Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

When you interact with The Recipe Files, you may provide us with:

• Account Information: Username, email address, full name, and password (encrypted)
• Recipe Content: Recipe titles, descriptions, ingredients, instructions, and images
• User-Generated Content: Comments, ratings, and reviews
• Communications: Messages sent through contact forms or support channels

Automatically Collected Information

• Usage Data: Pages viewed, recipes browsed, time spent on site
• Device Information: Browser type, operating system, IP address
• Cookies: Small data files stored on your device for session management and preferences

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide Services: Enable account creation, recipe management, and community features
• Improve Experience: Personalize content, remember preferences (like dark/light mode)
• Communication: Send account notifications, recipe approvals, and community updates
• Security: Protect against fraud, abuse, and unauthorized access
• Analytics: Understand how users interact with our platform to improve features
• Legal Compliance: Meet legal obligations and enforce our terms

3. Information Sharing & Disclosure

Public Information

The following information is publicly visible:

• Your username and display name
• Recipes you submit (title, description, ingredients, instructions, images)
• Comments and ratings you post

When We May Share Information

• With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize sharing
• Legal Requirements: To comply with laws, regulations, or legal processes
• Service Providers: Third parties who help operate our platform (email services, hosting)
• Business Transfers: In connection with mergers, acquisitions, or asset sales
• Safety & Protection: To protect rights, property, or safety of users and others

4. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• Encryption: Passwords are hashed using bcrypt encryption
• Secure Connections: HTTPS protocol for data transmission (when deployed)
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal data on need-to-know basis
• Regular Updates: Keep security measures current with best practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Rights & Choices

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications
• Object: Object to certain processing of your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at: privacy@yourwebsite.com

6. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for:

• Essential Cookies: Session management, authentication, security
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings (theme, language)
• Analytics Cookies: Understand site usage and improve features

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not work properly if disabled.

7. Children's Privacy

The Recipe Files is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly.

8. International Users

If you access The Recipe Files from outside the United States, your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States. By using our services, you consent to this transfer.

9. Third-Party Links

Our platform may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these sites. Please review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as:

• Your account is active
• Needed to provide services
• Required by law or for legitimate business purposes

After account deletion, some information may remain in backups for a limited time before permanent deletion.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

12. GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights under GDPR:

• Right to be informed about data collection
• Right of access to your personal data
• Right to rectification of inaccurate data
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to restrict processing
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing

Contact our Data Protection Officer at: dpo@yourwebsite.com