Privacy Policy - SmartChef App
Last updated: October 7, 2025
Important: This Privacy Policy applies to the SmartChef mobile app available on Google Play Store and App Store, as well as the web version.
This Privacy Policy describes our policies and procedures on the collection, use and disclosure of your information when you use the SmartChef Service and tells you about your privacy rights and how the law protects you.
We use your personal data to provide and improve the Service. By using the Service, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.
1. Interpretation and Definitions
Definitions
For the purposes of this Privacy Policy:
- Application refers to SmartChef, the software program provided by the Company, available on mobile devices and web browsers.
- Company (referred to as either "the Company", "we", "us" or "our" in this Agreement) refers to SmartChef App.
- Country refers to: Italy
- Device means any device that can access the Service such as a computer, a cellphone or a digital tablet.
- Personal Data is any information that relates to an identified or identifiable individual.
- Service refers to the Application (mobile and web).
- Usage Data refers to data collected automatically, either generated by the use of the Service or from the Service infrastructure itself.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Data
While using our Service, we may ask you to provide us with certain personally identifiable information that can be used to contact or identify you. This includes:
- Email address - when you create an account
- Name - optional, for profile personalization
- Profile picture - optional, can be uploaded or provided via Google/Apple authentication
- Authentication tokens - from Google Sign-In or Apple Sign-In
2.2 User-Generated Content
When you use SmartChef, you may create and store:
- Recipe data - recipes you create or save, including ingredients, instructions, photos
- Shopping lists - ingredients and items added to your shopping list
- Diet calendar - meal planning and dietary preferences
- Uploaded photos - ingredient photos for AI recognition, recipe images
- Community content - recipes you share publicly, comments, likes, ratings
- Dietary preferences - allergens, dietary restrictions, nutritional goals
2.3 Usage Data
We automatically collect Usage Data when you use the Service, including:
- Device information (model, operating system, version)
- IP address and general location (country/region)
- App usage patterns (features used, time spent)
- Crash reports and error logs
- Language preferences
- Credit usage and transactions
2.4 Camera and Photo Library Access
With your permission, we access:
- Camera - to take photos of ingredients for AI recognition and recipe creation
- Photo Library - to select existing photos for recipes
Photos are processed for ingredient recognition and stored in Firebase Storage. You can revoke this permission at any time through your device settings.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for:
- Service provision - To provide core app functionality including recipe generation, ingredient recognition, meal planning
- Account management - To create and manage your user account
- AI recipe generation - To analyze ingredients and generate personalized recipe suggestions using AI (OpenAI/Anthropic APIs via Firebase Cloud Functions)
- Credit system - To manage your credit balance, daily credits, ad rewards, and purchases
- Community features - To enable recipe sharing, comments, likes, and user interactions
- Personalization - To remember your preferences, dietary restrictions, and favorite recipes
- Communication - To send notifications about credits, challenges, and app updates
- Analytics and improvement - To understand usage patterns and improve the Service
- Support - To respond to your questions and support requests
4. Third-Party Services
SmartChef integrates with several third-party services that may collect and process your data:
4.1 Firebase (Google)
We use Firebase for core infrastructure:
- Firebase Authentication - Manages user accounts and login
- Firebase Realtime Database - Stores user data, recipes, and app content
- Firebase Storage - Stores uploaded images and photos
- Firebase Cloud Functions - Processes AI recipe generation requests
- Firebase Analytics - Tracks app usage (optional, can be disabled)
Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
4.2 Authentication Providers
- Google Sign-In - If you sign in with Google, we receive your email, name, and profile picture
- Apple Sign-In - If you sign in with Apple, we receive minimal data (email or private relay email)
4.3 AI Services
For recipe generation, we send ingredient data to AI providers via Firebase Cloud Functions:
- OpenAI - GPT models for recipe generation
- Anthropic (Claude) - Alternative AI provider for recipe generation
Ingredient data is sent securely and not stored by these providers beyond processing time.
4.4 Advertising Services
Important: We use advertising services to support the free version of the app. Please read carefully how advertising data is collected.
Mobile (Android/iOS):
- Google AdMob - Displays banner ads and rewarded video ads
- Collects: Advertising ID, device info, ad interaction data, approximate location
- Privacy Policy: AdMob Privacy
Web:
- Google AdSense - Displays banner and responsive ads
- Collects: Cookies, browsing data, ad interaction data
- Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy
Your Advertising Choices
- Android: Settings > Google > Ads > Opt out of Ads Personalization
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Apple Advertising > Personalized Ads (disable)
- Web: Manage cookie preferences in your browser
- Google Ad Settings: adssettings.google.com
4.5 Payment Processors
For in-app purchases (when available):
- Google Play Billing - Android purchases
- Apple In-App Purchase - iOS purchases
- Stripe - Web purchases (when available)
Payment information is processed directly by these providers. We never store your credit card details.
5. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored securely using Firebase infrastructure:
- Location: Firebase servers (Google Cloud, primarily EU/US regions)
- Encryption: Data is encrypted in transit (HTTPS/TLS) and at rest
- Access control: Strict Firebase Security Rules limit data access
- Backup: Regular automated backups by Firebase
However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. While we strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your data, we cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Data Retention
We retain your data as follows:
- Account data: Retained while your account is active
- Recipes and content: Retained while your account is active
- Usage data: Retained for up to 24 months for analytics
- Deleted account: Data is permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion
7. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We share data only in these circumstances:
- With your consent: When you share recipes publicly in the community
- Service providers: With third-party services listed above to provide functionality
- Legal requirements: If required by law or to protect rights and safety
- Business transfers: In case of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets
8. Community and Public Content
When you share recipes with the community:
- Your username and profile picture become visible to other users
- Recipe content (text, photos, ingredients) is publicly viewable
- Other users can like, comment, and rate your recipes
- You can delete your shared recipes at any time
9. Your Privacy Rights
Under GDPR and other privacy laws, you have the following rights:
- Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
- Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (via "Delete Account" in settings)
- Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
- Right to Object: Object to certain data processing
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing at any time
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@smartchefmobile.com or use the "Delete Account" feature in app settings.
10. Children's Privacy
SmartChef is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately.
11. International Data Transfers
Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.
12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by:
- Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
- Updating the "Last updated" date
- Sending an in-app notification for material changes
We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
13. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
14. Additional Information for EU Users
Data Controller: SmartChef App, based in Italy
Legal Basis for Processing:
- Performance of contract (to provide the Service)
- Legitimate interests (to improve and secure the Service)
- Consent (for optional features like analytics and personalized ads)
You have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.
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