Privacy Policy
Last Updated: February 2026
Your privacy is important to us. Please read this policy carefully before using Bikum.
1. INTRODUCTION
This Privacy Policy explains how Bikum ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects
your information when you use our mobile application and website. By using Bikum, you agree to
the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.
Bikum serves three types of users, each with different data needs:
- Drivers Individual truck drivers using the mobile app
- Shippers Users posting freight loads via web or mobile
- Carriers Companies managing fleets via the web portal
2.1 Personal Information
- Full name and surname
- Email address and phone number
- Profile photo
- UAE traffic file numbers and vehicle registration details
- Bank account information including IBAN (for Carriers and Drivers)
- Business registration documents (for Carrier Companies)
2.2 Location Data
See Sections 3 and 4 for full details on how location data is collected for each user type.
2.3 Non-Personal Information
- Device information (model, operating system, version)
- Usage data (time spent on app, pages visited, features used)
- App crash reports and performance logs
2.4 Chat Data
We collect and process chat data from interactions within the app's messaging system, including:
- Messages exchanged between users and the support team
- User-to-user messages including text, images, and voice messages
2.5 Video and Media Data
We may collect video and image data uploaded by users, including:
- Vehicle registration card scans and photos
- Videos or images uploaded for shipment requests or profile verification
- Media shared during user interactions or support tickets
3. LOCATION DATA COLLECTION
3.1 Shippers
Shippers
When you use the Bikum app or website as a Shipper, we collect your
foreground location only — meaning location is accessed only while the app
is open and in use. This is used to:
- Show your current position on the map
- Find nearby available trucks and carriers in your area
- Pre-fill pickup location when posting a load
Location is not collected in the background when you close or minimize the app.
3.2 Carrier Companies
Carriers
Carrier companies primarily use the web portal where device location is not actively tracked.
Fleet vehicle locations are tracked through the drivers operating those vehicles (see Section 4).
4. BACKGROUND LOCATION — DRIVERS
Important Notice for Drivers
The Bikum app collects location data in the background — even when the app is
closed or not in use — for driver accounts only. This is a core requirement
for the live truck tracking feature. You will be asked to provide explicit
consent before this permission is enabled.
4.1 Why We Need Background Location
Drivers
As a driver, your live location must be shared continuously during active trips so that:
- Shippers can track your truck in real time during active delivery trips
- Nearby shippers are notified of available trucks in their area
- Trip routes are recorded for delivery confirmation and dispute resolution
- Your position is updated on the map even when you minimize the app while driving
4.2 How We Request Your Consent
Before enabling background location tracking, Bikum will:
- Display a clear disclosure dialog explaining exactly why background location is needed
- Give you the option to accept or decline before any system permission prompt appears
- Only request the "Allow all the time" permission after you have accepted the disclosure
If you decline background location, the app will continue to function but live tracking
features will not be available. The disclosure will be shown again when you access the
driver home screen, giving you another opportunity to enable it.
4.3 How Background Location Data Is Used
- Location coordinates are sent to Bikum servers every 500 meters of movement
- Location data is used exclusively for the truck tracking and load matching features
- Location data is never sold to third parties
- Location data is not used for advertising purposes
4.4 How to Disable Background Location
You can disable background location at any time through your device settings:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Bikum → Permissions → Location
- Change from "Allow all the time" to "Allow only while using the app"
Please note that disabling background location will stop live tracking for active trips.
5. CHAT AND VIDEO DATA
5.1 Chat Data Usage
Chat data collected through the app is used for:
- Providing customer support and assistance
- Improving the quality of our communication services
- Ensuring compliance with our terms of service and community guidelines
5.2 Video and Media Usage
Video and image data is used for:
- Processing and verifying vehicle registration cards and documents
- Verifying user profiles or shipments through media submissions
- Improving customer support services through video-based communications
You can request deletion of your video and media data at any time by contacting us.
6. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION
We use the collected information to:
- Provide and improve Bikum's freight matching services
- Enable real-time truck tracking and location-based load matching
- Personalize your user experience based on your user type
- Process subscription payments and commission transactions
- Respond to customer service inquiries and resolve disputes
- Send important notifications, updates, and trip alerts
- Verify user identity and vehicle documentation
- Ensure compliance with UAE transportation regulations
- Enhance chat functionality and support services
7. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
We use third-party services that may collect and process your information. These include:
- Firebase — for analytics and crash reporting
- Google Maps / Flutter Map — for location-based services and map display
- Google Sign-In — for optional Google account authentication
- UAE Banking Systems — for processing payments and IBAN verification
These services are governed by their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them.
8. DATA RETENTION AND DELETION
We retain your personal information, including location history, chat, and media data,
only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as
required by UAE law.
- Active account data is retained while your account remains open
- Trip location history is retained for up to 90 days after trip completion
- Chat and support records are retained for up to 12 months
- You can request full data deletion by contacting us at contact@bikum.org
- Deleted data may not be recoverable once removed
9. HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
We take the security of your personal information seriously. We implement
industry-standard security measures to protect your data including:
- Encrypted data transmission using HTTPS/TLS
- Token-based authentication for all API requests
- Restricted access to personal data within our team
- Regular security reviews and updates
While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission
over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS
You have the right to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Withdraw consent for background location tracking at any time via device settings
- Withdraw consent to data processing (note: this may affect app functionality)
- Request a copy of your personal data in a portable format
To exercise these rights, contact us at
contact@bikum.org.
11. CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on
this page with an updated date. We will notify users through the app or email when
significant changes are made. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes
your acceptance of the updated policy.
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how we handle your data, please contact us at:
© 2026 Bikum. All rights reserved.