Chauffeur Background Location & Telemetry Policy
This policy provides the explicit, prominent disclosure regarding the collection, transmission, and operational necessity of background location data within the SpotnHop Chauffeur application.
Prominent In-App & Platform Disclosure
The SpotnHop Chauffeur app (com.spotnhop.chauffeur) collects precise real-time location data (including in the background when the application is closed, minimized, or when the screen is locked) to enable turn-by-turn navigation, real-time customer ETA notifications, automated arrival detection at pickup checkpoints, and 24/7 security dispatch assistance. Location data is ONLY collected when the chauffeur has explicitly toggled their operational status to "On Duty".
1. Application Scope & Target Package
This policy applies specifically to registered protocol drivers using the SpotnHop Chauffeur mobile application (Google Play Package ID: com.spotnhop.chauffeur).
Because SpotnHop provides executive and VIP chauffeur mobility services, accurate vehicle location is essential to coordinate curbside meet-and-greets, international airport terminal tarmac pickups, and high-security hotel entrances where stopping time is strictly limited.
2. Why Background Location (ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION) is Required
Foreground-only location capture is insufficient for professional chauffeur operations due to standard mobile multitasking during transit:
- Uninterrupted Turn-by-Turn Guidance: While operating assigned luxury vehicles, chauffeurs frequently receive voice calls from the VIP Concierge dispatch or have device screens timeout. Background location tracking ensures route calculations and voice guidance proceed without interruption.
- Live Passenger & Executive Travel Coordinator ETAs: Corporate travel desks and passengers monitor approaching vehicles to time their descent from executive suites or airport lounges. Continuous background location feeds provide sub-meter ETA accuracy even if the chauffeur switches apps or answers an incoming call.
- Automated Lifecycle Milestone Transitions: The SpotnHop platform uses automated geofencing to advance trip statuses (e.g. transitioning from
NAVIGATING_TO_CUSTOMERtoVEHICLE_ARRIVEDtoTRIP_IN_PROGRESS) when the vehicle crosses the 100-meter proximity threshold of the pickup address. - 24/7 Emergency SOS & Security Dispatch: If a vehicle experiences mechanical breakdown, route obstruction, or an SOS security trigger, our security command centers in Lagos and Abuja receive continuous telemetry to deploy roadside security liaisons immediately.
3. Chauffeur Status Controls ("On Duty" vs "Off Duty")
The chauffeur maintains absolute operational control over location telemetry at all times:
4. Data Security, Retention & Transmission
All location telemetry streamed from the SpotnHop Chauffeur application is protected by enterprise-grade cryptographic standards:
- Encrypted in transit using TLS 1.3 over secure WebSocket (WSS) tunnels.
- Stored with AES-256 encryption within restricted database partitions.
- Granular GPS trail points are automatically purged or aggregated after ninety (90) days, retaining only summary distance and travel duration logs for compensation audits.
- Location telemetry is never sold to third-party data brokers or advertising networks.
5. Third-Party Subprocessors
To render interactive vector maps and calculate traffic-aware turn-by-turn routes, coordinate data is processed through industry-standard mapping partners:
- Google Maps Platform: For geocoding and reverse geocoding of addresses.
- Mapbox Inc.: For vector map rendering and real-time traffic flow calculations.
These subprocessors are bound by data protection agreements strictly prohibiting the retention or commercial exploitation of SpotnHop driver coordinates.
6. Revoking Permissions & Contact
Chauffeurs can revoke background location permissions at any time via Android Device Settings (Settings > Apps > SpotnHop Chauffeur > Permissions > Location > "Allow only while using the app" or "Don't allow"). Note that disabling background location will prevent the chauffeur from going "On Duty" or receiving active dispatches.