Privacy Policy for BiteSwipe

Effective Date: 8/17/2025
Last Updated: 8/17/2025
App Version: 1.0.1

Introduction

Welcome to BiteSwipe ("we," "our," or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application BiteSwipe (the "App").

BiteSwipe is a social dining app that helps friends discover and choose restaurants together through collaborative swiping sessions. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

Information We Collect

1. Information You Provide

Account Information:

  • Display names (chosen by you for sessions)

  • Session preferences and filters

Session Data:

  • Restaurant preferences and swipes (left/right)

  • Session codes and participation status

  • Cuisine preferences and price range filters

Location Information:

  • Your current location (with your permission)

  • Search radius preferences

  • Location-based restaurant recommendations

2. Information Automatically Collected

Device Information:

  • Device type and operating system

  • App usage statistics and crash reports

  • Unique device identifiers

Usage Data:

  • App features you use

  • Session creation and participation

  • Restaurant interactions and matches

Network Information:

  • IP address and network type

  • Connection quality and performance data

3. Third-Party Information

Restaurant Data:

  • Restaurant information from Google Places API

  • Ratings, reviews, and business details

  • Images and menu information

Analytics Data:

  • Firebase Analytics for app performance

  • AdMob analytics for advertising effectiveness

How We Use Your Information

Primary App Functions:

  • Session Management: Create and join dining sessions

  • Restaurant Discovery: Find nearby restaurants based on your location

  • Social Features: Connect with friends for collaborative decision-making

  • Match Detection: Identify restaurants that all participants like

Service Improvement:

  • App Performance: Monitor and improve app functionality

  • User Experience: Personalize features and recommendations

  • Bug Fixes: Identify and resolve technical issues

Communication:

  • Session Updates: Real-time notifications about session changes

  • Match Alerts: Notify when restaurants are matched

  • App Updates: Important information about new features

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We Do NOT Share:

  • Personally identifiable information with third parties

  • Your exact location with other users

  • Individual swipe data outside your sessions

  • Private session information with unauthorized users

We May Share:

  • Aggregated, anonymous data for analytics

  • Session information only with session participants

  • Restaurant data from public APIs (Google Places)

  • Technical data with service providers (Firebase, AdMob)

Legal Requirements:
We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request.

Data Storage and Security

Storage Location:

  • Local Device: Display names and preferences

  • Firebase Cloud: Session data and user interactions

  • Google Services: Restaurant information and analytics

Security Measures:

  • Encryption: Data transmitted using secure protocols

  • Authentication: Firebase Auth for user verification

  • Access Control: Firestore security rules for data protection

  • Regular Updates: Security patches and improvements

Data Retention:

  • Session Data: Retained while sessions are active

  • User Preferences: Stored locally on your device

  • Analytics Data: Aggregated and anonymized over time

Your Privacy Rights

Access and Control:

  • View Data: Access your session information

  • Update Information: Modify display names and preferences

  • Delete Data: Remove your participation from sessions

  • Export Data: Request a copy of your data

Location Services:

  • Permission Control: Enable/disable location access

  • Granular Control: Choose location accuracy level

  • Session-Only Use: Location used only for restaurant discovery

Opt-Out Options:
At this time, BiteSwipe does not include in-app settings to control analytics, advertising, or notifications. However, you can manage these preferences through your device or Google account:

  • Analytics (Firebase): Adjust Google Account ad/analytics settings or limit ad tracking in your device settings.

  • Advertising (AdMob): Enable “Opt out of Ads Personalization” in Android settings, or “Limit Ad Tracking” on iOS.

  • Notifications: Disable push notifications for BiteSwipe in your device’s notification settings.

If you have concerns and would like to request deletion or limitation of your data, you may also contact us at james.finnegan@clevercraft.pro.

Third-Party Services

Google Services:

  • Google Places API: Restaurant information and reviews

  • Firebase: Authentication, database, and analytics

  • AdMob: Mobile advertising and monetization

Third-Party Policies:
We recommend reviewing the privacy policies of:

Children's Privacy

BiteSwipe is not intended for 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 immediately.

International Users

If you are using BiteSwipe from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located. By using our App, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

  • Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App

  • Updating the "Last Updated" date

  • Sending you a notification (if you have enabled notifications)

Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: james.finnegan@clevercraft.pro
Website: https://clevercraft.pro

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

  • Right to know what personal information is collected

  • Right to delete personal information

  • Right to opt-out of the sale of personal information

  • Right to non-discrimination for exercising your privacy rights

GDPR Compliance (EU Users)

If you are in the European Union, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

  • Right to access your personal data

  • Right to rectification of inaccurate data

  • Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")

  • Right to data portability

  • Right to object to processing

  • Right to withdraw consent

Data Processing Legal Basis

We process your personal data based on:

  • Consent: When you explicitly agree to data processing

  • Contract Performance: To provide App functionality

  • Legitimate Interest: To improve our services and user experience

  • Legal Obligation: When required by applicable law

Thank you for using BiteSwipe! We're committed to protecting your privacy while helping you discover great restaurants with friends.