1. Introduction
iChef ("we," "our," or "us") operates the iChef mobile application and website (ichef.co). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our platform.
By using iChef, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
- Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and profile photo when you create an account.
- Payment Information: Credit/debit card details, billing address, processed securely through our payment partners (Stripe). We do not store full card numbers.
- Delivery Information: Delivery addresses, delivery instructions, and location data to fulfill orders.
- Chef Information: For chef accounts — kitchen photos, food handler certifications, menu items, pricing, bank account details for payouts.
- Communications: Messages between customers and chefs, support inquiries, and feedback.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
- Usage Data: Pages viewed, features used, time spent, crash reports, and app performance data.
- Location Data: With your permission, we collect precise location to show nearby chefs and enable delivery tracking.
- Cookies & Analytics: We use cookies and similar technologies to analyze usage patterns and improve our services.
3. How We Use Your Information
| Purpose | Data Used |
|---|---|
| Provide and improve our services | Account info, usage data, location |
| Process orders and payments | Payment info, delivery addresses |
| Connect customers with chefs | Location, order details, messages |
| Send notifications and updates | Email, phone, push notification tokens |
| Verify chef qualifications | ID, certifications, kitchen photos |
| Prevent fraud and ensure safety | Device info, usage patterns, payment data |
| Customer support | Communications, account info |
| Legal compliance | As required by law |
4. How We Share Your Information
We do not sell your personal information. We may share data with:
- Chefs & Customers: Order details, delivery addresses (for delivery), names, and ratings to facilitate transactions.
- Service Providers: Payment processors (Stripe), cloud hosting (AWS), analytics (Google Analytics), communication services (Twilio), and delivery partners.
- Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or to protect rights, safety, or property.
- Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with notice to users.
5. Data Security
We implement industry-standard security measures including:
- SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit
- Encrypted storage for sensitive data at rest
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
- Access controls and employee training
- PCI-DSS compliant payment processing
However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.
6. Your Rights & Choices
6.1 Access & Portability
You can access and download your personal data through the app settings or by contacting us.
6.2 Correction
Update your account information anytime in app settings.
6.3 Deletion
Request account deletion through our account deletion page or by emailing privacy@ichef.co. We will delete your data within 30 days, except where retention is required by law.
6.4 Marketing Opt-Out
Unsubscribe from marketing emails via the link in any email, or adjust notification settings in the app.
6.5 Location
You can disable location services in your device settings. This may limit some app features.
7. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)
California residents have additional rights:
- Right to know what personal information we collect and how it's used
- Right to delete personal information
- Right to opt-out of sale of personal information (we do not sell data)
- Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights
To exercise these rights, contact privacy@ichef.co.
8. Children's Privacy
iChef is not intended for users under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected data from a child, please contact us immediately.
9. Data Retention
We retain personal data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion:
- Most data is deleted within 30 days
- Transaction records retained for 7 years (legal/tax requirements)
- Anonymized analytics data may be retained indefinitely
10. Third-Party Links
Our app may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies separately.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or in-app notification. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.
12. Contact Us
For questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data: