Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2026

Gulf Garage ("the App") is operated by an individual based in Bahrain, not a registered company. This Privacy Policy explains what information is collected and how it's used.

1. Information We Collect
- Account details: email, phone number, username, full name, and password (stored as a hash, never in plain text).
- Car and listing data: photos, make/model/year and other specs, plate number, mileage, service records, and any documents you upload (e.g. invoices).
- Communications: messages sent through the in-app chat between buyers and sellers.
- Language: the language you use in the App, so notifications and announcements reach you in it.
- Push notification token: used to deliver reminders and message alerts (via Firebase Cloud Messaging and, on iPhone, Apple's push notification service).
- Your choices: when you accepted the Terms, and whether you agreed to or declined the AI features described below.
- Car transfers: if you hand a car over to another user, its details and the history you choose to include (service records, costs, receipt photos, photos, reminders) are copied to their account. Your own copy stays in your garage as a sold car. Cars handed to you are copied to your account the same way.
- Photos that do not match what was asked (for example a photo that is not a car, or not a receipt) are kept for review for 30 days and then deleted. Listing photos are fingerprinted so the same picture used by different sellers can be spotted.
- Usage data: which screens you open and when, when the App is opened and closed, the App version and device type, and the network (IP) address of your connections. Once you are logged in this is linked to your account. It is used to keep the App working, fix problems and understand how the App is used so it can be improved. Detailed records are kept for 90 days, after which only daily totals remain. You can switch this off at any time in Settings -> Share usage data.
- Payment confirmation: if you buy a paid plan for some features (e.g. featured listing, garage slots, dealer subscription), we record only the confirmation details you provide - we do not process or store card or bank account numbers.

2. AI Features (Google Gemini)
Two features can use Google's Gemini AI: recognising a car from a photo, and reading a service receipt from a photo. The App asks for your permission before the first time a photo is sent, and sends only the photo you choose, only when you use the feature. The photo is sent to Google to return the result to you. Under the terms that currently apply to our use of Google's AI service, Google may use content sent to it to improve its products and services, and human reviewers may read it after it has been separated from your account. Please avoid photos that show people or personal documents.
You can say no, or change your mind at any time in Settings -> AI features. Everything can be typed in by hand instead. Photos that the AI finds are not a car or not a receipt are kept for 30 days for review and then deleted.

3. Sharing
We do not sell your data. Your car listings and profile (unless set to private) are visible to other users of the App, as intended for a marketplace. We do not share your data with third parties except:
- Google (Gemini AI for the features in section 2 after you agree; Firebase for notifications and error reports), strictly to provide the App's features.
- Apple (to deliver notifications to iPhones).
- If required by Bahraini law.
We do not track you across other companies' apps or websites.

4. Your Rights
You can request a copy of your data, request corrections, or delete your account at any time (Settings -> Delete My Account, which removes your listings). For anything not covered by the in-app option, contact us at the email below.

5. Data Retention
We keep your data as long as your account is active. Deleted accounts and their listings are removed from active use; some records may be retained briefly for fraud prevention or legal compliance.

6. Children
The App is not directed at children under 16 and we don't knowingly collect data from them.

7. Changes
We may update this policy as the App evolves. Continued use after an update means you accept the revised terms.

8. Contact
Questions about this policy: support@gulfgarage.net