Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Earth Collective ("we," "our," or "us") operates the ForkFox mobile application ("the App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our App. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.
By using ForkFox, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.
2. Information We Collect
Account Information
When you create an account, we collect:
- Email address and password — if you register using email/password authentication through Firebase Authentication.
- Apple ID information — if you choose to sign in with Apple, we receive the information you authorize Apple to share, which may include your name and email address (or a private relay email address if you choose to hide your email).
Taste Preferences
We collect the taste preferences you provide within the App, such as your preferred spice levels, flavor profiles, texture preferences, and dietary considerations. This information is provided voluntarily and is used to personalize your dish rankings.
Usage Data
We automatically collect certain information about how you interact with the App, including:
- Dishes and restaurants you view
- Search queries within the App
- Features you use and how frequently
- App performance data and crash reports
- Device type, operating system version, and app version
Location Data
With your permission, we collect your device's approximate location only while you are actively using the App. We use "When In Use" location permissions exclusively and never request "Always" background location access. See Section 6 for more details.
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- Providing the Service — to create and manage your account, display dish rankings, and show nearby restaurants.
- Personalization — to tailor dish rankings and recommendations based on your stated taste preferences.
- Improving the App — to understand how users interact with the App, identify issues, and develop new features.
- Analytics — to analyze aggregate usage patterns and improve overall App performance and user experience.
- Communication — to respond to your support requests and send important service-related notices.
4. Data Storage and Security
Your data is stored using Google Firebase services, specifically Firebase Firestore, which provides cloud-hosted database storage. Firebase infrastructure is hosted on Google Cloud Platform, with data stored in secure, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified data centers.
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:
- Encryption of data in transit using TLS/SSL
- Encryption of data at rest within Firebase infrastructure
- Firebase Security Rules to control data access
- Secure authentication through Firebase Authentication
While we strive to protect your information, no method of electronic storage or transmission over the Internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your data.
5. Third-Party Services
ForkFox uses the following third-party services:
Firebase Authentication
Provided by Google LLC. Used to manage user account creation and sign-in, supporting email/password and Sign in with Apple methods. Firebase Authentication processes your authentication credentials securely. Firebase Privacy Information.
Firebase Firestore
Provided by Google LLC. Used to store your account data, taste preferences, and app-related information in a cloud database. Firebase Privacy Information.
Firebase Analytics
Provided by Google LLC. Used to collect anonymous usage statistics to help us understand how the App is used and to improve our service. Firebase Analytics may collect device identifiers, usage data, and general demographic information. You can opt out of analytics data collection through your device settings. Firebase Privacy Information.
Google Places API
Provided by Google LLC. Used to retrieve restaurant information, including names, addresses, operating hours, and location coordinates. When you search for restaurants or view nearby options, the App queries Google Places API. Your search queries and location may be sent to Google as part of these requests. Google Privacy Policy.
Sign in with Apple
Provided by Apple Inc. If you choose to sign in using your Apple ID, Apple processes your authentication. Apple may provide us with your name and email address, or a private relay email, depending on your preferences. Apple Privacy Policy.
6. Location Data
ForkFox requests access to your device's location to show you top-ranked dishes at restaurants near your current position. Key points about our location data practices:
- We only request "When In Use" location permission. The App does not access your location when it is in the background or closed.
- Location data is used in real time to query nearby restaurants and is not stored permanently on our servers.
- You can deny or revoke location permissions at any time through your device's Settings. The App will still function, but you will need to search for locations manually.
- Your location may be sent to Google Places API to retrieve nearby restaurant data. This is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.
7. Data Sharing
We value your privacy and are committed to the following principles:
- We do NOT sell your personal data to any third party, under any circumstances.
- We do NOT use third-party advertising in the App. Your data is never shared with advertising networks or data brokers.
- We do NOT share your personal information with third parties for their marketing purposes.
We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers — with the third-party services described in Section 5, solely to provide and improve the App's functionality.
- Legal Requirements — if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
- Protection of Rights — to protect the rights, property, or safety of Earth Collective, our users, or the public as required or permitted by law.
- Business Transfers — in connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, in which case you would be notified of any change in data handling practices.
8. Data Retention
We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with our services. If you delete your account, we will delete your personal data from our active systems within 30 days. Some data may be retained in encrypted backups for up to 90 days after deletion before being permanently removed.
Anonymized and aggregated data that cannot be used to identify you may be retained indefinitely for analytics and service improvement purposes.
9. Your Rights and Choices
You have the following rights regarding your personal data:
- Access — you can view your account information and taste preferences within the App at any time.
- Correction — you can update your account information and taste preferences through the App's settings.
- Deletion — you can delete your account through the App's Profile settings, which will remove your personal data from our systems. You can also contact us at hello@forkfox.ai to request deletion.
- Location — you can enable or disable location access at any time through your device settings.
- Analytics — you can limit analytics data collection through your device's privacy settings.
If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or California, you may have additional rights under applicable data protection laws, including the right to data portability and the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at hello@forkfox.ai.
10. Children's Privacy
ForkFox is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information promptly. If you believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at hello@forkfox.ai.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Effective Date" at the top of this page and, for significant changes, provide a notice within the App. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your data.
Your continued use of the App after any changes to this Privacy Policy constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
12. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
- Company: Earth Collective
- Email: hello@forkfox.ai
We will respond to privacy-related inquiries within 30 days.