We use your information to run VanLife Connect safely, smoothly and in the way you expect. Here’s what that means in practice:
Operating the platform – We use your details to make the app work:
• Create and manage listings and bookings
• Process payments and refunds
• Show basic profile and verification details to other users so they know who they’re dealing with
Location features – If you turn on location services, we use your location to:
• Trigger Smart Arrival when you enter a park or rest area
• Show nearby services, Travel Mates and noticeboard posts
• Improve search results by showing local options first
Safety and security – We use identification details to:
• Help verify users and prevent fake or banned accounts
• Reduce fraud and keep the community safe
• Investigate disputes or reports when needed
Notifications – We use your email and device notifications to send you essential updates, such as:
• Booking confirmations
• Chat messages
• Reminders and Smart Arrival prompts
If you opt in to newsletters or promotions, we use your email for those too. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Improving the app – We look at app usage patterns in aggregated form to understand:
• Which features people enjoy
• Where users get stuck
• How to improve the app
Legal and compliance – Some information is used to meet our legal obligations, including:
• Reporting Provider earnings to the ATO
• Satisfying identity and fraud-prevention requirements (for example, for Stripe payouts)
• Enforcing our Terms & Conditions
Handling rule breaches and disputes. If there’s a complaint or dispute, we may review relevant data (such as messages, booking details or profile information) to understand what happened and decide what action to take.
What we don’t do
We do not sell your information to marketers or unrelated third parties. All use of your data is strictly connected to operating and improving VanLife Connect.