1. Introduction
Signal & Thread ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our SMS AI assistant services.
We comply with UK data protection laws, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
2. Information We Collect
For Driving Instructors (Our Clients)
- Business information: name, driving school, contact details
- Service areas and availability
- Pricing and service offerings
- Payment and billing information
- Communication preferences
For End Users (Students/Parents)
- Phone number (for SMS communications)
- Name (when provided)
- Location/area (to confirm service coverage)
- Driving experience level
- Booking preferences and availability
- Conversation history with the AI assistant
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information to:
- Provide and maintain our AI SMS assistant service
- Process bookings and appointments
- Send automated responses to enquiries
- Facilitate communication between instructors and students
- Process payments and maintain records
- Improve our AI responses and service quality
- Comply with legal obligations
4. SMS/Text Messaging
By texting a driving instructor using our service, end users consent to receive automated SMS messages. These messages are for:
- Responding to enquiries about driving lessons
- Booking confirmations and reminders
- Scheduling callbacks with instructors
Message frequency varies based on user interaction. Standard message and data rates may apply. Users can opt out at any time by replying STOP to any message.
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We share information only in the following circumstances:
- With driving instructors: We share enquiry details with the relevant instructor to facilitate bookings
- Service providers: We use third-party services for SMS delivery, payment processing, and data storage
- Legal requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
- Business transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or acquisition
We never sell personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
6. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your information, including:
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Regular security assessments
- Access controls and authentication
- Secure data centres within the UK/EU
7. Data Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services:
- Client data: Retained for the duration of the business relationship plus 6 years for tax and legal purposes
- End user data: SMS conversations retained for 90 days unless a booking is made
- Booking records: Retained for 2 years
8. Your Rights
Under UK data protection law, you have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Request deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict processing
- Data portability
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO)
9. Cookies
Our website uses essential cookies to maintain sessions and ensure proper functioning. We also use analytics cookies to understand how visitors use our site. You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings.
10. Children's Privacy
Our service may process information about 17-year-olds seeking driving lessons. We require parental consent for anyone under 18, typically obtained when parents make enquiries on their behalf.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify clients of any material changes via email and update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us:
Email: ethan@signalandthread.com
13. Data Protection Officer
For data protection queries, you can contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@signalandthread.com
14. Supervisory Authority
You have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: