Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to CookScope ("we", "our", or "us"). CookScope is a mobile application that helps you discover recipes by photographing your fridge or pantry. Our AI detects your available ingredients and generates personalized recipe suggestions based on your preferences.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use our application. By using CookScope, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Account Information

When you first open the app, an anonymous account is automatically created so you can start using the app without friction. You may optionally upgrade to an email and password account, in which case we collect:

• Email address
• Password (securely hashed, never stored in plain text)

2.2 Photos and Images

With your permission, we access your device camera or photo library to let you photograph your fridge, pantry, or ingredients. These images are:

• Uploaded to our secure cloud storage (Firebase Storage)
• Sent to our AI service for ingredient detection
• Not shared publicly or with other users

2.3 User Preferences

To personalize your recipe recommendations, we collect your preferences including:

• Meal type (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack)
• Cuisine preferences (e.g., Turkish, Italian, Asian, Mexican)
• Cooking time preference
• Dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free)
• Username (optional)

2.4 Recipe Data

We store the recipes generated for you, including:

• Recipe names, descriptions, ingredients, and instructions
• AI-generated recipe images
• Your interactions (liked and disliked recipes)

2.5 Device and Usage Data

We automatically collect certain technical information through Firebase Analytics, including:

• Device type, operating system, and version
• App usage patterns and screen views
• General location data (country/region level, not precise location)

2.6 Crash Reports

We use Firebase Crashlytics to collect crash reports and error logs to improve app stability. This may include:

• Device state at the time of a crash
• Stack traces and error messages
• Operating system version and device model

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Detect ingredients from your photos using AI
• Generate personalized recipe suggestions based on your ingredients and preferences
• Save your recipes and preferences for future use
• Send push notifications about recipes and app updates (with your consent)
• Improve app performance and fix bugs
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance the user experience

4. Third-Party Services

We use the following third-party services to operate our app:

4.1 Firebase (Google)

We use multiple Firebase services provided by Google, including Authentication, Cloud Firestore (database), Cloud Storage (image storage), Analytics, Crashlytics (crash reporting), Cloud Messaging (push notifications), and Cloud Functions (backend processing). Google's privacy policy applies to data processed through these services: https://policies.google.com/privacy

4.2 Fal.ai

We use Fal.ai's AI services for:

• Analyzing your photos to detect ingredients
• Generating recipe suggestions using large language models
• Generating recipe images

Your uploaded images and ingredient data are sent to Fal.ai's servers for processing. Fal.ai's privacy policy can be found at: https://fal.ai/privacy

5. Data Storage and Security

We take the security of your data seriously:

• All data is transmitted over encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS)
• User data is stored in Firebase with security rules that restrict access — each user can only access their own data
• API keys for AI services are stored securely on our backend servers, not in the client application
• Passwords are securely hashed by Firebase Authentication

6. Data Retention and Deletion

We retain your data for as long as your account is active. You have the right to:

• Delete your uploaded images at any time within the app
• Request deletion of your account and all associated data by contacting us at the email address below

Upon account deletion, we will remove your personal data, including your preferences, recipes, uploaded images, and request logs, within 30 days.

7. Push Notifications

We may send you push notifications about recipe suggestions and app updates. You can manage or disable push notifications at any time through your device's system settings.

8. Children's Privacy

CookScope is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe a child under 13 may have provided us with personal data, please contact us.

9. Your Rights

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

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data
• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to the processing of your personal data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: cetinyusuf35@gmail.com