1. Overview

GlobalFoodClub operates the GlobalFoodClub mobile application and website (globalfood.club). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our services, including meal logging, restaurant discovery, recipe management, nutrition tracking, and video recipe extraction.

By downloading or using our app or website, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies, please do not use our services.

Data Safety:You can review how we handle your data in our app's Data Safety section in the Google Play Store. For more details, visit our Data Safety disclosure.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

Account information (name, email address, password)
Firebase Authentication credentials
Profile information (dietary restrictions, allergens, health metrics, cuisine preferences)
Profile photo and bio (optional)

2.2 Health & Nutrition Data

Important: Nutrition and health information provided through our app is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Meal logs (food items, portions, timing)
Nutrition information (calories, macros, micronutrients)
Body metrics (weight, height, BMI, daily targets)
Allergen and dietary restriction profiles
AI-estimated nutrition data (experimental, not medically validated)

2.3 Location Data

GPS coordinates for restaurant discovery
Visited restaurants and scan history
You may disable location services in app settings at any time

2.4 Usage Data

App interactions and feature usage
Recipe imports, favorites, and cooking history
Gamification progress (points, streaks, achievements)
Community activities (follows, likes, comments)

2.5 Device Information

Device type and operating system
Push notification tokens
Firebase App Check tokens
Crash reports and performance metrics

3. How We Use Your Information

Providing personalized meal and nutrition recommendations
AI-powered features including recipe extraction from videos and images
Restaurant discovery based on your location and preferences
Gamification and achievement tracking
Syncing your data across devices
Push notifications for meal reminders and community activity
Analytics and app improvement
Security and fraud prevention

3.1 AI-Generated Content

Our app uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate recipes from videos and images, analyze nutrition information, and provide meal recommendations. AI-generated content is marked as experimental and should be reviewed by the user before reliance. AI nutrition analysis is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical nutrition guidance.

4. Third-Party Services

We use third-party services that collect and process your data according to their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these services.

4.1 Firebase (Google)

We use Firebase Authentication for user identity management, Cloud Firestore for real-time data sync, Firebase Analytics for app analytics, Firebase Crashlytics for crash reporting, Firebase Performance for monitoring, Firebase Remote Config for feature flags, and Firebase App Check for security. Firebase is operated by Google. See Firebase Privacy Policy and Google Privacy Policy.

4.2 Google Services

We use Google Maps Platform for restaurant discovery and location features, Google Places API for restaurant information, Google ML Kit for OCR text recognition in menu scanning, and Google Sign-In for optional authentication. See Google Privacy Policy and Google Terms of Service.

4.3 AI Services

We use MiniMax AI for recipe synthesis, nutrition analysis, and meal tips generation. Video transcripts are processed using Whisper AI. These services process data solely for the purpose of providing AI-powered features within our app. Review MiniMax Privacy Policy.

4.4 Payment Processors

In-app purchases are processed by Google Play Store and PayPal. We do not store your payment card details. Please review the respective privacy policies:

4.5 DataImpulse Proxy

We use DataImpulse residential proxy services for video content extraction to ensure reliable access to public recipe videos. This proxy is used only for fetching publicly available video content at your request. Review DataImpulse Privacy Policy.

4.6 Advertisement SDKs

Our app does not currently display third-party advertisements. If this changes in a future update, we will update this policy and ensure proper consent mechanisms are in place in compliance with Google Play policies.

5. Data Storage & Security

5.1 Cloud Storage

User data is stored on secure cloud servers operated by Shahisoft. Our backend uses PostgreSQL databases hosted on Contabo VPS infrastructure with TLS encryption for data in transit.

5.2 Local Storage

The app stores cached data locally on your device using Hive encrypted storage. This includes recipe caches, meal history, and user preferences. You can clear this data by uninstalling the app or clearing app data.

5.3 Data Retention

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and data at any time through the app settings (Privacy → Delete Account) or by contacting us at privacy@globalfood.club. We will delete or anonymize your data within 30 days of a valid deletion request, except where retention is required by law. Note that certain data may be retained for longer if required for legal compliance, tax, or accounting purposes.

5.4 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption in transit (HTTPS/TLS), encrypted local storage, secure authentication via Firebase, and regular security audits. No method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Community Features: If you enable public profile, your recipes, meal logs, and activity may be visible to other users
Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist in operating our services (AI providers, infrastructure)
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
Protection: To protect the rights, property, or safety of GlobalFoodClub, our users, or the public
Business Transfer: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

7. Your Rights

7.1 GDPR (European Users)

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

Access: Request a copy of your personal data
Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
Restriction: Request limitation of processing
Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent

7.2 California Residents (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to know what personal information is collected, request deletion, and opt-out of the sale of your personal information. We do not sell personal information.

7.3 Data Export & Deletion

You can export all your data through the app settings under "Privacy" → "Export My Data." You can request account deletion through "Privacy" → "Delete Account." Both options are available in the app settings.

8. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13 years of age. 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 at privacy@globalfood.club. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete that information promptly.

9. Cookies & Tracking

Our website and app use cookies and similar tracking technologies:

Essential Cookies: Required for authentication and app functionality
Analytics Cookies: Firebase Analytics for app performance and usage insights
Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences

You can disable cookies in your browser or device settings, though this may affect some app functionality.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence, including the United States where our servers are located. When we transfer data internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including Standard Contractual Clauses or equivalent legal mechanisms.

11. Push Notifications

With your permission, we may send push notifications for meal reminders, achievement notifications, community activity, and promotional content. You can manage notification preferences in the app settings at any time, or disable push notifications through your device settings.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date. For significant changes, we will provide additional notice through the app or email. Your continued use of the app after any modifications indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Data Safety (Google Play)

In accordance with Google Play's Data Safety requirements, here is a summary of how GlobalFoodClub handles your data:

13.1 Data Collection & Security

Data Encrypted: All data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS/TLS
Local Storage: App caches data locally using encrypted Hive storage
No Personal Data Sold: We do not sell your personal information
Account Deletion: Available in-app (Settings → Privacy → Delete Account) and via privacy@globalfood.club

13.2 Data Types Collected

Location: Used for restaurant discovery (optional, user-controlled)
Photos: Used for meal photos and recipe image import
Health & Fitness: Meal logs, nutrition data (informational only, not medical advice)
App Activity: Feature usage, crash logs via Firebase Crashlytics

13.3 Purpose of Collection

App functionality and personalization
Analytics and improvements
AI-powered recipe and nutrition features
Push notifications (with consent)

13.4 Data Shared with Third Parties

We share data with Firebase (Google) for authentication and analytics, Google Maps for location services, MiniMax AI for recipe generation, and payment processors (Google Play, PayPal) for purchases. No personal data is sold to advertisers or third-party ad networks.

14. Contact Us

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

Email: privacy@globalfood.club

Website: globalfood.club

Data Controller: Shahisoft

We aim to respond to all privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.

15. App-Specific Permissions

The GlobalFoodClub app requests the following permissions:

Camera: For scanning menus and capturing meal photos
Location: For restaurant discovery and nearby recommendations (optional)
Photo Library: For importing recipe images and meal photos
Notifications: For meal reminders and community updates (optional)
Network Access: For API communication and video content fetching