Free Rider Problem helps friends split trip costs. We collect only the data needed to make the app work, and this page explains what that data is.
DATA WE COLLECT
Free Rider Problem collects the following data:
- Display name — The name you choose during onboarding
- Avatar emoji — The emoji you select to represent yourself
- Invite code — Your unique 6-character identifier
- Vehicle information — Name, fuel type, efficiency, and last energy rate for your vehicles
- Trip data — Routes, distances, costs, and rider information for trips you log
- Balance data — Running cost balances between you and your friends
- Friend connections — Which users you are connected to via invite codes
- Saved routes — Origin, destination, and distance for your frequently-used routes
- Device tokens — Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) tokens used to deliver push notifications to your device
DATA WE DO NOT COLLECT
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Passwords
- Location tracking or GPS coordinates
- Payment information or financial data
- Contacts or address book data
- Device identifiers for advertising
- Browsing or app usage analytics
HOW DISTANCE IS CALCULATED
Trip distances are calculated using Apple's MKDirections API, which runs on-device. Your origin and destination addresses are sent to Apple's servers to calculate driving distance, subject to Apple's Privacy Policy. We do not store raw addresses beyond what is needed for saved routes.
DATA STORAGE AND SYNC
Your data is stored and synced using Convex, a real-time backend service. Convex handles:
- Real-time data sync between devices and users
- Server-side storage for trips, balances, and user profiles
You can learn more about Convex's data handling at convex.dev/legal/privacy.
PUSH NOTIFICATIONS
Free Rider Problem uses Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) to send remote push notifications to your device. When you grant notification permission, your APNs device token is stored on our backend (Convex) so we can deliver notifications to you.
Push notifications may be sent for:
- Trip updates when a friend logs a trip that includes you
- Balance changes when costs are split or settled
- Friend activity such as new friend connections
Your device token is used solely for delivering push notifications within Free Rider Problem. Device tokens are not shared with any third parties. If you revoke notification permission, we will no longer send notifications to your device, though the stored token may remain until it is invalidated by Apple.
You can manage or disable push notifications at any time through Settings > Notifications > Free Rider Problem on your iOS device.
ICLOUD SYNC
Free Rider Problem uses iCloud Key-Value Storage (NSUbiquitousKeyValueStore) to sync lightweight user preferences across your Apple devices. This includes settings such as your preferred units and display options.
No sensitive data, trip records, financial information, or identity data is stored via iCloud sync. Only non-sensitive user preferences are synced.
Data stored via iCloud Key-Value Storage is subject to Apple's iCloud Privacy Policy. Apple encrypts iCloud data in transit and at rest. You can manage iCloud storage and data through your device's iCloud settings.
THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
- Convex — Backend data storage and real-time sync
- Apple MKDirections — On-device distance calculation
- Apple Push Notification Service (APNs) — Remote push notification delivery
- Apple iCloud (Key-Value Storage) — Syncing user preferences across devices
We do not use any advertising networks, analytics SDKs, crash reporting services, or social media trackers.
ACCOUNT AND IDENTITY
Free Rider Problem uses invite codes instead of traditional accounts. Your invite code is your identity. This means:
- No password to remember or reset
- No email verification required
- No phone number verification
- Your invite code is the key to your data
DATA RETENTION
Your data is retained for as long as you use the app. Trip history and balance records are kept to maintain accurate running totals between friends. We do not automatically delete historical data.
DATA DELETION
To request deletion of your data, contact us at [email protected]. We will delete your user profile, trip history, vehicle information, and balance records. Note that this may affect the balance records of your connected friends.
CHILDREN'S PRIVACY
Free Rider Problem is not designed for or directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
CHANGES TO THIS POLICY
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be reflected on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
CONTACT
If you have questions about this privacy policy or how your data is handled, contact us at: