or content relevant to our users.
Service Providers: Links to third-party service providers that offer additional services or tools, such as payment gateways, marketing services, or analytics tools.
Social Media Platforms: Links to social media platforms where users can interact with our content, share experiences, or connect with our community.

User Interaction with Third-Party Links

When you click on a third-party link, you may be redirected to a third-party website or service. We recommend that you review the privacy policy of the third-party site to understand how your information will be collected, used, and protected. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are comfortable with the privacy practices of any third-party service provider before engaging with their services or providing your personal information.

We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing a secure user experience. If you have any concerns about the third-party links on our website or need further clarification, please contact us. We value your feedback and strive to maintain transparency in all aspects of our service.

10. Children's Privacy

We are committed to protecting the privacy of children and ensuring that our platform is a safe environment for all users. Our website and services are not intended for use by children under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals in this age group.

Age Requirement

To use our services, you must be at least 18 years old. By creating an account or using our platform, you affirm that you meet this age requirement. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to use our website, register for an account, or provide any personal information to us.

Data Collection and Children

We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 18. If we discover that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take immediate steps to delete that information from our records.

Parental Supervision and Responsibility

We encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activities and educate them about the importance of privacy and online safety. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information without your consent, please contact us. We will promptly take action to delete the child's information and ensure that our services are used in accordance with our policies.

Contact Us for Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns about our Children's Privacy policy or practices, please contact us. We are dedicated to ensuring the privacy and safety of all our users and will address any concerns promptly and responsibly.

Our commitment to children's privacy is part of our broader effort to maintain a safe and secure environment for all our users. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us uphold these standards.

11. Changes to the Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or for other operational reasons. Any changes to this policy will be communicated in a manner that ensures transparency and gives users sufficient notice.

How We Communicate Changes

Notification Methods: When we make significant changes to our Privacy Policy, we will notify you through one or more of the following methods:
- Posting a notice on our website or within our services.
- Sending an email notification to the address associated with your account.
- Providing in-app notifications or alerts where applicable.
Effective Date: Each version of this Privacy Policy will be identified by its effective date. The changes will become effective on the date specified in the notification. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your personal information.

Acceptance of Changes

By continuing to use our website and services after the effective date of any changes, you are deemed to have accepted the updated Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the changes, you should discontinue using our services and contact us to request the deletion of your account and personal data.

User Acknowledgment

Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to maintaining the trust you place in us. We strive to keep you informed about our data practices and any updates to this Privacy Policy. If you have any questions or concerns about changes to this policy, please contact us.

This policy ensures that you are aware of any updates and provides you with the necessary information to make informed decisions about your continued use of our services. We appreciate your trust and are dedicated to safeguarding your privacy.

12. Jurisdiction and Compliance

We are committed to complying with all applicable privacy laws and regulations. This section outlines the legal frameworks governing our handling of your personal data and our adherence to data protection principles.

Jurisdiction

The terms of this Privacy Policy are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your Jurisdiction], without regard to its conflict of law principles. By accessing or using our website and services, you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in [Your Jurisdiction] for the resolution of any disputes arising out of or relating to this Privacy Policy or your use of our services.

Compliance with Data Protection Laws

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): For users located in the European Economic Area (EEA), we comply with the GDPR. This includes ensuring your rights to access, correct, delete, and restrict the processing of your personal data. We also ensure that any data transfers outside the EEA are done in accordance with GDPR requirements, including the use of standard contractual clauses or other appropriate safeguards.
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): For users residing in California, we comply with the CCPA. This includes providing you with the right to access your personal data, the right to request deletion of your data, and the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal data. We also provide notice of your data collection practices at or before the point of data collection.
Other Applicable Laws: We comply with other relevant data protection laws and regulations applicable to the regions where we operate. This includes ensuring that we handle your personal data lawfully, fairly, and transparently, and that we respect your rights as a data subject.

International Data Transfers

If you are accessing our services from outside [Your Jurisdiction], please note that your personal information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in [Your Jurisdiction] or other countries where our service providers are located. We ensure that such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws and that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data.

Your Rights and Our Responsibilities

We recognize your rights under applicable data protection laws and are committed to upholding them. This includes your rights to access, correct, delete, and restrict the processing of your personal data. We also ensure that any processing of your data is done lawfully and transparently, with your explicit consent where required.

Contact for Legal Inquiries

For any legal inquiries related to this Privacy Policy or our data protection practices, please contact our legal department or Data Protection Officer using the contact information provided in the "Contact Information" section.

We are dedicated to maintaining high standards of privacy and data protection. If you have any questions or concerns about our compliance with data protection laws, please reach out to us. We are here to ensure that your privacy is respected and protected in accordance with all applicable legal requirements.