AwaRide logo

Cookie Policy

Effective Date: November 27, 2025

At Awaride Ltd. ("we," "us," or "our"), we use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our mobile app, website, and services (collectively, the "Service"). This policy explains what cookies are, how we use them, and your options for managing them. By using the Service, you consent to our use of cookies as described here, in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (e.g., phone or computer) when you visit a site or app. They store information like preferences or session data to help the Service work better on future visits. Similar technologies include web beacons, pixels, and local storage (e.g., HTML5). We use these to remember you, analyze usage, and personalize the Service.

Under NDPA, we treat cookie data as personal data if it identifies you (for example, if it is tied to your account). We minimize collection and obtain consent where required.

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

Required for core functions like login, security, and ride matching. Without these, the Service may not work properly. Examples include session authentication tokens.

  • Duration: Session (temporary) or persistent (up to 1 year)
  • Status: Always on (strictly necessary)

Functional Cookies

Enhance usability, like remembering route preferences or language settings. Examples include user preferences or a dark mode toggle.

  • Duration: Persistent (up to 2 years)
  • Status: Optional (consent via banner/settings)

Analytics Cookies

Help us understand usage to improve the Service. We aim to use aggregated and anonymized data where possible. Examples may include analytics tools that measure page views or feature usage.

  • Duration: Persistent (up to 2 years)
  • Status: Optional (consent required)

Advertising Cookies

Used for targeted promotions (for example, ride discounts) based on your interactions. We may share these signals with advertising partners where applicable. Examples include retargeting identifiers or pixels.

  • Duration: Persistent (up to 1 year)
  • Status: Optional (granular consent)

Important!!

We do not use cookies for surveillance or for selling your personal data. Our focus is on providing a safe and efficient carpooling experience.

3. How We Use Cookies

Cookies may be used for:

  • Security & Authentication: Keep you logged in securely during rides.
  • Personalization: Suggest matches based on past routes and preferences.
  • Performance: Optimize app speed and help diagnose bugs.
  • Analytics: Understand trends (e.g., peak commute times) to improve matching.
  • Marketing: Send tailored notifications (e.g., promo codes) if you opt in.
  • Compliance: Record cookie consent choices for accountability.

Data from cookies may be combined with other information (for example, location) only for the purposes described in this policy. We retain cookie data as long as necessary (up to 2 years) or until you withdraw consent (where applicable).

4. Third-Party Cookies

We may integrate tools from trusted partners, such as:

  • Analytics & Maps: For usage statistics and navigation.
  • Payment Providers (e.g., Paystack): For secure transactions.
  • Social Logins (e.g., Google): If you connect third-party accounts.

These providers may set their own cookies. We require appropriate NDPA-aligned protections (for example, data processing agreements) and do not share data without consent where required.

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

  • Consent Banner: On first use, you can accept, reject, or customize non-essential cookies.
  • Browser/App Settings: You can block cookies via device settings (note: disabling essential cookies may affect the Service).
  • Opt-Out Tools: Use third-party opt-out tools where provided by those services.
  • Withdraw Consent: Anytime via app settings (e.g., Privacy > Cookies). We will stop non-essential tracking.
  • Do Not Track (DNT): We honor DNT signals where possible.

Rejecting non-essential cookies won't prevent core ride functionality, but some features (like personalized recommendations) may be limited.

6. Children's Privacy

The Service is not intended for users under 18, and we do not knowingly use cookies to track minors.

7. International Transfers

Cookie data is processed primarily in Nigeria, but some partners may process data outside Nigeria. Where cross-border transfers occur, we apply appropriate NDPA safeguards (such as contractual protections).

8. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this policy as needed (for example, when we add new features). We will post updates here and notify you of material changes via the app or email where appropriate. Continued use means acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

Questions or concerns? Contact info@awaride.com or use in-app support. For NDPC complaints, you may contact the regulator via ndpc.gov.ng.

Thanks for trusting Awaride — cookies help us make commutes safer and more efficient.