Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy explains how Cook Paddy ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, discloses, and protects your personal information when you use the Cook Paddy mobile application ("App").

By using the App, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

Contact: hello@cookpaddy.com

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account Information:

• Name
• Email address
• Profile picture (if provided through Apple/Google Sign-In)

User Content:

• Recipes you create or import
• Cookbook collections
• Recipe images and photos
• Cooking tasks and reminders
• Grocery lists
• Notes and preferences

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device Information:

• Device type and model
• Operating system version
• Unique device identifiers
• App version

Usage Information:

• Features used and interactions
• Time spent in the App
• Crash reports and error logs
• Performance data

Camera and Microphone Data:

• Photos taken for ingredient scanning (processed locally or uploaded for analysis)
• Voice recordings for voice search (processed for recipe search functionality)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

Authentication Providers:

• Apple Sign-In: Name, email (as you choose to share)
• Google Sign-In: Name, email, profile picture

Recipe Import:

• When you import recipes from URLs, we may process publicly available recipe data from those sources

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Provide and Improve the Service:

• Create and manage your account
• Store and sync your recipes, cookbooks, and preferences
• Enable recipe import and extraction features
• Power voice and image search functionality
• Send cooking reminders and notifications
• Generate grocery lists

Analytics and Improvements:

• Understand how users interact with the App
• Identify and fix bugs and crashes
• Improve features and user experience
• Develop new features

Communications:

• Send important service updates
• Respond to your inquiries and support requests

Subscription Management:

• Process payments through App Store/Google Play
• Manage your subscription status

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Where We Store Data

Your data is stored using:

• Firebase Firestore: Cloud database for user data, recipes, and cookbooks
• Firebase Storage: Recipe images and media files
• Local Device Storage: Cached data and preferences

Data is stored on servers located in the United States and other regions where Google Cloud (Firebase) operates.

4.2 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures including:

• Encrypted data transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Secure authentication through Apple/Google
• Firebase security rules restricting data access
• Regular security updates

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We share data with trusted third parties that help us operate the App:

5.2 We Do NOT:

• Sell your personal information
• Share your recipes with other users without your consent
• Use your data for third-party advertising

5.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
• Government requests
• Protection of our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Emergencies involving potential threats to safety

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Access and Export

You can:

• View your account information in the App
• Export your recipes as PDF files
• Request a copy of your data by contacting us

6.2 Correction

You can update your:

• Profile information
• Recipes and cookbooks
• Preferences and settings

6.3 Deletion

You can:

• Delete individual recipes and cookbooks
• Request complete account deletion by contacting us

Upon account deletion, we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.

6.4 Opt-Out Options

• Push Notifications: Disable through device settings
• Analytics: Limited opt-out available through device settings
• Marketing: We do not send marketing emails; only essential service communications

7. Camera, Microphone, and Photo Access

7.1 Camera Access

Used for:

• Scanning ingredient labels and cookbook pages
• Taking photos of recipes

Camera access is only activated when you explicitly use scanning or photo features.

7.2 Microphone Access

Used for:

• Voice search to find recipes

Voice recordings are processed for search functionality and are not stored permanently.

7.3 Photo Library Access

Used for:

• Importing recipe images from your device
• Saving recipe photos

You can revoke these permissions at any time through your device settings.

8. Push Notifications

We use push notifications for:

• Cooking reminders and tasks
• Timer alerts during cooking
• Important app updates

You can manage notification preferences in your device settings.

9. Children's Privacy

The App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected data from a child under 13, we will delete it promptly.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own, including the United States where Firebase servers are located. These countries may have different data protection laws.

By using the App, you consent to such transfers. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place as required by applicable law.

11. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Needed to provide the Service
• Required by law

After account deletion:

• Personal data: Deleted within 30 days
• Anonymized analytics: May be retained indefinitely
• Legal records: Retained as required by law

12. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., recipe source URLs). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes through:

• In-app notifications
• Email (if provided)
• Updated "Last Updated" date

Your continued use of the App after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have additional rights:

• Right to Know: Request information about data collected
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: We do not sell personal information
• Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@cookpaddy.com

15. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights including:

• Access to your personal data
• Rectification of inaccurate data
• Erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Data portability
• Objection to processing
• Withdrawal of consent

Legal Basis for Processing:

• Contract performance (providing the Service)
• Legitimate interests (analytics, security)
• Consent (optional features)

To exercise your rights, contact us at hello@cookpaddy.com

16. Contact Us