Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how RecipeTrail ("we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and shares information about you when you use our mobile application. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Device Information

• Device Identifiers: Device model, operating system version, unique device identifiers
• Technical Information: App version, crash reports, performance data
• Network Information: IP address, connection type for service delivery

1.2 Usage Data

• App Interactions: Features used, recipes viewed, time spent in app
• User Preferences: Favorite recipes, search history (stored locally)
• Navigation Patterns: How you move through the app to improve user experience

1.3 Tracking and Advertising Data (with Consent)

• Advertising Identifiers: IDFA (iOS) or Android Advertising ID when consent is given
• Ad Interaction Data: Ad views, clicks, and engagement metrics
• Cross-App Tracking: Only when explicitly authorized by you

1.4 Purchase and Subscription Data

• Transaction Information: Purchase history, subscription status, payment processing data
• Account Information: Subscription tier, renewal dates, cancellation requests

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Core App Functionality

• Provide and maintain the RecipeTrail app experience
• Display recipes, nutrition information, and cooking instructions
• Save your favorite recipes and preferences locally
• Manage your subscription and premium features

2.2 App Improvement and Analytics

• Analyze app usage to improve features and performance
• Fix bugs and technical issues
• Understand which recipes and features are most popular
• Optimize app performance and loading times

2.3 Advertising and Personalization (with Consent)

• Show relevant food and cooking-related advertisements
• Personalize ad content based on your interests (only with tracking permission)
• Measure ad effectiveness and performance

3. Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party services to provide and improve our app:

3.1 Expo Application Services

• Purpose: App building, updates, and basic analytics
• Data Collected: Device information, app usage statistics
• Privacy Policy: expo.dev/privacy

3.2 RevenueCat

• Purpose: Managing in-app purchases and subscriptions
• Data Collected: Purchase data, subscription status, anonymized user identifiers
• Privacy Policy: revenuecat.com/privacy

3.3 Google AdMob

• Purpose: Displaying advertisements (for non-premium users)
• Data Collected: Device identifiers, ad interaction data, location (if permitted)
• Tracking: Only with your explicit consent via App Tracking Transparency
• Privacy Policy: policies.google.com/privacy

4. App Tracking Transparency (iOS)

4.1 When We Ask for Tracking Permission

• Before showing personalized advertisements
• When you first encounter ads in the app
• We provide a clear explanation of why we're asking

4.2 What Happens Based on Your Choice

• Allow Tracking: We can show personalized ads and measure their effectiveness
• Don't Allow: We show non-personalized ads only and collect minimal data
• Change Your Mind: You can change this setting anytime in iOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Local Storage

• Your favorites and preferences are stored locally on your device
• This data is not transmitted to our servers
• Data is removed when you delete the app

5.2 Cloud Storage

• Analytics and purchase data are stored securely with our service providers
• All data transmission is encrypted using industry-standard protocols
• We do not store personally identifiable information on our servers

6. Data Retention

• Analytics Data: Retained for up to 26 months for service improvement
• Purchase Data: Retained as required by Apple/Google and tax authorities
• Ad Data: Retained according to Google AdMob policies (typically 24-26 months)
• Crash Reports: Retained for 90 days for debugging purposes

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

• Access your subscription information through your Apple ID or Google Play account
• Control ad tracking through iOS/Android privacy settings
• Delete local app data by uninstalling the app

7.2 Subscription Management

• Manage subscriptions in your Apple ID or Google Play Store settings
• Cancel anytime - access continues until the end of your billing period
• Restore purchases on new devices through the app

7.3 Data Requests

You may request to:

• Access what personal data we have about you
• Correct or update your information
• Delete your personal data (where legally permissible)

8. Children's Privacy

RecipeTrail is rated 4+ and is suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

9. International Users

RecipeTrail is available worldwide. Your information may be processed in countries other than your own, including the United States. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal compliance. We will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify users of significant changes through the app
• Obtain consent for material changes that affect your rights

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Thank you for using RecipeTrail! 🍽️
Last updated: September 4, 2025