Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Cookster ("we," "our," or "us"). We value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and safeguard your data when you use Cookster.

By using Cookster, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

A. Account & Authentication Information

We collect information needed to create and authenticate your account, including:

• Email address
• Display name
• Authentication tokens
• Google Sign-In identity data (if you choose Google login)

This is handled through Firebase Authentication.

B. Content You Submit

We collect data that you willingly upload or provide:

• TikTok URLs
• Uploaded images
• Recipe notes, edits, or custom content
• AI-generated recipes or metadata saved to your account

We do not store full TikTok videos.

C. Processing Data (AI + Pipeline)

When processing a TikTok URL:

• We may temporarily extract frames
• We may generate text, metadata, or recipe information
• This temporary data is deleted after processing unless saved by you

Real-time progress updates are transmitted through WebSockets.

D. Usage & Device Information

We automatically collect:

• Browser type
• Operating system
• Device identifiers
• Interactions with the site
• Pages visited
• IP address
• Cookie identifiers
• Crash logs and performance metrics

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

• Provide and maintain the Cookster service
• Process TikTok URLs and generate recipes
• Send real-time WebSocket progress updates
• Improve features, performance, and user experience
• Personalize saved content for your account
• Prevent fraud, abuse, or misuse
• Debug, monitor, and secure the platform
• Comply with legal obligations

If paid features are introduced in the future, we may collect additional billing data with your consent.

4. Data Storage

Your data may be stored in:

• Firebase Firestore (recipes, URLs, metadata)
• Firebase Storage (uploaded images)
• Firebase Authentication (account data)

Temporary processing data is stored in memory or ephemeral storage and deleted shortly after use.

We do not store full video files.

5. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share data with:

A. Service Providers

Including but not limited to:

• Firebase (Auth, Firestore, Storage)
• Hosting and analytics providers

B. Compliance & Safety

We may disclose information if required:

• By law or legal process
• To protect our rights or the safety of users

C. Business Transfers

If Cookster is acquired or merged, user data may be transferred.

6. Third-Party Services

Cookster interacts with external services such as TikTok. We are not affiliated with TikTok. Your use of TikTok is governed by TikTok's own policies.

7. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain sessions
• Analyze usage
• Improve user experience

You may disable cookies through your browser, but some features may not function properly.

8. Data Retention

We retain:

• Saved recipes
• Uploaded images
• TikTok URLs
• Account information

for as long as your account is active.

Temporary processing data is deleted after completion.

9. Your Rights

Depending on your region, you may have the right to:

• Access your data
• Request deletion
• Rectify inaccurate information
• Restrict or object to processing
• Export your data (portability)
• Withdraw consent

Contact us to exercise these rights.

10. Children's Privacy

Cookster is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a child has created an account, contact us immediately for removal.

11. Security

We use technical and organizational measures to protect your data. However, no system is 100% secure. You use Cookster at your own risk.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date and may notify users directly.

13. Contact Us

For questions or privacy concerns: