Privacy Policy

Last Updated: April 28, 2025

At OttoChef AI, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our meal planning service.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information You Provide

When you create an account or use our service, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, password, and profile information
• Dietary Preferences: Food allergies, dietary restrictions, cuisine preferences, and meal preferences
• Family Information: Family size, ages of family members (for meal planning purposes)
• Communication Data: Messages you send to our support team or feedback you provide

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you use our service, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: How you interact with our service, features used, time spent, and navigation patterns
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, browser type, IP address, and unique device identifiers
• Location Data: General location information based on IP address (not precise location)
• Performance Data: App crashes, load times, and technical performance metrics

1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze how our service is used
• Provide personalized meal recommendations
• Improve our service performance and user experience

2. How We Use Your Information

2.1 Primary Purposes

We use your information to:

• Provide Our Service: Generate personalized meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists
• Account Management: Create and maintain your account, and provide customer support
• Personalization: Customize meal recommendations based on your preferences and dietary needs
• Communication: Send service updates, meal plan notifications, and respond to your inquiries
• Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our AI algorithms and service features

2.2 AI and Machine Learning

Your dietary preferences and usage patterns help us:

• Improve our meal recommendation algorithms
• Develop better recipe suggestions
• Enhance our AI-powered features
• Create more accurate nutritional calculations

Note: We use aggregated, anonymized data for AI training and never share individual meal plans or personal preferences with third parties.

3. Information Sharing and Disclosure

3.1 We Do NOT Sell Your Personal Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

3.2 When We May Share Information

We may share your information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate our service (email services, analytics providers)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with notice to you)
• With Your Consent: When you explicitly agree to share information with third parties

3.3 Third-Party Integrations

If you choose to connect third-party services (like grocery delivery apps), we'll only share the information necessary for that integration and with your explicit consent.

4. Data Security

4.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures including:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL
• Secure Storage: Personal information is encrypted at rest using industry-standard encryption
• Access Controls: Strict access controls ensure only authorized personnel can access your data
• Regular Audits: We regularly review and test our security measures
• Secure Infrastructure: Our systems are hosted on secure, compliant cloud infrastructure

5. Your Privacy Rights

5.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we have about you
• Update: Modify or correct your personal information through your account settings
• Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)
• Export: Download your meal plans and data in a portable format
• Restrict: Limit how we process your information in certain circumstances

5.2 Communication Preferences

You can:

• Opt out of marketing emails while continuing to receive service-related communications
• Choose your notification preferences in your account settings
• Unsubscribe from all non-essential communications

5.3 Cookie Controls

You can:

• Manage cookie preferences through your browser settings
• Opt out of analytics cookies while continuing to use our service
• Clear existing cookies at any time

6. Data Retention

6.1 Account Data

We retain your account information and meal planning data while your account is active and for a reasonable period after account closure to:

• Provide customer support
• Comply with legal obligations
• Resolve disputes

6.2 Deletion Timeline

• Account deletion: Personal information is deleted within 30 days of account closure
• Meal plan data: Permanently deleted within 90 days unless you request immediate deletion
• Analytics data: Anonymized within 30 days and may be retained for service improvement

7. International Data Transfers

7.1 Data Location

Your information may be processed and stored in various countries where we operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers.

7.2 Privacy Shield and Adequacy

We comply with applicable international privacy frameworks and ensure adequate protection for cross-border data transfers.

8. Children's Privacy

8.1 Age Restrictions

Our service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

8.2 Family Accounts

If you create meal plans for family members, you are responsible for ensuring you have appropriate consent to include their dietary information.

9. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

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

• Right to Know: Detailed information about how we collect and use your information
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we don't sell your information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We won't discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

10. European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are in the European Economic Area, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Legal Basis: We process your information based on contract performance, legitimate interests, or consent
• Data Protection Officer: Contact our DPO for privacy-related questions
• Supervisory Authority: You can file complaints with your local data protection authority

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

11.1 Notification of Changes

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices in our application

11.2 Your Continued Use

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

12. Contact Us

12.1 Privacy Questions

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your privacy rights:

• Email: info@ottochef.ai
• Data Protection Officer: support@ottochef.ai

12.2 Exercise Your Rights

To exercise your privacy rights or submit privacy-related requests:

• Account Settings: Many privacy controls are available in your account dashboard
• Privacy Request Form: Available on our website for formal requests
• Email: Send detailed requests to info@ottochef.ai

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This Privacy Policy is effective as of April 28, 2025. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.