Privacy Policy

SeatMate (“SeatMate”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a verified student ridesharing venture based in Canberra, Australia. We are the entity responsible for the personal information collected through this website (seatmate.org) and any related services.

If you have any questions about this policy or how we handle your information, you can contact us at [email protected].

We only collect information you choose to provide to us, plus limited technical data needed to operate the site. Specifically:

• Waitlist sign-ups: your name, email address, university (optional), the role you identify with, and any message you include.
• Contact enquiries: your name, email address, subject, message and enquiry type.
• Team applications: your name, email address, the role you are interested in, an optional portfolio link, and your cover letter.
• Investor enquiries: your name and email address.
• Technical data: standard information your browser sends (such as approximate region and device/browser type) used to keep the site secure and functioning.

We do not collect sensitive information (such as health, financial account numbers, or government identifiers) through this website, and we ask that you do not send it to us.

We use the personal information we collect to:

• add you to our launch waitlist and notify you about availability and product updates;
• respond to your enquiries and provide support;
• assess team applications and communicate with applicants;
• manage investor relations;
• operate, secure, and improve the website; and
• comply with our legal obligations.

We will only use your information for the purpose you provided it, a directly related purpose you would reasonably expect, or where you have consented or the law permits.

By submitting a form on this website, you consent to us collecting and handling your personal information as described in this policy. Joining the waitlist or contacting us is voluntary. You can withdraw your consent or ask to be removed at any time by emailing [email protected].

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

• Service providers who help us run the site — principally our database and authentication provider (Supabase) and our hosting and content-delivery provider (Cloudflare);
• Professional advisers (such as legal or financial advisers) where reasonably necessary; and
• Authorities where required or authorised by law.

Your information is stored in a managed PostgreSQL database hosted in the Sydney, Australia region. Access is protected by row-level security so that only authorised administrators can read submissions, and data is encrypted in transit. While no online service can guarantee absolute security, we take reasonable steps to protect your information from misuse, loss, and unauthorised access.

We aim to keep submission data in Australia. However, some of our service providers (such as Cloudflare) may process technical data on servers located outside Australia. Where this occurs, we take reasonable steps to ensure your information is handled consistently with the Australian Privacy Principles.

We do not use third-party advertising or cross-site tracking cookies. We may use essential cookies or local browser storage required for the site to function. You can control or clear cookies through your browser settings.

We keep your personal information only for as long as needed for the purpose it was collected — for example, until you launch with us or ask to be removed from the waitlist — and then we delete or de-identify it, unless we are required to retain it by law.

You have the right to ask for a copy of the personal information we hold about you and to ask us to correct it if it is inaccurate. To make a request, email [email protected]. We will respond within a reasonable period and may need to verify your identity first.

SeatMate is intended for university and tertiary students. If you are under 18, please use the site only with the involvement of a parent or guardian. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without appropriate consent.

If you believe we have mishandled your personal information, please contact us first at [email protected] so we can try to resolve it. If you are not satisfied, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at oaic.gov.au.

We may update this policy from time to time as SeatMate grows and our product launches. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date above. Material changes will be communicated where appropriate.

For any privacy questions or requests, contact: