Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to My Head Chef ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (the "App"). Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you use My Head Chef, we may collect the following information that you voluntarily provide:

• Recipe Inputs: Ingredients, dietary preferences, cuisine styles, and meal types that you enter to generate recipes
• Saved Recipes: Recipes you choose to save for offline access (stored locally on your device)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you use the App, we automatically collect certain information:

• Installation ID: A unique identifier generated when you install the App, used to make calls to our AI service and analyze usage patterns
• Device Information: Information about your mobile device, including device type, operating system version, and app version
• Usage Analytics: Information about how you use the App, collected through Firebase Analytics, including screen views, recipe generation events, saved recipe events, and purchase events

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We use third-party services that may collect information about you:

• Google AdMob (for free tier users): AdMob may collect and use data to show you personalized advertisements. For more information, please review Google's Privacy Policy at https://policies.google.com/privacy
• Firebase Analytics: We use Firebase Analytics to understand app usage and improve our service

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Generate personalized AI-powered recipes based on your inputs
• Provide and maintain the App's functionality
• Process in-app purchases and manage premium features
• Analyze usage patterns to improve the App and user experience
• Display advertisements to free tier users (via Google AdMob)
• Send you technical notices and support messages
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse of the App

4. Google AdMob and Advertising

For users on the free tier, we display advertisements through Google AdMob. Here's what you should know:

• Personalized Ads: AdMob may use your device's advertising ID and other information to show you personalized ads based on your interests
• Ad Choices: You can opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings (Settings → Privacy → Advertising on iOS, or Settings → Google → Ads on Android)
• Ad Removal: Ads are removed when you upgrade to a premium subscription via in-app purchase
• Third-Party Cookies: AdMob and ad networks may use cookies and similar technologies. Please review Google's privacy policy for more information

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Local Storage

Most of your data, including saved recipes, is stored locally on your device using AsyncStorage and local cache. This data is not transmitted to our servers and remains under your control.

5.2 Cloud Storage

The Installation ID is transmitted to our servers when generating recipes via our AI service. We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect this data.

5.3 Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• Service Providers: With third-party vendors who help us operate the App (e.g., Firebase Analytics, AI service providers, cloud hosting)
• Advertising Partners: With Google AdMob for ad display purposes (free tier only)
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights, we may disclose information to law enforcement or regulatory authorities
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your information (note: most data is stored locally on your device and can be deleted by uninstalling the App)
• Opt-Out: Opt out of personalized advertising through your device settings
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected].

8. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

9. Data Retention

We retain your information only as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Most data is stored locally on your device and can be deleted by uninstalling the App.

10. Children's Privacy

Our App is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

• Email: [email protected]
• Support: [email protected]