Privacy Policy

1.1 Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you:

• Create an account: Name, email address, phone number, password
• Complete your profile: Dietary preferences, allergies, delivery addresses
• Place orders: Payment information, delivery instructions, special requests
• Apply as a chef: Professional background, certifications, kitchen photos
• Contact us: Messages, feedback, support requests
• Use social features: Reviews, ratings, comments, photos

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our Service, we automatically collect:

• Device information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers
• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, time spent, click patterns
• Location data: Approximate location based on IP address or GPS (with permission)
• Transaction data: Order history, payment methods, delivery details
• Communication data: Messages between users and chefs

1.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

• Social media platforms when you connect your accounts
• Payment processors for transaction verification
• Background check services for chef verification
• Analytics and advertising partners

We use your information to:

2.1 Provide Our Services

• Create and manage your account
• Process orders and payments
• Connect you with chefs and facilitate bookings
• Provide customer support
• Send order confirmations and updates

2.2 Improve Our Services

• Analyze usage patterns and preferences
• Develop new features and functionality
• Personalize your experience
• Conduct research and analytics

2.3 Safety and Security

• Verify chef credentials and backgrounds
• Monitor for fraudulent activity
• Enforce our Terms of Service
• Protect against security threats

2.4 Marketing and Communications

• Send promotional emails and notifications (with consent)
• Provide personalized recommendations
• Conduct surveys and market research
• Display targeted advertisements

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

3.1 With Chefs

When you place an order, we share necessary information with the chef including your name, delivery address, contact information, and order details.

3.2 With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third parties who help us operate our business:

• Payment processors for transaction processing
• Cloud hosting providers for data storage
• Analytics providers for usage insights
• Customer support platforms
• Marketing and advertising partners

3.3 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Respond to lawful requests from authorities
• Protect our rights and property
• Ensure user safety

3.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the new entity.

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your information:

4.1 Technical Safeguards

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security audits and testing
• Access controls and authentication
• Intrusion detection and monitoring

4.2 Organizational Measures

• Employee training on data protection
• Limited access on a need-to-know basis
• Confidentiality agreements with staff and partners
• Incident response procedures

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but will notify you of any significant data breaches as required by law.

5.1 What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us provide and improve our services. We use several types of cookies:

5.2 Types of Cookies We Use

• Essential cookies: Required for basic functionality
• Performance cookies: Help us understand how you use our site
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

5.3 Managing Cookies

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect the functionality of our Service.

5.4 Other Tracking Technologies

We may also use web beacons, pixel tags, and similar technologies to collect usage information and improve our services.

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

6.1 Access and Portability

• Request access to your personal information
• Receive a copy of your data in a portable format
• View how your information is being used

6.2 Correction and Updates

• Correct inaccurate information
• Update your profile and preferences
• Complete incomplete data

6.3 Deletion and Restriction

• Request deletion of your personal information
• Restrict processing of your data
• Object to certain uses of your information

6.4 Marketing Communications

• Opt out of marketing emails
• Manage notification preferences
• Withdraw consent for marketing activities

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@whatscooking.menu. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Our Service is not intended for children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18.

If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

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

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws.

When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
• Adequacy decisions by relevant data protection authorities
• Certification schemes and codes of conduct

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.

9.1 Retention Periods

• Account information: Until you delete your account
• Transaction records: 7 years for tax and legal compliance
• Marketing data: Until you opt out or 3 years of inactivity
• Support communications: 3 years after resolution

We may retain some information longer if required by law or for legitimate business purposes such as fraud prevention.

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws.

When we make material changes, we will:

• Post the updated policy on our website
• Update the "Last updated" date
• Notify you via email or in-app notification
• Obtain your consent if required by law

Your continued use of our Service after the changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

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

Data Protection Officer (EU)

If you are located in the European Union, you can contact our Data Protection Officer:

Regulatory Authorities

You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority if you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with applicable laws.