Data Usage
Understanding how we collect, use, and protect your data to provide you with the best possible experience
Our Commitment to Transparency
At Kitchen Collective, we believe in being transparent about how we collect and use your data. This page explains what information we gather, why we need it, and how it benefits your experience on our platform.
Your trust is important to us, and we're committed to protecting your privacy while providing you with valuable features and personalized experiences.
What Data We Collect
Information we gather to provide our services
Account Information
- • Name (first and last)
- • Email address
- • Encrypted password
- • Account creation date
Profile Information
- • Avatar/profile picture
- • Bio and website URL
- • Food preferences (likes, dislikes)
- • Dietary restrictions and allergies
- • Cooking methods and equipment owned
Content You Create
- • Recipes (ingredients, instructions, images)
- • Discussion posts and replies
- • Comments and feedback
- • Votes and ratings
Usage Data
- • Pages visited and features used
- • Time spent on platform
- • Device and browser information
- • IP address (for security)
How We Use Your Data
Ways we utilize information to improve your experience
Provide Core Services
Your account information allows you to log in, create recipes, participate in discussions, and manage your profile. Without this data, we cannot provide you access to the platform.
Personalize Your Experience
Your food preferences help us show you relevant recipes and discussions. In future updates, we'll use this data to provide smart recommendations tailored to your tastes and dietary needs.
Improve Our Platform
Usage data helps us understand which features are popular, identify bugs, and make informed decisions about new features. This data is analyzed in aggregate and anonymously.
Ensure Security
We monitor for suspicious activity, prevent fraud, and protect against security threats. This includes tracking login attempts and detecting unusual patterns.
Communicate With You
We use your email to send important account notifications (email verification, password resets, account changes). We do not send marketing emails without your consent.
How We Protect Your Data
Security measures we have in place
Password Encryption
Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with 12 rounds of salting. We never store or see your actual password.
Secure Connections
All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS.
Access Controls
Only authorized personnel have access to systems containing user data, and access is logged and monitored.
Regular Backups
We perform regular backups to prevent data loss and ensure service continuity.
Session Management
Sessions expire after 1 hour of inactivity to protect your account if you forget to log out.
Data Sharing Policy
Who we share your data with (spoiler: almost no one)
We Do NOT Sell Your Data
Kitchen Collective will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes. Your data is yours.
Limited Sharing Scenarios
We only share data in these specific situations:
- Public Content: Recipes and discussions you make public are visible to all users and visitors
- Service Providers: Cloud hosting (AWS), email service, and infrastructure providers process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements
- Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or government request
- Safety: To protect the rights, property, or safety of Kitchen Collective, our users, or the public
Your Control Over Your Data
You have full control over your information
Access Your Data
View and download your profile information, recipes, and content anytime from your profile page.
Update Information
Edit your profile, preferences, and recipes whenever you want. Changes take effect immediately.
Delete Content
Remove recipes, discussions, or replies you've created. Deletion is immediate and permanent.
Delete Your Account
Request complete account deletion from your Account settings. All your data will be permanently removed within 30 days.
Export Your Data
Request a copy of all your data in machine-readable format. See our GDPR page for details.
Cookies and Tracking
We use cookies and similar technologies to:
- • Keep you logged in across sessions
- • Remember your preferences
- • Analyze site usage and performance
- • Protect against fraudulent activity
Most browsers allow you to control cookies through settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Data Usage page periodically to reflect changes in our practices or for legal compliance. We'll notify users of significant changes via email or platform announcement.
Last updated: December 2024