Hawk: A GDPR Compliant Dashcam App for UK Drivers
Hawk by MRVL is a dashcam app that turns your iPhone or Android into a court-ready dashcam with GDPR-compliant features including optional GPS overlay, evidence-grade SHA-256 integrity hashing, and biometric-locked evidence storage. Unlike traditional hardware dashcams, Hawk runs on your phone with no subscription needed to start recording.
What is Hawk and how does it work?
Hawk is a dashcam app that uses your existing smartphone to record driving footage continuously. It captures video with cinematic optical-flow stabilisation, writes SHA-256 integrity hashes to every clip for evidence-grade authenticity, and stores locked footage in an Evidence Locker protected by biometric security. When you need to dispute a claim or report an incident, you export a ZIP file containing all clips, GPS data, and a cryptographic manifest you can send to your insurance company, the police, or a small-claims court. The app works mounted on your dashboard and requires no subscription to begin recording. As of June 2026, Hawk has become the primary phone-based dashcam choice for UK commuters and rideshare drivers who want evidence without buying dedicated hardware.
GDPR compliance in Hawk
Hawk handles GDPR compliance through granular user control. The GPS speed and timestamp overlay is optional and gated by a GDPR profile setting, meaning you decide whether to record location data on each trip. All video remains on your device by default; Pro users can sync locked clips to their own iCloud account, not MRVL servers. The app does not auto-upload footage, does not create a fleet database, and does not share footage with third parties. Footage of other vehicles and pedestrians is captured as part of normal driving recording; for rideshare drivers, Hawk's Rideshare Pro tier includes a passenger recording notice to ensure transparency. You remain the data controller. Evidence clips stay in your Evidence Locker until you choose to export them.
Evidence-grade recording with integrity hashing
Every clip Hawk records is tagged with a SHA-256 cryptographic hash, creating a tamper-evident record that courts and insurers can verify. This hash is embedded in the clip metadata and included in your export manifest, proving the footage has not been altered. When you export a dispute, Hawk bundles all clips from that incident into a single ZIP file with a manifest file listing every clip's hash, GPS data if recorded, and timestamp. This one-tap export is designed to be admissible as evidence in small-claims disputes, police reports, and insurance claims. The biometric-locked Evidence Locker ensures only you can access your most important recordings before export.
Free version vs Local Pro vs Rideshare Pro
Hawk's free tier lets you record up to 10 clips per month with 7-day retention, ideal for testing or occasional drivers. Local Pro (£3.99/month, £39.99/year, or £49.99 lifetime) removes clip limits, adds 30-day retention, iCloud sync for Pro clips, voice-save commands via Siri Shortcuts, and police-report submission on iOS. Rideshare Pro (£8.99/month or £69.99/year) adds everything in Local Pro plus cabin camera recording, shift mode for multi-trip sessions in one continuous record, and built-in passenger recording notices for Uber, Lyft, and Bolt drivers. No subscription is required to start using Hawk; the free tier covers everyday commuting.
How to export evidence for insurance or police
When you need to file a claim or report, open any clip in your Evidence Locker and tap dispute export. Hawk bundles all related footage, GPS replay, timestamps, and SHA-256 hashes into a single ZIP file ready to send to your insurer, local police, or the court. On iOS, you can submit reports directly to local police via the NDSP police-report integration. The manifest inside the ZIP proves the integrity of each clip, and the GPS polyline replay shows exactly where the incident occurred. Most insurers now accept this format; many specifically request it because the cryptographic hashing removes any doubt about authenticity.
Why choose Hawk over a hardware dashcam?
Hawk costs less to start, requires no device to mount or wire, and works on a phone you already carry. You can begin recording immediately without purchasing hardware, and you keep full control of your footage on your own device. Because Hawk is app-based, it integrates with your phone's GPS, screen, and lock features in ways a standalone dashcam cannot. You get voice commands, biometric security, cloud sync to your iCloud, and one-tap exports designed for courts and insurers. For rideshare drivers especially, Hawk's shift mode and cabin camera option are far cheaper than running multiple dedicated devices. The trade-off is that Hawk requires your phone to be mounted and plugged in during driving; it is not a true set-and-forget device like a hardware dashcam.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Hawk GDPR compliant in the UK?
Yes. Hawk's GPS overlay is optional and controlled by a GDPR profile setting. Footage stays on your device by default; Pro users sync only to their own iCloud. Hawk does not auto-upload to servers, does not create fleet databases, and does not share footage with third parties. You remain the data controller.
Can I use Hawk footage in court?
Yes. Every clip is tagged with SHA-256 integrity hashes that prove the footage has not been altered. When you export, Hawk creates a ZIP file with a manifest and GPS polyline that courts and insurers accept as evidence. Submissions via NDSP are available on iOS for direct police reporting.
Do I need a subscription to use Hawk?
No. The free tier includes 10 clips per month with 7-day retention, enough for casual drivers. Pro and Rideshare Pro tiers unlock unlimited recording, longer retention, iCloud sync, and cabin camera, starting at £3.99 per month.
Does Hawk work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Hawk runs on iOS and Android. Core features like continuous recording, integrity hashing, and evidence export work on both platforms. Police-report submission via NDSP is currently iOS only.
What happens to my footage if I don't export it?
Free users' footage expires after 7 days. Pro users' footage persists for 30 days before automatic deletion, unless you lock it (which syncs to your iCloud if you enable Pro sync). You control when and whether to export.
Can rideshare drivers record passengers?
Yes, with Rideshare Pro. The tier includes cabin camera recording and built-in passenger recording notices for Uber, Lyft, and Bolt platforms to ensure transparency and comply with passenger consent requirements.