Privacy Policy

Personal Information

• • Account information (name, email) when you create an account
• • Usage data including dish identification requests and results
• • Device information and browser type for service improvement

Usage Data

We automatically collect certain technical and interaction data to help us operate and improve the Service. This may include device type, operating system, app version, IP address, timestamps, feature usage, interactions with recipe results, crash logs, and performance diagnostics. This information helps us maintain stability, security, and product quality.

Uploaded Content

• • Photos of food uploaded for dish identification and recipe finding
• • Recipe preferences and saved items
• • User-generated feedback and ratings

We do not collect progress photos, biometric images, or any other non-food photos. User Content is limited to food images uploaded for recipe discovery and related features.

Service Delivery

• • Processing dish identification requests using AI technology
• • Providing recipe recommendations and cooking instructions
• • Maintaining and improving our food recognition service
• • Customer support and communication

Third-Party AI Processing

To identify dishes, uploaded images may be securely sent to third-party AI model providers for real-time analysis. These providers do not store your images, do not reuse them, and do not use them to train their models. Inputs are processed only to deliver your requested results and are deleted immediately afterward.

Product Improvement

• • Analyzing usage patterns to enhance user experience
• • Improving our AI models for better dish recognition accuracy
• • Developing new features and services
• • Quality assurance and technical improvements
• • Using foundational top-tier models and LLMs from third-party providers to deliver the best experience
• • Combining third-party AI models with our proprietary algorithms for optimal dish identification

Analytics Sharing Is Optional

We may use analytics tools to understand how features are used and to improve app performance. You may choose to disable optional analytics sharing in your account settings. Disabling analytics does not affect your ability to use the core features of DishDetect.

Consent Collection

We obtain your explicit consent via in-app prompts before collecting any personal or usage data, including photo uploads for identification. You can withdraw consent at any time through settings without losing core app access.

We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. Your data is used solely to provide and improve our food recognition services.

Service Providers

• • Cloud hosting providers for service operation
• • Analytics services for performance monitoring
• • Customer support tools for assistance
• • Payment processors for subscription billing (when applicable)
• • AI model providers offering foundational top-tier models and LLMs for enhanced dish recognition

All service providers, including AI model providers, must follow contractual obligations to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and comply with applicable data protection laws in the regions where we operate, including but not limited to POPIA, GDPR, and other relevant international privacy regulations. These providers may only process your data for the purposes of delivering the DishDetect service and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.

Legal Requirements

• • When required by law or legal process
• • To protect our rights and prevent fraud
• • In case of emergency or safety concerns
• • With your explicit consent

Security Measures

• • Secure cloud storage with access controls
• • Regular security audits and updates
• • Employee access controls and training
• • Encryption for data transmission

Image Data Handling

• • Images are processed for dish identification and stored for user access
• • Users can view their captured dishes with recipes in their personal library
• • Images may be featured on public explore pages with associated recipes
• • Users retain full ownership and control of their uploaded images
• • AI processing occurs in secure environments with access controls
• • Images are stored securely to enable library and social features

Explore Sharing Controls

Images only appear on the public Explore page when you have explicitly enabled Explore sharing in your settings. Explore sharing is disabled by default, and you may turn it off at any time.

Reporting and Blocking

Users may report dishes or block other users. Blocking prevents dishes from that user from appearing in your Explore feed during future browsing.

Access and Control

• • Access your personal information through your account
• • Update your account information and preferences
• • Request deletion of your account and associated data
• • Export your data in a portable format

Communication Preferences

• • Opt-out of marketing communications
• • Control notification preferences
• • Manage data sharing settings

Data Retention

When you delete an image, it is removed from your personal library immediately and erased from our active systems within 30 days. If you delete your account, all associated personal data and uploaded images are deleted within 30 days, with encrypted backups automatically purged within 90 days.

Account Deletion

To request deletion of your data, you may use the "Delete Account" button in the app settings or contact us at privacy@dishdetect.app. When you delete your account, the deletion takes effect immediately. All associated personal data and uploaded images are then permanently removed from our active systems without delay, except where we are legally required to retain certain information for compliance or record-keeping purposes.