Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Account information (name, email, password)
• Profile information and preferences
• Business information (if you're a business owner)
• Reviews, recommendations, and comments
• Messages and communications
• Event RSVPs and participation

Information We Collect Automatically

• General location data (city/region level for local recommendations)
• Device and browser information
• Usage patterns and interactions with the platform
• IP address and technical identifiers
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

Information from Third Parties

• Social media profile information (if you connect accounts)
• Business information from public directories
• Community-submitted business recommendations

2. How We Use Your Information

Core Platform Services

• Provide and maintain the AltGrocery platform
• Show you relevant local food businesses and events
• Enable community features like reviews and recommendations
• Process business listings and QR code generation
• Facilitate communication between users and businesses

Personalization and Recommendations

• Customize content based on your preferences
• Suggest relevant businesses and events
• Improve search and discovery features
• Create personalized maps and feeds

Business Services

• Provide analytics and insights to business owners
• Enable targeted promotions and deals
• Support customer engagement tools
• Facilitate business-to-customer communications

3. Data Sharing - You're in Control

What We Share (Only with businesses you follow)

• Your general location (city/region level)
• Businesses you follow and like
• Deals and events you've participated in
• Achievements and community contributions
• Shopping preferences and interests

What We Never Share

• Personal contact information (email, phone)
• Private messages or conversations
• Payment or financial details
• Exact home address or precise location
• Data with businesses you don't follow
• Data with third-party advertisers

Other Limited Sharing

We may share information in these specific circumstances:

• With service providers who help operate the platform (under strict confidentiality)
• When required by law or to protect safety
• In connection with a business transfer (with user notification)
• With your explicit consent for specific purposes

4. Your Privacy Rights and Controls

Account Controls

• Update your profile and preferences at any time
• Control which businesses can access your data by following/unfollowing
• Manage your privacy settings and data sharing preferences
• Delete your account and associated data

Data Rights

• Access and download your personal data
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of your data
• Object to certain data processing
• Data portability (export your data)

Communication Preferences

• Opt out of marketing communications
• Control notification settings
• Manage email preferences
• Block unwanted communications

5. Data Security and Retention

Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security audits and updates
• Access controls and authentication
• Secure data centers and infrastructure

Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary:

• Account data: Until you delete your account
• Business listings: As long as the business is active
• Community content: Until removed by you or for moderation
• Analytics data: Aggregated and anonymized for platform improvement

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience:

• Essential cookies: Required for platform functionality
• Preference cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how the platform is used
• Marketing cookies: Used only with your consent

You can control cookie settings through your browser or our cookie preference center.

7. Children's Privacy

AltGrocery is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it promptly.

8. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable laws.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the platform. Your continued use of AltGrocery after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or want to exercise your privacy rights, contact us: