Data Security & Privacy Policy

Overview

At FlavorShare, your trust is our foundation. We are committed to protecting your personal information and recipe data through industry-leading security practices, transparent policies, and strict compliance with global data protection regulations. This document outlines how we collect, use, secure, and manage your data.

Data We Collect

We only collect data necessary to provide and improve our recipe sharing platform:

• Account Information: Email, username, profile picture, and optional dietary preferences.
• Recipe Content: Titles, ingredients, instructions, photos, videos, and metadata you choose to publish.
• Usage Data: Device type, browser, IP address, and interaction logs for performance optimization.
• Communications: Support tickets, feedback, and direct messages within the platform.

Data Protection Measures

Your data is protected through multiple layers of security:

• Encryption: AES-256 at rest, TLS 1.3 in transit for all data exchanges.
• Access Controls: Role-based access, multi-factor authentication for admin systems, and strict least-privilege principles.
• Infrastructure: Hosted on AWS with redundant backups, DDoS protection, and automated failover systems.
• Vulnerability Management: Quarterly penetration testing, automated patching, and an active bug bounty program.
• Endpoint Security: Regular device compliance checks for staff with access to user data.

Usage & Third-Party Sharing

We use your data strictly to:

1. Operate and maintain the FlavorShare platform
2. Deliver personalized recipe recommendations and notifications
3. Improve platform performance and security
4. Communicate regarding service updates or legal notices

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. Limited sharing occurs only with trusted service providers bound by strict data processing agreements (e.g., cloud hosting, analytics, payment processing). All third-party partners undergo regular security audits.

Your Rights & Controls

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have the right to:

• Access: View all data we hold about you.
• Portability: Export your recipes, profiles, and preferences in standard formats (JSON/CSV).
• Rectification: Update or correct inaccurate information.
• Deletion: Request permanent removal of your account and associated data.
• Opt-out: Manage email preferences and disable personalized recommendations at any time.

All requests are processed within 30 days. Verification steps may apply to protect your privacy.

Data Retention & Deletion

We retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law:

• Active accounts: Data retained indefinitely until deletion requested.
• Deleted accounts: Content and personal data permanently erased within 30 days.
• Anonymous usage logs: Retained for up to 12 months for security and analytics.
• Legal holds: Data may be preserved if required by court order or regulatory investigation.

Compliance & Certifications

FlavorShare adheres to rigorous global standards:

• 🇪🇺 GDPR: Full compliance for European Union residents
• 🇺🇸 CCPA/CPRA: Privacy rights honored for California consumers
• 🌐 Privacy Shield Alternative: Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) for cross-border transfers
• 🔍 Regular Audits: Annual third-party security assessments and compliance reviews

Security Incident Response

In the event of a data breach or security compromise:

1. Our incident response team activates within 1 hour of detection
2. Containment, investigation, and remediation steps are executed immediately
3. Affected users are notified via email within 72 hours, as required by law
4. A transparency report is published detailing the nature, impact, and resolution
5. Post-incident reviews are conducted to prevent recurrence

Contact & Policy Updates

This policy may be updated to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Significant changes will be communicated via email and platform notifications.