This Privacy Policy describes the data practices for Ride It (the "App"), developed by Selim Öztürk / Talay Lab ("we", "us", or "our").
Effective Date: April 2, 2026

  1. Introduction
    Ride It is a tool designed to provide real-time Bluetooth remote control for Arduino-based robotic vehicles. We are committed to protecting your privacy. This document explains what information we collect, how it is used, and your rights regarding that information.

  2. Information We Collect
    To provide its core functionality, the App requires access to certain device features and data.
    A. Permissions & Technical Data

    Bluetooth & Nearby Devices: Required to discover, pair with, and maintain an RFCOMM socket connection to your hardware (e.g., HC-05/HC-06 modules).

    Location Data: On certain Android versions, "Fine" or "Coarse" location permission is required by the Android system to perform Bluetooth scanning. We do not store or transmit your physical location to any server.

    Haptic Feedback: Access to the device's vibrator is used to provide physical feedback based on incoming hardware telemetry.
    B. User-Defined Configuration (Local Storage)
    The App saves your custom settings locally on your device. This includes:

    Custom command strings for controller actions (e.g., hazard lights, high beams).

    Dynamic telemetry identifiers (e.g., specific characters used to parse Speed or Battery data).

    UI preferences (Language, Dark Mode settings).
    C. Sensitive Data (Name, Email, Account, Payments)

    None. Ride It does not require user registration, account creation, or payment information. We do not collect names, email addresses, or phone numbers.

  3. How Data is Used

    Functionality: Bluetooth and Location permissions are used strictly for hardware communication.

    Personalization: User-defined strings are used to format outgoing serial packets to match your specific Arduino code.

    Telemetry: Incoming data is parsed in real-time to update on-screen gauges and trigger haptics.

  4. Third-Party Services
    We do not use third-party analytics (e.g., Firebase Analytics), advertising SDKs (e.g., AdMob), or crash reporting tools that transmit personal data. All communication is local between the App and your Bluetooth-enabled hardware.

  5. Data Storage and Protection

    Local Processing: All data collection and processing occur locally on your device. We do not maintain a central database or cloud storage.

    Security: We utilize industry-standard Android security practices, including the use of Coroutines for secure background I/O and DataStore for localized preference management.

  6. User Rights (GDPR & CCPA Compliance)
    Depending on your residency, you have the following rights:

    Access & Deletion: Since all data is stored locally in the App's DataStore, you can delete all collected configuration data at any time by clearing the App's cache/data in your Android System Settings or by uninstalling the App.

    Opt-Out: You may revoke Bluetooth or Location permissions at any time via device settings; however, this will disable the App's ability to control your hardware.

  7. Children’s Privacy (COPPA Compliance)
    While Ride It is a tool for hobbyists, we recognize it may be used by children.

    We do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information from children under 13.

    Because the App does not transmit data to a server and has no account system, it does not build profiles or track users across applications.

  8. Data Retention
    User-defined configurations are retained only as long as the App is installed. Uninstalling the App permanently removes all stored command strings and identifiers.

  9. Changes to This Policy
    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date" at the top. You are advised to review this policy periodically for any changes.

  10. Contact Us
    If you have any questions or suggestions about this Privacy Policy, do not hesitate to contact us at:
    Selim Öztürk / Talay Lab
    Email Address: rideit@talaylab.com
    Website: talaylab.com

Ride It by Talay Lab(Selim Öztürk)

Our Privacy Policy