Privacy Policy
Last updated: March 2024
1. Introduction
At FoodieScan, we take your privacy seriously. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use FoodieScan, our AI-powered ingredient analysis application.
By downloading, installing, or using FoodieScan, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. We've designed FoodieScan with privacy in mind, storing most of your data locally on your device whenever possible.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
Currently, we collect:
- Images you capture or upload for ingredient analysis
- Product information derived from these images
- Scan history for your convenience
In the future, if we implement user accounts, we may also collect:
- Account information (email, password, optional profile details)
- User preferences and settings
- Communication with our support team
2.2 Camera Access
FoodieScan requires access to your device's camera to scan product labels. We only access your camera when you actively use the scanning feature. Camera data is processed for the sole purpose of analyzing ingredient lists and is not used for any other purposes. Images captured for analysis are stored locally on your device.
2.3 Information Automatically Collected
- Device information (type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
- Usage data (features accessed, time spent, actions taken within the app)
- App performance and error data to improve service quality
- IP address and general location data (country/region)
2.4 Local Storage
Currently, FoodieScan stores all your scan data locally on your device using secure local storage. This includes:
- Scan history (including timestamps)
- Captured images
- Analysis results (ingredients, ratings, product information)
- Application preferences
This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly choose to share it or if we implement cloud sync features in the future (which would be optional).
3. How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide and improve our ingredient analysis service
- Process and analyze product images you capture
- Maintain your scan history for your convenience
- Understand how users interact with our app to improve features
- Troubleshoot issues and optimize app performance
- Improve our AI algorithms and service quality
- Comply with legal obligations
3.1 OpenAI Integration
To provide ingredient analysis, FoodieScan uses OpenAI's API services. When you scan a product:
- The captured image is temporarily sent to OpenAI's servers for processing
- OpenAI analyzes the image to extract and evaluate ingredient information
- The analysis results are returned to your device and stored locally
- OpenAI may retain data in accordance with their privacy policy
For more information about how OpenAI handles data, please refer to OpenAI's Privacy Policy.
4. Data Storage and Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your information:
- Data is primarily stored locally on your device
- When transmitted (e.g., for OpenAI analysis), data is encrypted in transit
- We employ industry-standard security practices for any server-side operations
- Regular security assessments and updates
- Minimal data collection philosophy - we only process what's needed
4.1 Data Retention
Local data: Information stored on your device remains there until you delete it through the app or uninstall the application. By default, the app retains up to 100 of your most recent scans.
Server data: Currently, we do not store your scan data on our servers. If we implement user accounts in the future, we would retain account information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You would be able to request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.
5. Data Sharing and Third Parties
We may share your information with:
- Third-party service providers who assist in operating our service (such as OpenAI for image analysis)
- Analytics providers to improve our service (anonymized usage data)
- Cloud storage providers (if we implement cloud backup features in the future)
- Law enforcement or regulatory authorities when required by law
We do not sell your personal information to third parties under any circumstances.
5.1 Third-Party Services
FoodieScan uses the following third-party services:
- OpenAI: For analyzing product images and extracting ingredient information
- App analytics tools: To track app performance and usage patterns (anonymized)
These services have their own privacy policies governing how they handle your information. We encourage you to review these policies for a complete understanding of how your data is processed.
6. Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access your locally stored information within the app
- Delete your scan history and stored images through app settings
- Restrict camera access through your device settings
- Opt-out of optional data collection features (if implemented in the future)
6.1 Future Account Features
If we implement user accounts in the future, you would have additional rights to:
- Access and review all personal information associated with your account
- Correct inaccurate account data
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Export your data in a portable format
- Opt-out of marketing communications
We will update this privacy policy with specific instructions on how to exercise these rights if and when user accounts are implemented.
7. Children's Privacy
FoodieScan is designed for general audiences and does not target children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 (or the applicable age in your jurisdiction). If we learn that we have collected information from a child under the applicable age, we will promptly delete that information.
Since our app does not include social features or require age verification, it may be used by individuals of various ages. Parents or guardians should supervise children's use of the app.
8. International Data Transfers
Since most data is stored locally on your device, international transfer concerns are minimized. However, when you use our app's scanning feature, your image data may be transferred to OpenAI's servers, which may be located in various countries. We ensure that any such transfers comply with applicable data protection laws.
If we implement user accounts in the future, your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We would ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers, in accordance with applicable data protection laws.
9. Changes to Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, service offerings, or legal requirements. When we make significant changes, we will notify you through:
- App notifications or in-app messages
- Updates on our website
- Email communications (if we have your contact information in the future)
Your continued use of FoodieScan after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.
10. California Privacy Rights
If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regarding your personal information. These rights may include:
- The right to know what personal information we collect and how it is used and shared
- The right to delete personal information collected from you
- The right to opt-out of the sale of your personal information (although we do not sell personal information)
- The right to non-discrimination for exercising your CCPA rights
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the "Contact Us" section.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact us at:
Email: luke@zoo.studio or oli@zoo.studio
We will respond to your inquiries as soon as possible, typically within 30 days. If you have unresolved privacy concerns that we have not addressed satisfactorily, please contact your local data protection authority.