Last updated: 9 March 2026
My Cooking Companion ("we", "us", "our") operates the My Cooking Companion mobile application and the website at mycookingcompanion.com (collectively, the "Service"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our Service.
1. Information We Collect
1.1 Account Information
When you create an account, we collect your email address, display name, and encrypted password. If you sign up via an invite link, we record the inviter's user ID for our referral programme.
1.2 Recipe & Cooking Data
Recipes you save, meal plans you create, grocery lists, category labels, and cooking session history are stored in your account. This data is yours and is used solely to provide the Service.
1.3 AI Interactions
When you use AI features (recipe extraction, AI Sous Chef, AI command bar), the text, images, or URLs you submit are sent to our AI processing partners (currently OpenAI) to generate responses. We do not use your AI interactions to train third-party models. Conversation context is stored temporarily to provide multi-turn conversations and is deleted after 24 hours.
1.4 Device & Usage Data
We automatically collect device type, operating system, app version, and anonymous usage analytics to improve the Service. We do not collect precise GPS location.
1.5 Payment Information
Subscription payments are processed by our payment partner. We do not store your full card number, CVV, or banking details on our servers. We receive only a confirmation of payment status and subscription tier.
1.6 Photos & Camera
If you use the camera to scan recipes, photos are processed by our AI service to extract recipe text. Photos are not stored on our servers beyond the processing window (typically under 60 seconds).
2. How We Use Your Information
- To provide, maintain, and improve the Service
- To process your recipes, meal plans, and grocery lists
- To power AI features (recipe extraction, conversational cooking, recipe generation)
- To manage your account, subscription, and referral rewards
- To send transactional emails (account confirmation, password reset, subscription updates)
- To respond to support requests
- To detect and prevent fraud or abuse
3. Data Sharing
We do not sell your personal data. We share information only with:
- AI Processing Partners — Recipe text and images are sent to OpenAI for AI features. OpenAI does not use your data to train its models under our data processing agreement.
- Infrastructure Providers — Supabase (database & auth), and our hosting provider for server infrastructure.
- Payment Processor — To process subscription payments.
- Legal Requirements — If required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
4. Recipe Sharing
When you share a recipe with another user, only the recipe content (title, ingredients, instructions, and photo) is visible to the recipient. Your account details are limited to your display name.
When you publish a recipe to the Explore section, it becomes publicly visible to all users of the Service.
5. Data Retention
- Account data: Retained while your account is active. You may request deletion at any time.
- Recipes & cooking data: Retained while your account is active.
- AI conversation context: Deleted after 24 hours.
- Camera photos: Deleted after processing (under 60 seconds).
- Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymised; retained for up to 12 months.
6. Data Security
We use industry-standard security measures including:
- TLS/SSL encryption for all data in transit
- Encrypted password storage (bcrypt via Supabase Auth)
- Row-level security policies on all database tables
- Service role key separation between client and server operations
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access your personal data
- Correct inaccurate data
- Delete your account and all associated data
- Export your recipes in a portable format
- Withdraw consent for optional data processing
To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@mycookingcompanion.com.
8. Children's Privacy
The Service is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us.
9. Third-Party Links
The Service may contain links to third-party websites or services (e.g., recipe source URLs). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by email or through the Service. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates the most recent revision.
11. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at:
My Cooking Companion
Email: privacy@mycookingcompanion.com
Website: mycookingcompanion.com