Privacy Policy

Last updated: May 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how CookMate AI ("we", "our", "the Site") collects, uses, and protects your information. By using CookMate AI, you agree to the practices described here.

CookMate AI provides cooking inspiration and recipe suggestions only. It does not provide medical, nutritional, or health advice.

1. Information We Collect

a. Automatically Collected Data

• Device information (browser, OS, screen size)
• IP address and approximate location
• Usage analytics (pages visited, interactions)
• Crash logs and performance data
• Cookies and similar technologies

b. User-Provided Data

• Email address when you create an account, sign in, or contact us
• Password information for account login. We store a salted password hash, not your plain-text password.
• Saved recipes or preferences
• Account activity needed to manage saved recipes, sessions, and account features

c. Third-Party Data Collection (Google AdSense)

We use Google AdSense to display ads. Google may collect:

• Cookies and advertising identifiers
• Device and browser information
• Interaction and engagement data
• Interest-based signals

Learn how Google uses data: https://policies.google.com/technologies/partner-sites

2. How We Use Your Information

• Create and secure your account
• Authenticate login sessions and keep you signed in
• Save, display, print, and manage recipes in your cookbook
• Improve site performance and user experience
• Display, personalize, and measure ads
• Respond to user inquiries
• Maintain security and prevent misuse

3. Cookies & Advertising

a. Cookie Usage

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences
• Measure site usage and analytics
• Serve and personalize advertisements
• Prevent fraud and maintain security

b. Google AdSense & Personalized Ads

CookMate AI uses Google AdSense to display personalized advertisements. This means:

• Google uses your browsing history to show relevant ads
• Google and other ad partners may set cookies and use unique identifiers
• Your data may be used to build interest profiles for ad targeting
• This data is shared across Google's advertising network

How to control personalized ads:

• Visit Google Ads Settings to opt out of personalized ads
• Use the NAI Opt-Out Tool to opt out of network advertising
• Install a privacy browser extension to block tracking cookies

c. Non-Personalized Ads Option

Even if you opt out of personalized ads, you will still see ads — they simply won't be based on your browsing history.

4. Third-Party Services & Data Sharing

a. Google AdSense

Google AdSense serves ads on our site and may collect data including cookies, IP address, and device information. Learn more at: Google's Partner Sites Privacy Policy

b. Analytics Tools

We may use web analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand site usage patterns and improve user experience. These services may collect:

• Page views and click behavior
• Time spent on site
• Referring domain and device type
• Approximate geographic location

c. Additional Third Parties

• Crash reporting and performance monitoring tools
• Email delivery services (for contact inquiries)
• CDN and hosting providers

5. Data Sharing & Third-Party Access

We do NOT:

• Sell your personal information to third parties
• Share email addresses without your consent
• Use data for purposes beyond what's described in this policy

We MAY share data with:

• Google AdSense and other ad networks (automatic, as part of ad serving)
• Analytics providers (to understand site usage)
• Hosting and infrastructure providers (to run the site)
• Database providers, such as Neon, to securely store account and saved recipe data
• Legal authorities, if required by law or court order

6. Data Retention

We retain data as follows:

• Analytics data: typically retained for 26 months
• Cookies: retained per cookie expiration (usually 1-2 years)
• Contact emails: retained indefinitely unless deleted upon request
• Account email, protected password hash, sessions, and saved recipes: retained while your account is active or until deletion is requested
• Usage logs: retained for 90 days for security purposes

You may request deletion of your personal data by contacting us.

7. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your data, including:

• HTTPS encryption for data in transit
• Access controls on stored data
• Regular security monitoring

Important: No method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

8. Children's Privacy (COPPA)

CookMate AI is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children.

9. Your Rights

• Request access to your data
• Request deletion
• Request corrections
• Opt out of personalized ads

10. International Users (GDPR / CCPA)

For European Users (GDPR)

If you're located in the EU, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to data processing, including for profiling
• Right to Restrict Processing: Ask us to pause data processing

For California Users (CCPA)

If you're a California resident, you have the following rights:

• Right to Know: Know what personal information is collected and used
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of selling/sharing of personal information
• Right to Non-Discrimination: No discrimination for exercising CCPA rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at trycookmate@gmail.com.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Continued use of the Site means you accept the updated policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact us at:

Email: trycookmate@gmail.com
Organization: CookMate Team

We will respond to your data requests within 30 days in accordance with applicable laws.

13. Disclaimer

Recipe & Health Disclaimer

CookMate AI provides recipes and cooking suggestions for general informational purposes only. It does not provide:

• Medical advice
• Professional nutritional counseling
• Dietary or therapeutic recommendations
• Allergen or food safety guarantees

You are responsible for:

• Checking all ingredient allergens and sensitivities
• Following proper food safety and preparation practices
• Consulting with healthcare professionals for dietary concerns
• Verifying all recipe information independently

Advertisement Disclaimer

CookMate AI uses Google AdSense to display advertisements. We do not endorse or control the content of advertisements. Third-party ads are subject to their own terms of service and privacy policies. Any interaction with ads is solely at your own risk.