Privacy Policy

5LA | خلا
Last Updated: 27th February 2026

Welcome to 5LA | خلا (“5LA”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
5LA is a university-focused carpooling platform serving students of institutions such as UTAS Muscat and SQU, designed to connect drivers and passengers safely and efficiently. Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the “Service”).

1. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of information:

1.1 Personal Information

When you create an account, we may collect:

  • Full name

  • University email address

  • Phone number

  • Profile photo (optional)

  • University affiliation (e.g., UTAS Muscat, SQU)

  • Vehicle information (if registering as a driver)

1.2 Location Information

  • Real-time location (while using the app)

  • Pickup and drop-off locations

  • Route information

Location data is only used to facilitate ride matching and improve user experience.

1.3 Communications

  • Messages exchanged between users (within the platform)

  • Support inquiries and feedback

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Create and manage your account

  • Match drivers and passengers

  • Facilitate ride bookings

  • Improve safety and security

  • Verify university affiliation

  • Improve app performance and user experience

  • Respond to customer support requests

  • Send important notifications (ride updates, account alerts)

We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

3. Location Data Usage

Location data is used strictly for:

  • Ride matching

  • Navigation assistance

  • Safety purposes

Location tracking occurs only when the app is actively in use and may require your explicit device permission.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We may share information only in the following cases:

  • With other users (limited profile information necessary for rides)

  • With service providers (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics)

  • When required by law or legal authorities

  • To protect the safety, rights, or property of users or the public

We do not share data for advertising purposes.

5. Data Storage & Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your data, including:

  • Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS)

  • Secure cloud storage

  • Access control restrictions

However, no system can guarantee 100% security.

6. Data Retention

We retain your information:

  • As long as your account is active

  • As necessary to comply with legal obligations

  • To resolve disputes and enforce agreements

You may request deletion of your account at any time.

7. Your Rights

Depending on applicable laws, you may have the right to:

  • Access your data

  • Correct inaccurate information

  • Request deletion

  • Withdraw consent

  • Restrict certain processing

To exercise your rights, contact us at:
📧 support@5la.app

8. Children’s Privacy

5LA is intended for university students and individuals aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 18.

9. Third-Party Services

Our app may use third-party services such as:

  • Apple App Store

  • Google Play Store

  • Analytics providers

  • Cloud hosting services

These services have their own privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted within the app and on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date.

Continued use of the Service means you accept the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact:

5LA | خلا Support Team
Email: support@5la.app
Website: https://5la.app
Location: Sultanate of Oman