Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 23, 2025

Welcome to DishDiscover's Privacy Policy. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use the DishDiscover mobile application ("App", "Service", "we", "us", or "our").

            Your Privacy Matters: Please read this Privacy Policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it. By using DishDiscover, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
        

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

Account Registration Information:

Full name
Email address
Password (encrypted)
Profile picture (optional)
Bio/description (optional)
Cooking skill level (optional)

User-Generated Content:

Recipes you create or upload
Recipe images and photos
Comments, reviews, and ratings
Meal plans and shopping lists
Recipe bookmarks and favorites

Social Interactions:

Users you follow and followers
Likes and interactions with content
Activity feed information

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device Information:

Device type and model
Operating system and version
Unique device identifiers
Mobile network information

Usage Data:

App features accessed and used
Recipes viewed, saved, and cooked
Search queries and filters applied
Time spent in the App
Categories and content preferences
Achievement and gamification progress

Technical Data:

IP address
Browser type and version (if applicable)
Time zone and locale settings
App crashes and error logs
Performance metrics

1.3 Third-Party Data

Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM):

FCM tokens for push notifications
Notification delivery status
Device registration information

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

2.1 Service Provision and Improvement

Create and manage your user account
Authenticate and verify your identity
Provide personalized recipe recommendations
Display content relevant to your preferences
Enable social features (following, activity feed)
Process and display your content (recipes, reviews)
Track achievements and gamification progress
Improve app functionality and user experience

2.2 Communication

Send push notifications about app activity
Notify you of likes, follows, and comments
Provide achievement and milestone notifications
Send important service updates and announcements
Respond to your inquiries and support requests

2.3 Analytics and Research

Analyze app usage patterns and trends
Understand user preferences and behavior
Identify and fix bugs and technical issues
Conduct research to improve our services
Generate aggregate, anonymized statistics

2.4 Security and Legal Compliance

Detect and prevent fraud and abuse
Enforce our Terms and Conditions
Comply with legal obligations
Protect the rights and safety of users
Respond to law enforcement requests

3. Data Storage and Security

3.1 Where We Store Your Data

Local Storage (On Your Device):

SharedPreferences: User preferences, authentication tokens, theme settings, language preferences
Hive (Local Database): Cached recipe categories, offline content, temporary data

Remote Storage (Cloud Servers):

MongoDB Database: User accounts, recipes, social interactions, activity data, achievements
Cloud Storage: Recipe images, profile pictures, user-uploaded media

Data Retention: We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy. You can request deletion of your account and data at any time.

3.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data:

Encryption: Passwords are encrypted using industry-standard algorithms
Authentication: JWT (JSON Web Token) based authentication with automatic token refresh
Secure Communication: HTTPS/SSL encryption for data transmission
Access Controls: Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
Regular Monitoring: Continuous monitoring for security vulnerabilities and threats

Security Notice: While we strive to protect your personal data, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to improve our security practices.

4. How We Share Your Information

4.1 Public Information

The following information may be visible to other DishDiscover users:

Your profile name and picture
Your bio and cooking skill level
Recipes you create and share
Your reviews, ratings, and comments
Your followers and following list
Your activity feed (likes, bookmarks)
Your achievements and badges

4.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating the App:

Service Provider	Purpose	Data Shared
Firebase Cloud Messaging	Push notifications	FCM tokens, device identifiers
Cloud Storage Services	Image and media hosting	Uploaded images, profile pictures
Backend API Server	Data storage and processing	All user data and content
Analytics Services	App performance monitoring	Usage data, crash reports (anonymized)

4.3 Legal Requirements

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

Legal processes (subpoenas, court orders)
Government or law enforcement requests
Protection of our rights and property
Investigation of fraud or security issues
Emergency situations involving safety threats

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal data may be transferred to the acquiring entity. We will notify you of any such change and the choices you may have regarding your data.

5. Your Rights and Choices

5.1 Access and Control

You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
Deletion: Request deletion of your account and data
Export: Receive your data in a portable format
Restriction: Limit how we use your data
Objection: Object to certain data processing activities

5.2 Privacy Controls

Profile Privacy:

Control who can view your profile and content
Manage your follower and following lists
Hide or show specific information

Notification Preferences:

Enable or disable push notifications
Customize notification types
Control notification frequency

Account Management:

Update your profile information anytime
Change your password and security settings
Delete your account permanently

5.3 Exercising Your Rights

To exercise any of your privacy rights, you can:

Access settings within the App
Contact us at bhattmeet887@gmail.com
Use the "Help & Support" feature in the App

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

6. Children's Privacy

DishDiscover is not intended for children under 13 years of age (or the minimum age required in your jurisdiction). 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 immediately. We will take steps to delete such information from our systems.

7. International Data Transfers

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

By using DishDiscover, you consent to the transfer of your information to our servers and third-party service providers, wherever they may be located. We will take appropriate safeguards to ensure your data receives adequate protection.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

DishDiscover may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience:

Authentication Cookies: Keep you logged in between sessions
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
Analytics Cookies: Understand how you use the App (anonymized)
Security Cookies: Detect and prevent security threats

You can manage cookie preferences through your device settings, though disabling certain cookies may affect app functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

DishDiscover 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 review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

10. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that may affect your personal information, we will:

Notify you within 72 hours of discovering the breach
Describe the nature and scope of the breach
Explain what data was affected
Outline steps we are taking to address the breach
Provide recommendations to protect your information
Notify relevant authorities as required by law

11. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

Right to Know: Request details about the personal information we collect, use, and share
Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of your personal information (Note: We do not sell personal information)
Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your CCPA rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at bhattmeet887@gmail.com with "CCPA Request" in the subject line.

12. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Legal Basis for Processing: We process your data based on consent, contract performance, legal obligations, and legitimate interests
Right to Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw consent at any time
Right to Lodge a Complaint: You can file a complaint with your local data protection authority
Data Protection Officer: Contact our DPO at bhattmeet887@gmail.com

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. When we make changes:

The "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised
We will notify you of significant changes via push notification or email
Continued use of DishDiscover after changes constitutes acceptance

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please contact us:

Email: bhattmeet887@gmail.com
Support Email: bhattmeet887@gmail.com
Data Protection Officer: bhattmeet887@gmail.com
App Support: Use the "Help & Support" feature in Settings

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns you may have. We will respond to all inquiries within 30 days.

15. Consent

By using DishDiscover, you consent to the collection, use, storage, and sharing of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.