Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

SmartCooking ("Company," "we," "our," "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our online courses, participate in live masterclasses, subscribe to memberships, purchase digital products, or otherwise engage with our services (collectively, the "Services").

By using our Services, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

We collect information you voluntarily provide when you register for an account, enroll in a course, sign up for a membership, participate in a live event, make a purchase, or contact us. This may include:

• Contact and identity data: name, email address, postal address, phone number
• Account credentials: username and encrypted password
• Payment information: credit/debit card details, billing address (processed securely via third‑party payment processors)
• Profile information: dietary preferences, cooking skill level, interests
• Communication data: messages, feedback, survey responses
• Course progress and engagement data: videos watched, assignments completed

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you access our Services, we may automatically collect certain information, including:

• Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages viewed, time spent on pages, links clicked
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Section 6)
• Geolocation data at a city or regional level (not precise GPS location)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Service Delivery: To create and manage your account, provide access to courses and content, process payments, and deliver digital products.
• Communication: To send administrative messages, updates, security alerts, and support responses.
• Personalization: To tailor content, course recommendations, and marketing communications based on your interests and activity.
• Improvement and Analytics: To analyze usage trends, monitor performance, and improve our Services.
• Marketing: To send promotional emails about new courses, special offers, or events (you may opt out at any time).
• Legal and Security: To detect and prevent fraud, enforce our Terms of Service, and comply with legal obligations.

We will not use your personal information for purposes other than those disclosed without your consent unless required by law.

4. Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: With trusted third‑party vendors who assist us in operating our website, processing payments, sending emails, hosting videos, and analyzing data. These providers are contractually bound to protect your data and use it only for specified purposes.
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
• Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or governmental regulation, or if we believe disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or the public.
• With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when we have your explicit consent to do so.

For live masterclasses and corporate events, your name and participation may be visible to other attendees and instructors during the session unless you choose to remain anonymous (where the platform permits).

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, including for legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. When determining retention periods, we consider the nature and sensitivity of the data, the potential risk of harm from unauthorized use or disclosure, and applicable legal obligations.

If you cancel your account or subscription, we may retain certain information for a reasonable period to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce our agreements, and prevent fraud. After that period, your personal information will be deleted or anonymized.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to enhance your experience, analyze usage, and deliver targeted advertising. You can control cookies through your browser settings; however, disabling cookies may limit certain functionality of our Services.

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic site functionality and security.
• Analytics Cookies: To understand how visitors interact with our site (e.g., Google Analytics).
• Marketing Cookies: To deliver relevant advertisements and measure campaign effectiveness.
• Preference Cookies: To remember your settings and preferences.

For more detailed information about the specific cookies we use, please contact us.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

• Access and Portability: You may request a copy of the personal data we hold about you in a structured, machine‑readable format.
• Correction: You may update or correct inaccurate information through your account settings or by contacting us.
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal and contractual restrictions.
• Opt‑Out of Marketing: You can unsubscribe from promotional emails using the link provided in each email or by contacting us directly.
• Cookie Controls: You can manage cookie preferences through your browser or our cookie consent tool (where available).

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at the information provided in Section 10. We will respond to your request within a reasonable timeframe as required by law.

8. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure, or access. These measures include encryption (SSL/TLS), secure server hosting, access controls, and regular security reviews.

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security; any transmission is at your own risk.

9. International Data Transfers

Our Services are operated from the United States. If you are accessing our Services from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States or other countries where our service providers are located. These jurisdictions may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country.

By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries as described in this Privacy Policy. We take appropriate safeguards to ensure that your personal data remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

10. Children's Privacy

Our Services are not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately. If we become aware that we have collected personal data from a child under 13 without verification of parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or operational needs. We will post the updated policy on this page and update the "Last Updated" date. For material changes, we will provide a more prominent notice (e.g., email notification or website banner). Your continued use of the Services after the effective date constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.