Edit with
Effective date: July 2026 | Version 2.0 | Updated to include identity verification and biometric data disclosures
HitchaRide is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you use our platform, including how we handle identity documents and biometric data collected for verification purposes.
HitchaRide is an Australian-based online marketplace platform operated as a sole trader. We connect Senders with Drivers for community-powered parcel delivery.
HitchaRide is bound by the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the 13 Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). We handle your personal information responsibly, transparently, and in accordance with Australian law. We will never sell your personal information to third parties.
3.1 Information you provide
When you register and use HitchaRide, we collect:
3.2 Identity verification data
As part of our Driver identity verification process, and where required for high-value Sender jobs, we collect the following through our verification provider Stripe Identity:
Important: HitchaRide does not store your identity documents or raw biometric data on its own servers. This data is processed and stored by Stripe Identity. HitchaRide retains only your verification status (verified / not verified) and the date verification was completed.
3.3 Information we collect automatically
When you use the platform we may automatically collect device information, IP address, approximate location, app usage data, and log data.
3.4 Information from third parties
We may receive information from Stripe (payment status and fraud signals), Stripe Identity (verification results), and other users (ratings and reviews).
We use your personal information to:
Biometric data is a sensitive category of personal information under Australian privacy law. HitchaRide takes its handling with the utmost seriousness.
By submitting to identity verification on HitchaRide, you expressly consent to:
Your biometric data is used solely for the purpose of identity verification and is not used for any other purpose, shared with any other party, or used for marketing or profiling.
You may withdraw consent to biometric data collection at any time by closing your account. Note that withdrawal of consent means you will no longer be able to use HitchaRide as a Driver, as identity verification is a mandatory requirement.
6.1 With other users
To facilitate deliveries, we share limited information between Senders and matched Drivers: first name, profile photo, rating, and relevant job details. We do not share full surnames, email addresses, phone numbers, or financial details between users.
6.2 With service providers
We share information with:
6.3 With government bodies
Identity documents submitted for verification may be checked against the Australian Government's Document Verification Service (DVS). This check is performed by Stripe Identity on our behalf and confirms whether an identity document is genuine and currently valid. HitchaRide does not receive or store the raw results of DVS checks — only the pass/fail verification outcome.
6.4 For legal reasons
We may disclose your personal information where required by law, to respond to a valid court order or law enforcement request, or to prevent or investigate suspected illegal activity or safety risks.
6.5 We do not sell your data
HitchaRide will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for their own marketing or commercial purposes.
HitchaRide may request access to your device's location to assist with route matching and job recommendations. Location access is optional and we do not track your location in the background without your knowledge.
All payments are processed via Stripe. Your payment card details are entered directly into Stripe's secure system and are never stored on HitchaRide's servers. Driver bank account details are stored securely and used only for processing earnings.
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your information including encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS), access controls, secure password hashing, and regular security reviews. In the event of a data breach likely to result in serious harm, we will notify affected users and the OAIC as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.
We retain your information as follows:
HitchaRide may use cookies to keep you logged in, remember your preferences, analyse platform usage, and prevent fraud. We do not use cookies for third-party advertising purposes.
12.1 Access your information
You may request a copy of the personal information HitchaRide holds about you. We will respond within 30 days.
12.2 Correct your information
You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information. Most account information can be updated directly in the app.
12.3 Delete your information
You may request deletion of your account and personal information by contacting privacy@hitcharide.com.au. We will action deletion requests within 30 days, subject to legal retention obligations.
12.4 Biometric data requests
You may request information about what biometric data Stripe Identity holds about you by contacting Stripe directly at stripe.com/privacy. As HitchaRide does not store raw biometric data, we are unable to provide access to or delete biometric data held by Stripe on your behalf — you must contact Stripe directly for these requests.
12.5 Opt out of marketing
You may opt out of marketing communications at any time via the unsubscribe link in any marketing email or by contacting us directly.
12.6 Make a complaint
If you believe we have handled your personal information in breach of the Australian Privacy Principles, contact us at privacy@hitcharide.com.au. If unsatisfied with our response, you may escalate to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.
HitchaRide is not intended for use by anyone under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a minor has registered, please contact us at privacy@hitcharide.com.au.
The HitchaRide platform may contain links to third-party websites. This Privacy Policy does not apply to those sites.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification at least 14 days before changes take effect.
We aim to respond to all privacy enquiries within 5 business days.
© 2026 HitchaRide. All rights reserved. Version 2.0. This document should be reviewed by a qualified Australian privacy lawyer before going live with real users. This policy is intended to comply with the Australian Privacy Act 1988, the Australian Privacy Principles, and the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme.