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Privacy

EK4kids Technologies Privacy

EK4kids Technologies LLC. (“EK4kids Technologies ”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it as set forth in this privacy policy (“Privacy Policy”). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you access the Ek4kids website, mobile and web applications (each, an “Application”), content, products, and related services (collectively, the “EK4kids Platform”) as well as our practices for collecting, using, disclosing, and retaining that information. Please make sure that you have carefully read and understand this Privacy Policy before you use our EK4kids  Platform.  If you are a California resident using the EK4kids Platform or the Services, please see our California Privacy Policy by clicking here. If you are a job applicant or an employee in California, please see EK4kids’s Applicant and Employee Privacy Notice by clicking here.

A. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

This Privacy Policy may change from time to time. We will notify you of any material modifications to this Privacy Policy through the EK4kids Platform or by some other form of communication such as email, using the contact information you have provided us. Please check this Privacy Policy periodically for updates.

B. WHO WE ARE

Generally, EK4kids provides a marketplace platform which enables Users to connect, arrange for, and schedule transportation and associated in-ride care services for minors and other eligible riders (“Services”), and provide Services directly to other Users. “Users” refers to and includes: (i) parents and legal guardians designated by an Enterprise Customer and affiliated with a Rider in connection with an Enterprise Customer’s account, and who download the Application for the purposes of tracking rides sponsored by the Enterprise Customer (“Caregivers”)(capitalized terms defined below); (ii) independent contractors who provide Services (“CareDrivers”); and, (iii) Ride Organizers. “Ride Organizers” include schools, districts, nonprofits and government entities (“Enterprise Customers”) and parents/guardians who need Services for: (a) family members, (b) students, (c) clients, (d) themselves, and/or (e) other riders for whom they are legally authorized to arrange rides (collectively, “Riders”).

C. THE DATA WE COLLECT

When you use the EK4kids Platform or our Services, we may collect data provided by you (e.g., data provided during the account creation process), created during the use of the EK4kids Platform or our Services (e.g., location, app usage and device data), or from other sources (e.g., other Users or account owners, business partners, vendors, insurance and financial solution providers and government authorities).  The types of data we may collect include:

  • User Profile Information: When you establish an account, we collect certain data from you, which may include: your full name, email address, phone number, address, profile picture (photographs are optional for Ride Organizers and Riders), gender (Riders and CareDrivers only), login name and password, billing and payment information (including payment verification information), emergency contact information (including such contact’s full name, phone number and relationship), ride type and short CareDriver bios that are shared with Ride Organizers. Additionally, Ride Organizers may share information regarding Riders, including, but not limited to, Rider preferences, educational information, accommodations and previous transportation needs. Furthermore, consistent with legal requirements and to determine eligibility as a CareDriver, we may also collect government identification documents (which may include identification numbers and images, birthdate, gender, signature, and/or social security number). Finally, we may collect vehicle and insurance information, User settings and evidence of health or fitness to provide the EK4kids Platform or the Services.
  • Background Check Information: Consistent with legal requirements, the Terms of Use, and our safety practices, we collect information required to facilitate EK4kids background checks. This may include information such as driving history or criminal record, social security number, date of birth, license status, known aliases and prior addresses, prior employment verification, caregiving experience, child abuse and neglect scan, reference check(s) and right to work. Where required by law, or upon the voluntary opt-in of a CareDriver, we collect information required to facilitate certain advanced qualifications such as physical examinations, Tuberculosis skin tests, impairment testing and drug and alcohol testing. This information is provided by the CareDriver but may be collected and processed by an authorized vendor on our behalf.
  • Audiovisual Data: While utilizing our Services, we may also capture video and audio recordings of CareDrivers and Riders during in-vehicle interactions.
  • Demographic Data: We may collect demographic data about Users through surveys. You provide this information on a voluntary basis.
  • Communications: When you communicate with us through phone, email, text, chat, or otherwise, we retain those communications. This includes date and time, as well as the content of text or in-app messages. Consistent with legal requirements, we may record calls placed or received (such as between CareDrivers and Organizers) and such calls may be recorded and stored by us or a third-party vendor.
  • Transaction Information: We collect transaction information related to the use of theEK4kids Platform or our Services, including the type of services requested or provided; trip or order details (such as date and time, requested pick-up and drop-off addresses and distance traveled); and payment transaction information (amount charged and payment method). We also associate a User’s name with anyone who uses their promotion code.
  • Usage Data: We collect data on how Users interact with the EK4kids Platform and our Services. This includes access dates and times, app features or pages viewed, IP address, Internet Service Provider (ISP), browser type, app crashes, referring/exit pages, operating system, date/time stamp, clickstream data and other system activity.
  • LocationBased Information: We automatically collect location-based information through the Application and third-party software, including, but not limited to, geographic areas and other traffic and transportation-related data. For CareDrivers only, we may collect this data when the Application is running in the foreground (Application is open and on-screen) or background (Application open but not on-screen) of your mobile device. For all other Users, location information is only collected if the Application is running in the foreground.
  • Telematics: For CareDrivers, we collect and analyze telematics data, including, but not limited to, cornering, breaking patterns, speed, phone usage.
  • Promotions and Contests: If you participate in a contest or giveaway with us, we may ask you for your email address, phone number, mailing address or additional information needed for the entry process, such as a prize selection choice. These contests and the information you provide are voluntary. We recommend that you read the rules for each contest that you enter.
  • User Feedback: To the extent you post information in comments in a publicly available area of theEK4kids Platform or our Services (e.g., feedback and reviews on the CareDriver, Rides, and Applications), it will be available publicly and to other Users of the EK4kids Platform or Services who may use it at their discretion.
  • Device Information: When you download the Application, we automatically collect data about the device you use to access the EK4kids Platform and the Services, including the hardware models, device IP address or other unique device identifiers, operating systems and versions, software, preferred languages, advertising identifiers, device motion data and mobile network data.
  • Cookies and Similar Tracking Technologies: Like many online services, we and our third-party service providers use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information. “Cookies” are small pieces of information that a website sends to your computer’s hard drive while you are viewing the website. We may use both session Cookies (which expire once you close your web browser) and persistent Cookies (which stay on your computer until you delete them). In addition to the tracking technologies we place, other companies may set their own Cookies or similar tools when you visit our EK4kids Platform. This includes third party analytics services, including, but not limited to Google Analytics (“Analytics Services”), which we engage to help analyze how Users use the EK4kids Platform, as well as third parties that deliver content or offers. We may receive reports based on these parties’ use of these tools on an individual or aggregate basis. We use the information we get from Analytics Services to improve our EK4kidsPlatform.  If you decide at any time that you no longer wish to accept Cookies from our EK4kids Platform for any of the purposes described above, then you can change your browser settings to stop accepting Cookies or to prompt you before accepting a Cookie from the websites you visit. If you do not accept Cookies, however, you may not be able to fully experience the personalized and interactive features of the EK4kids Platform or our Services.
  • Pixel Tags: In addition to Cookies, we use “Pixel Tags” (also referred to as clear Gifs, Web beacons, or Web bugs). Pixel Tags are tiny graphic images with a unique identifier, similar in function to Cookies, that are used to track online movements of Web Users. In contrast to Cookies, which are stored on a User’s computer hard drive, Pixel Tags are embedded invisibly in Web pages. Pixel Tags also allow us to send email messages in a format Users can read, and they tell us whether emails have been opened to ensure that we are sending only messages that are of interest to Users. We do not tie the information gathered by Pixel Tags to our Users’ personal information.
  • Collection of Information by Advertisers: Certain third parties may automatically collect information about your visits to this and other websites, your IP address, your ISP, the browser you use to visit the EK4kids Platform or our Services (but not your name, address, email address or telephone number). They do this by using Cookies or other technologies. This Privacy Policy does not apply to, and we are not responsible for, Cookies or pixel tags in third party ads. We encourage you to check the privacy policies of advertisers and/or ad services to learn about their use of Cookies and other technologies. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices in having this information used by these companies, click here: http://www.aboutads.info/choices OR http://www.networkadvertising.org.
  • Contacts and Calendars: If you permit EK4kids to access the address book and calendar on your device through the permission system used by your mobile platform, we may access for our Services and for other purposes described in this Privacy Policy or at the time of consent or collection.

D. HOW WE USE YOUR DATA

We use the data we collect to:

1. Provide the EK4kids Platform and Our Services

  • Create/update accounts.
  • Enable transport and other services/features, such as:
    • using location data to navigate Rider pick-ups and order drop-offs, calculate ETAs and track the progress of rides.
    • features that involve data sharing, such as sharing a CareDriver’s first name and photo and vehicle information (including stock vehicle photos) with Riders/Caregivers to facilitate pick-ups, Rider profile and trip details for ETA sharing and User ratings.
    • match available CareDrivers to Riders. Riders can be matched based on availability, location/proximity, User settings/preferences and other factors such as likelihood to confirm a trip based on their past behavior or preferences.
  • Fare estimates and pricing, in which the price of a trip is determined based on factors such as estimated time and distance, predicted route, estimated traffic and the current number of Users requesting or providing the EK4kids Platform or Services.
  • Chat Feature. We may collect, monitor, and record information that you enter into a chat feature on the EK4kids Platform to provide you with information and support. We may also collect, monitor, and record the transcripts of conversations in the chat feature for uses described in this Privacy Policy. Additionally, we may collect, monitor, and record certain device data (such as browser type, operating system, device identification number, and IP address) and usage data (such as date/time stamps). Such information, transcripts, and data may be disclosed to and processed and stored by our third-party providers.
  • Process payments.
  • Provide trip updates, generate receipts and inform Users of changes to our Terms of Use, the EK4kids Platform, the Services or policies.
  • Perform necessary operations to maintain the EK4kids Platform and the Services, including to troubleshoot software bugs and operational problems.
  • Monitor and analyze usage and activity trends.
  • Ensuring compliance with our Terms of Use and other policies.

2. Safety and security

We use data to help maintain the safety, security and integrity of the EK4kids Platform, our Services and Users. This includes:

  • Verifying a User’s identity and eligibility to provide the EK4kids Platform, Services, including through reviews of background checks, to help prevent use of the EK4kids Platform and our Services by unsafe CareDrivers and/or Riders.
  • Using device, location, User profile, usage and other data to prevent, detect and combat other types of fraud. This includes identifying fraudulent accounts or uses of the EK4kids Platform and our Services, preventing use of the EK4kids Platform and our Services by unauthorized CareDrivers, verifying User identities in connection with certain payment methods, and preventing and combating unauthorized access to Users’ accounts. In some cases, such behavior may result in automatic deactivation consistent with our Terms of Use.
  • Drawing insights and making predictions about driving patterns and safety. In some cases, such behavior may result in automatic deactivation consistent with our Terms of Use.
  • Using User ratings, reported incidents and other feedback to identify noncompliance with our Terms of Use and as grounds for deactivating Users.
  • Investigating Zero Tolerance Policy violations; and
  • Preventing potentially prohibited or illegal activities.

3. Customer support

EK4kids uses the information we collect (which may include call recordings) to provide customer support, including to investigate and address User concerns and to monitor and improve our customer support responses and processes.

4. Research and development

We use data for testing, research, analysis, and product development to improve the User experience. This helps us make our EK4kids Platform and Services more convenient and easier to use, enhance the safety and security of our EK4kids Platform and Services and develop new services and features.

5. Enabling communications between Users.

6.Marketing and Advertising. EK4kidsuses data to market the EK4kids Platform, the Services, and our products. This may include:

  • Sending emails, text messages, push notifications and in-app messages or other communications marketing or advertising the EK4kids Platform, EK4kids products, Services, features, offers, promotions, sweepstakes, news and events.
  • Using location, trip and order history, and usage data to send marketing communications that are personalized based on Users’ observed or inferred interests and characteristics.
  • Displaying EK4kids advertising on third-party apps or websites. This includes using location, trip and order history, and usage data, and sharing hashed email addresses and device or User identifiers with advertising partners to personalize such ads to Users’ interests.
  • SMS Opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS, are not being shared with any third parties or affiliates

7. Non-marketing communications. EK4kids may use data to send surveys and other communications that are not for the purpose of marketing the EK4kids Platform, the Services or products of EK4kids or its partners, but instead for providing Users with the Services, improving our customer support services, improving the EK4kids Platform and the Services, and improving and developing new services and features.

8. Legal proceedings and requirements. We use data to investigate or address claims or disputes relating to use of the EK4kids Platform or our Services, to satisfy requirements under applicable laws, regulations, or operating licenses or agreements, to comply with data reporting requirements and other official inquiries; or pursuant to legal process or governmental request, including from law enforcement.

9. Legitimate Business Purposes. We may use personal information to create anonymous information records by excluding information that makes the information personally identifiable to you. If information is aggregated or de-identified so that it is no longer reasonably associated with an identified or identifiable natural person, we may use it for any business purpose.

E. CHILDREN
THE HOPSKIPDRIVE PLATFORM AND SERVICES ARE NOT DIRECTED AT CHILDREN AND CHILDREN ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO USE OUR HOPSKIPDRIVE PLATFORM OR PROVIDE PERSONAL INFORMATION TO US IN CONNECTION WITH THE SERVICES. Protecting the privacy of children is very important to us. In connection with your use of the EK4kids Platform and Services, you may have the option to provide us with certain personal information of Riders, such as the Rider’s first and last name, phone number and/or photograph.

CareDrivers will have access to the following information about Riders, including Riders who are children: a masked version of a Rider’s phone number, if provided (the actual phone number will not be visible to CareDrivers); the Rider’s first and last name; the Rider’s photo, if provided; the Rider’s birthdate; Rider’s schedule (e.g., the activities that the Rider is engaged in immediately prior to or after the Ride); information provided by Ride Organizers; as well as information maintained in the Rider’s notes.  If you choose to provide your Rider’s phone number, CareDrivers will be able to communicate directly with Riders, including children under the age of 16, over the course of providing a Ride, via voice call and/or text message through the masked phone number in the Application. Through the use of the Services, we may also collect indirect location information regarding Riders, including Riders who are children, via the location information we collect from CareDrivers during a Ride.  Ride Organizers may be able to arrange Rides for your child through the Services. However, we do not collect personal information directly from children in connection with the EK4kids Platform or the Services.

F. HOW WE DISCLOSE INFORMATION

Your information may be disclosed with third parties as described below:

1. With other Users: Our Services are designed to connect Ride Organizers and CareDrivers. As such, if you are a Ride Organizer, we must disclose personal information about you and the Rider(s) to CareDrivers and if you are a CareDriver, we must disclose some personal information to the Ride Organizer(s) and Rider(s).

  • Throughout the duration of the Ride, the CareDriver will see Rider information and the name of the Ride Organizer, with certain protections in place.
  • When claiming rides, CareDrivers see only the pickup and drop off locations.
  • Only after the ride has been matched to a CareDriver will the CareDriver see any ride notes provided by the Ride Organizer.
  • Only upon pickup will the CareDriver see the Rider’s information.
  • Upon completion of the ride, Rider information is again masked in the CareDriver’s ride history following the ride.
  • Once the ride is complete, we will eventually disclose the Rider or Ride Organizer’s rating and any feedback with the CareDriver. Although we remove the Rider or Ride Organizer’s identity when doing so, the CareDriver may be able to identify the individual(s) who provided the feedback. Rider and Ride Organizer phone numbers are masked via in-app communication.
  • In the case of a lost or found item, we will seek to connect you with the relevant CareDriver or Ride Organizer.
  • Once a CareDriver accepts a ride request, we will disclose with the Ride Organizer(s) and Rider(s) (if applicable) the CareDriver’s name, profile photo, short bio, and the vehicle make, model, color, and license plate.

2. With third parties. In addition to the ways we disclose personal information as described elsewhere in this Privacy Policy, we may disclose personal information with other third parties in the following manners:

  • Payment Processing Information. For online payments and/or Automated Clearing House (ACH) payouts, we use the payment services of Stripe. We do not process, record or maintain your credit card or bank account information or other related information necessary to process payments. For more information on how payments are handled, or to understand the data security and privacy afforded such information, please see https://stripe.com/us/privacy.
  • Governmental Entities and Enterprise Customers. EK4kids may be asked or required by certain applicable governmental entities or Enterprise Customers to report certain information about CareDrivers, Service details, or Riders for purposes of CareDriver licensure, approval, or required data reporting.
  • CareDriver Screening Providers and Resources. We work with background check, identity verification, physical exam (where applicable), onboarding, and other required or voluntary CareDriver screening providers.  HopSkipDrive may make available certain resources to CareDrivers for purposes of CareDrivers’ furthering their own independently established trades. CareDrivers who access or participate in these resources may be required to disclose certain personal information to such screening providers.
  • Consultants and Other Business Service Providers. We may disclose your personal information to consultants, lawyers, accountants and other business service providers. This information is provided to them to enable them to provide us with critical services such as cloud storage, marketing and advertising services, data analytics, insurance and financing services, customer support, order fulfillment, certain wheelchair or other specialty rides, safety and security and other services. These third-party service providers have access to your personal information only for the purpose of performing services on our behalf. In particular, we share your personal information with Google, in connection with the use of Google Maps in our apps (see Google’s privacy policy for information on their collection and use of data).
  • Affiliates. We may disclose personal information to our parent companies, subsidiaries, joint ventures, or other companies under a common control.
  • Corporate Restructuring. We may disclose some or all personal information we collect from you in connection with or during negotiation of any merger, financing, acquisition or dissolution, transaction or proceeding involving sale, transfer, divestiture, or disclosure of all or a portion of our business or assets.
  • Research Partners. We may disclose personal information to our research partners, including those performing surveys or research projects in partnership with us or on our behalf.
  • Legal Reasons. We may disclose personal information if we believe in good faith that such disclosure is necessary (a) in connection with any legal investigation; (b) to comply with relevant laws or to respond to subpoenas, warrants or other requests for information served on us; (c) to protect or defend our rights or property or other Users of the Services or the EK4kids Platform; and/or (d) to investigate or assist in preventing any violation or potential violation of the law, this Privacy Policy, or our Terms of Use.

G. DATA RETENTION AND SECURITY

  • Retention. We retain User profile, transaction, and other information for as long as a User maintains their EK4kids account. We retain transaction information such as rides and payments for at least seven years to ensure we can perform legitimate business functions, such as accounting for tax obligations. For CareDrivers,EK4kids may retain vehicle and background check information to the extent required by law or regulation, or for as long as they maintain their EK4kids account, whichever is greater.
  • Data Security. EK4kids has implemented administrative, technical, and physical security controls designed to safeguard personal information. However, no online activity is ever fully secure or error-free. While we strive to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee your information is absolutely secure. Please keep this in mind when disclosing personal information and take reasonable measures to protect your information, including using complex passwords and changing them often, and make sure you have a secure browser. If you believe your account has been accessed by an unauthorized User, please contact us immediately.