Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR Article 6)
We process your data based on the following legal grounds:
- Contractual Necessity: To provide the navigation and parking session services you request.
- Legitimate Interest: To improve city-wide parking efficiency through anonymized data aggregation and predictive analytics.
- Consent: When you explicitly grant location permissions on your device.
What Personal Data We Collect & Why
- Location Data (Precise): Collected via GPS to provide navigation and identify nearby parking.
- Anonymized Identifiers: We use Anonymous Firebase Authentication. This assigns a unique, non-identifiable ID to your device so we can manage your session without requiring your name or email.
- Vehicle Information: Your license plate number is processed solely to validate your parking session with lot owners.
- Predictive Usage Data: Your movement patterns are anonymized and aggregated to create real-time parking availability predictions and city-wide parking statistics.
- Processing: Data is used to facilitate parking payments and session management. While we strive to process data on-device where possible, certain information is transmitted to our servers or third-party providers to finalize transactions.
Location Data Transparency
ParkGate collects and processes location data to enable navigation guidance and persistent notification updates even when the app is closed or not in use (in the background). This is a core function of the service. Once a journey is complete,
precise location traces are converted into anonymized
data points for our prediction engine.
- Real-time Navigation: To provide turn-by-turn directions to parking locations.
- Parking Proximity: To identify and display available parking spaces near your current position.
- Background & Foreground Service: ParkGate collects and processes location data to enable navigation guidance and persistent notification updates even when the app is closed or not in use (in the background). This allows the app to provide continuous voice instructions and
distance updates
while
your screen is locked or while you are using other apps.
Data Controller Information
ParkGate is the data controller for the personal data collected through this Service.
- Name: Andreas Yelasis
- Operating Name: ParkGate
- Contact Email: info@parkgate.app
Data Retention & International Transfers
- Retention: We keep identifiable parking session data for 7 years as required by local tax and commercial laws in Cyprus.
- Anonymized movement data used for predictions is kept indefinitely in an aggregated format.
- Transfers: Your data may be processed via Google Cloud and Firebase servers located in the United States. We ensure these transfers are protected by Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) as approved by the European Commission.
Data Sharing & Third Parties
We do not sell your personal identity to third parties. We share data only with:
- Google Maps/Navigation SDK: To process routes.
- Private Parking Owners: Only your license plate and session time to verify your right to park.
- Public/Commercial Partners: We may share aggregated, anonymous statistics (e.g., "Parking Lot A is usually 80% full at 10 AM") with city planners or partners.
Your Rights Under GDPR
You have the right to:
- Access the data we hold about you (via your Anonymous ID).
- Rectify any incorrect information.
- Delete your data ("Right to be forgotten").
- Object to the processing of your data for predictive analytics.
- Withdraw Consent at any time by disabling location permissions in your phone settings.
Automated Decision-Making
ParkGate uses automated algorithms to predict parking availability. However, these decisions do not have legal or significant effects on you as an individual; they are used solely to suggest the best parking locations.
Data Security & Breach Procedures
We implement industry-standard encryption. In the unlikely event of a data breach that puts your rights at risk, we will notify the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection in Cyprus within 72 hours.
Third-Party Service Providers
The app uses third-party services that may collect information used to identify you:
- Google Play Services & Google Maps/Navigation SDK: Used for map rendering, location processing, and route guidance. Google Privacy Policy
- Firebase: Used for crash reporting and app performance analytics. Firebase Privacy Policy
- We may employ third-party companies to facilitate our Service or perform service-related tasks. These parties have access to your Personal Information only to perform these tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for any other purpose.
- We use commercially acceptable means of protecting your data, but remember that no method of electronic storage is 100% secure.
Notifications and Alarms
To manage your parking sessions effectively, the app uses POST_NOTIFICATIONS and SCHEDULE_EXACT_ALARM permissions. This ensures you receive timely alerts before your parking session expires, helping you avoid fines.
Changes to This Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. You are advised to review this page periodically. Updates are effective immediately upon posting.
Cookies
This Service does not explicitly use cookies. However, third-party libraries used in the app may use cookies to collect information and improve their services. You have the option to refuse these cookies in your device settings.
Log Data
In case of an error, we collect data (through third-party products) called Log Data. This may include your device IP address, device name, operating system version, the configuration of the app, and the time/date of use.