Almost4x4 - Privacy policy

This policy explains in detail how “Almost4x4” along with its affiliated companies (hereinafter “we”, “us”, “our”, “Almost4x4”, “https://almost4x4.com/forum”) and phpBB (hereinafter “they”, “them”, “their”, “phpBB software”, “www.phpbb.com”, “phpBB Limited”, “phpBB Teams”) use any information collected during any session of usage by you (hereinafter “your information”).
This policy explains how "Almost4x4" ("https://almost4x4.com/forum") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use our platform, mobile application, and forum.

Your information is collected via two ways. Firstly, by browsing “Almost4x4” will cause the phpBB software to create a number of cookies, which are small text files that are downloaded on to your computer’s web browser temporary files. The first two cookies just contain a user identifier (hereinafter “user-id”) and an anonymous session identifier (hereinafter “session-id”), automatically assigned to you by the phpBB software. A third cookie will be created once you have browsed topics within “Almost4x4” and is used to store which topics have been read, thereby improving your user experience.

We may also create cookies external to the phpBB software whilst browsing “Almost4x4”, though these are outside the scope of this document which is intended to only cover the pages created by the phpBB software. The second way in which we collect your information is by what you submit to us. This can be, and is not limited to: posting as an anonymous user (hereinafter “anonymous posts”), registering on “Almost4x4” (hereinafter “your account”) and posts submitted by you after registration and whilst logged in (hereinafter “your posts”).

Your account will at a bare minimum contain a uniquely identifiable name (hereinafter “your user name”), a personal password used for logging into your account (hereinafter “your password”) and a personal, valid email address (hereinafter “your email”). Your information for your account at “Almost4x4” is protected by data-protection laws applicable in the country that hosts us. Any information beyond your user name, your password, and your email address required by “Almost4x4” during the registration process is either mandatory or optional, at the discretion of “Almost4x4”. In all cases, you have the option of what information in your account is publicly displayed. Furthermore, within your account, you have the option to opt-in or opt-out of automatically generated emails from the phpBB software.

Your password is ciphered (a one-way hash) so that it is secure. However, it is recommended that you do not reuse the same password across a number of different websites. Your password is the means of accessing your account at “Almost4x4”, so please guard it carefully and under no circumstance will anyone affiliated with “Almost4x4”, phpBB or another 3rd party, legitimately ask you for your password. Should you forget your password for your account, you can use the “I forgot my password” feature provided by the phpBB software. This process will ask you to submit your user name and your email, then the phpBB software will generate a new password to reclaim your account.

1. Location Data
The Almost 4x4 mobile app accesses your device's precise GPS location to enable core features including: real-time SOS emergency alerts (which transmit your coordinates to designated contacts), trip tracking and navigation during off-road drives, and displaying your position relative to convoy waypoints. Location is accessed only while the app is actively in use and is never collected in the background without your knowledge. We do not sell or share your location data with any third parties.

2. Account and Personal Information
Your information is collected via two ways. Firstly, by browsing "Almost4x4" the phpBB software will create cookies — small text files downloaded to your browser — containing a user identifier and session identifier. A third cookie stores which topics you have read to improve your experience. Secondly, we collect information you submit: your username, password, and valid email address upon registration. Additional profile fields (contact phone number, vehicle details) are optional. Your password is stored as a one-way hash and is never shared. No one affiliated with "Almost4x4" will ever ask for your password.

3. Profile and Media
Profile photos and trip cover images uploaded by users are stored on our servers solely for display within the platform. Users retain ownership of their uploaded content.

4. Device and Notification Data
The mobile app collects device identifiers solely for delivering push notifications (via OneSignal) about trip updates, announcements, and safety alerts. No advertising identifiers are used.

5. Camera and Photo Library
The app requests access to your camera and photo library only when you choose to upload a profile photo or trip cover image. This access is not used for any other purpose.

6. Community Content
Posts, trip reports, reviews, and comments submitted within the forum and app are stored on our servers and visible to other authenticated club members.

7. Data Sharing
Your information will not be disclosed to any third party without your consent. Neither "Almost4x4" nor phpBB shall be held responsible for any hacking attempt that may lead to data being compromised.

8. Data Retention and Deletion
You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data by contacting the club administrator. Upon request, personal data will be removed within 30 days.

9. Contact
For privacy inquiries, contact us through the forum or at the email address listed on the Almost 4x4 website.