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    Privacy Policy

    Effective Date: May 10, 2026

    Introduction

    The Ride Shadchan (formerly known as The Ride Gemach) (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our users (“you” or “your”). References to “The Ride Shadchan” or “The Ride Gemach” refer to the same organization and service. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we may disclose it.

    Information We Collect

    We collect the following information from you:

    • Phone Number: Collected when you post a ride via SMS or the website, or when you verify your phone number. Your phone number is your primary identifier on the Service.
    • Ride Details: Origin, destination, date, time, and any notes you include when posting a ride.
    • SMS Messages: The content of text messages you send to our automated line at (844) 417-7210.
    • Non-Personal Information: This may include information about your device, such as your IP address, browser type, and operating system. We also collect information about your activity on our website, such as the pages you visit.

    How We Use Your Information

    We use your information to:

    • Match you with compatible riders or drivers on the same route
    • Send you ride confirmations and match notifications via SMS
    • Verify your phone number for posting rides
    • Improve and maintain the Service
    • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
    • Prevent fraud, abuse, and other illegal activities

    Sharing Your Phone Number with Matches

    By using The Ride Shadchan, you consent to having your phone number shared with potential ride matches. This is a core part of how the Service works: when we find a matching rider or driver for your route, we share each party’s phone number with the other so you can coordinate pickup, timing, and any cost-sharing directly.

    We share your phone number only with users who have been matched to the same route and date. We do not sell your phone number, share it for marketing purposes, or provide it to unrelated third parties.

    If you do not wish to have your phone number shared with potential matches, please do not use the Service.

    Other Sharing of Information

    We may share your information with third-party service providers who help us operate the Service (such as Twilio for SMS delivery). These service providers are contractually obligated to keep your information confidential and to use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.

    We will not share your information with any other third party without your consent, except as required by law or to protect our rights or safety.

    SMS Communications

    When you text our automated line at (844) 417-7210 or verify your phone number on the website, you may receive SMS messages including verification codes, ride confirmations, match notifications, and service updates.

    Your Choices

    You have the following choices regarding your information:

    • You can opt out of receiving SMS messages by replying STOP.
    • You can request that we delete your personal information by emailing us.
    • For assistance, email theridegemach@gmail.com.

    Data Retention

    We retain your ride data and phone number for as long as necessary to provide the Service and for internal record-keeping. If you request deletion of your data, we will remove your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, except where we are required by law to retain it.

    Children’s Privacy

    Our Service is not directed to children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If you are a parent or guardian and you believe that your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

    Security

    We take reasonable steps to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no website or service is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information.

    Changes to this Privacy Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on our website. Your continued use of the Service after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

    Contact Us

    If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at theridegemach@gmail.com.