Privacy Policy for SVMS (Smart Vehicle Management System)

Last Updated: December 19, 2025

1. Introduction

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation ("BMC", "we", "us", or "our") operates the SVMS (Smart Vehicle Management System) mobile application ("App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App.

By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

• Mobile Number: Required for account registration and authentication
• Name: Collected during user registration
• Email Address: May be collected for account verification and communication
• User Role: Information about your role (User, Admin, Transport Admin, HOD, Security, DEO, Transporter, etc.)

2.2 Location Information

• Current Location: We collect your precise location data when you:
  • Select pickup and drop-off locations
  • Use the "Current Location" feature
  • Use the map to select locations
  • Track ongoing trips
• Location History: We may store location data associated with your bookings and trips

2.3 Booking and Trip Information

• Booking details (pickup location, destination, date, time)
• Trip history and status
• Vehicle assignment information
• Driver information (for assigned trips)
• Payment and billing information (if applicable)

2.4 Device Information

• Device type and model
• Operating system version
• Unique device identifiers
• Mobile network information
• Push notification tokens (FCM tokens)

2.5 Usage Data

• App usage patterns
• Features accessed
• Error logs and crash reports
• Feedback and support requests

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Provision

• To create and manage your account
• To process and manage your vehicle bookings
• To match you with available vehicles and drivers
• To provide real-time location tracking during trips
• To send booking confirmations and trip updates

3.2 Communication

• To send push notifications about booking status, trip updates, and important announcements
• To respond to your support requests and inquiries
• To send administrative information about the App

3.3 Safety and Security

• To ensure the safety of users and drivers
• To prevent fraud and abuse
• To comply with legal obligations
• To investigate and resolve disputes

3.4 Service Improvement

• To analyze usage patterns and improve App functionality
• To develop new features and services
• To conduct research and analytics

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Service Providers

• Google Services: We use Google Maps API for location services and mapping
• Firebase: We use Firebase for authentication, cloud storage, messaging, and analytics
• Cloud Hosting: Your data is stored on secure cloud servers

4.2 With Other Users

• Your name and contact information may be shared with assigned drivers for trip coordination
• Driver information may be shared with you for trip purposes

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication mechanisms
• Regular security assessments
• Access controls and authentication

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our services to you
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce agreements
• Maintain business records as required by law

Booking and trip data may be retained for administrative and record-keeping purposes.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information under applicable data protection laws, including:

7.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access and update your personal information. You can access and update your personal information through the App's profile settings or by contacting us directly.

7.2 Data Portability

You have the right to request a copy of your personal data in a structured, machine-readable format.

7.3 Location Services

You can control location permissions through your device settings. Note that disabling location services may limit certain App features, including the ability to book vehicles and track trips.

7.4 Push Notifications

You can manage push notification preferences through your device settings or within the App. You may opt-out of receiving push notifications at any time.

7.5 Account Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and personal information by contacting us. We will delete your account and personal information, subject to legal retention requirements and our need to retain certain information for legitimate business purposes.

7.6 Right to Object

You have the right to object to the processing of your personal information for certain purposes, such as direct marketing or where we process your information based on legitimate interests.

7.7 Right to Withdraw Consent

Where we rely on your consent to process your personal information, you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. Withdrawing consent will not affect the lawfulness of processing based on consent before its withdrawal.

8. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 years of age. If you are a parent or guardian and believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers.

9. Third-Party Services

Our App uses third-party services that have their own privacy policies:

• Google Maps: Google Privacy Policy
• Firebase/Google Cloud: Google Cloud Privacy Policy

We encourage you to review these privacy policies.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including but not limited to the United States and other countries where our service providers operate. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country. By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to these countries. We will take appropriate measures to ensure that your personal information receives an adequate level of protection in the jurisdictions in which we process it.

10.1 California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: You have the right to request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected about you, the sources of that information, the business purposes for collecting it, and the categories of third parties with whom we share it.
• Right to Delete: You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to certain exceptions.
• Right to Opt-Out: You have the right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell your personal information.
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the contact information provided in Section 12.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or for other reasons. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy
• Sending you a notification through the App or via email (if you have provided your email address)

You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes. Your continued use of the App after any changes to this Privacy Policy will constitute your acceptance of such changes.

12. Contact Us

13. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.

14. Consent

By downloading, installing, accessing, or using the SVMS App, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

15. Effective Date

This Privacy Policy is effective as of December 19, 2024, and will remain in effect except with respect to any changes in its provisions in the future, which will take effect immediately upon being posted on this page.