Privacy Policy

Welcome to Menula. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Account Information

If you choose to create an account as a restaurant owner, we collect:

• Email Address: Used for account creation and login authentication
• Password: Securely stored and never shared. We do not store passwords in plain text

1.2 Location Information

We use location data in two ways:

• Your Location: Used temporarily to show nearby restaurants. This location is not stored on our servers and is only used to provide search results relevant to your area
• Restaurant Locations: When restaurant owners add their establishments, they can provide location information either manually or using GPS coordinates. This location data is stored to help users find restaurants

1.3 Restaurant and Menu Information

Restaurant owners may provide:

• Restaurant name, logo, and photos
• Restaurant location and contact information
• Menu items including names, descriptions, prices, and photos
• Currency and pricing information

1.4 Device Information

We store your last-used email address locally on your device in unencrypted storage (UserDefaults) to pre-fill the login field for convenience. This information remains on your device only and is not transmitted to our servers.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide and maintain our service
• Allow restaurant owners to manage their listings
• Show nearby restaurants based on your location
• Display restaurant menus, prices, and details
• Authenticate restaurant owner accounts
• Improve user experience by pre-filling login information

3. Data Storage and Security

We take data security seriously:

• Passwords are encrypted and stored securely on our servers
• Your browsing location is not stored on our servers
• Email addresses are stored securely on our servers and used only for authentication
• Last-used email is stored locally on your device in UserDefaults (unencrypted local storage)

4. Third-Party Services

Menula uses the Google Places API to show additional restaurant listings in your area. The API integration works as follows:

• The app uses your location to query Google Places API directly for nearby restaurants
• These API requests are made directly from your device to Google's servers
• Google may collect technical information such as your IP address and device information as part of their API service
• Restaurant data from Google Places is displayed alongside restaurants from the Menula database
• For more information about Google's data practices, please review Google's Privacy Policy

5. Your Rights and Control

You have complete control over your data:

5.1 For Restaurant Owners

• Edit: You can edit your account information, restaurant details, and menu items at any time
• Delete: You can permanently delete your account, including all associated restaurants and menu items
• Data Export: Contact us to request a copy of your data

5.2 For All Users

• Location Control: You can deny location access in your device settings. The app will still work, but you won't see nearby restaurant results
• Account Deletion: Restaurant owners can delete their accounts entirely through the app

6. Data Retention

We retain information as follows:

• Account Data: Kept until you delete your account
• Restaurant Information: Kept until the restaurant owner deletes it
• Your Location: Not stored; used only during your session
• Locally Stored Email: Remains on your device until you uninstall the app or clear app data

7. Children's Privacy

Menula is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.

8. Analytics and Tracking

Currently, Menula does not use any third-party analytics or tracking services. We do not track your behavior within the app or collect usage statistics.

9. 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
• Providing notice within the app if changes are significant

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be stored and processed in any country where we have facilities or service providers. By using Menula, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, which may have different data protection rules.

11. Your Consent

By using Menula, you consent to this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.

12. Contact Us

13. Legal Compliance

We comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations. If required by law, we may disclose your information to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and property
• Prevent fraud or security issues
• Protect the safety of our users

14. Data Breach Notification

In the unlikely event of a data breach that affects your personal information, we will notify you promptly in accordance with applicable laws and take appropriate steps to mitigate any harm.