Privacy Policy

Welcome to Appetizer. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application (“Appetizer,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Email address - Used for account creation and authentication
• Name - Optional, may be provided through Apple Sign In
• User ID - Automatically generated unique identifier

1.2 User Content

We store content you create within the app, including:

• Saved recipes and recipe collections
• Meal plans and shopping lists
• Chat conversations with our AI assistant
• Dietary preferences and restrictions
• Recipe search history within the app
• Bookmarks and favorites

1.3 Subscription Information

• Subscription status (active, trial, or expired)
• Subscription type (monthly or yearly)
• Purchase receipts (used for validation only)

1.4 Usage Information

We collect limited usage data to improve the app:

• Features used within the app
• App performance data (crashes, errors)
• Device type and operating system version

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

• Provide and operate the Appetizer service
• Personalize recipe recommendations
• Process AI-based recipe and meal suggestions
• Manage premium subscriptions and validate purchases
• Offer customer support
• Analyze app performance and improve functionality
• Ensure security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations

3. How We Share Information

3.1 Service Providers

We share data only with trusted providers necessary to operate the app:

• Supabase – database hosting and authentication (encrypted storage)
• Apple – payment processing for subscriptions
• Google AI (Gemini) – recipe generation (no personal data shared)

3.2 Legal Requirements

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

• Comply with legal obligations or court orders
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security issues
• Protect the safety of our users

3.3 Business Transfers

If Appetizer is acquired or merged with another company, your information may be transferred to the new owner.

4. Data Security

We take security seriously and implement industry-standard measures:

• Encryption - All data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
• Secure Authentication - Passwords are hashed and never stored in plain text
• Apple Sign In - Option for privacy-enhanced authentication
• Access Controls - Strict access controls to your data
• Regular Updates - We regularly update our security practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access & Update

View or modify your profile within the app.

5.2 Delete Data

Delete individual content or request full account deletion.

5.3 Export Data

Request a copy of your data via thabanichaka@gmail.com.

5.4 Opt-Out

Unsubscribe from marketing emails anytime.

5.5 Cancel Subscription

Manage or cancel subscriptions in your Apple ID settings.

6. Children's Privacy

Appetizer is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

7. International Users

Your information may be processed in other countries where we or our partners operate. By using Appetizer, you consent to these transfers.

8. Third-Party Links

Appetizer may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to read their privacy policies.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. Updates will be posted in the app and on our website, with the “Last Updated” date revised.

10. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

California residents have the right to:

• Know what information we collect
• Request deletion of their information
• Opt-out of data sales (we don’t sell data)
• Exercise these rights without discrimination

Contact: thabanichaka@gmail.com

11. European Users (GDPR)

Users in the EEA have the right to:

• Access, rectify, or delete their data
• Restrict or object to processing
• Request data portability

Our lawful bases for processing include consent and legitimate interest.