Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

ETQA ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application ("App").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you consent to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

When you create an account or use the App, we may collect:

• Account Information: Name, email address, and password
• Profile Information: Profile photo (if provided)
• Contact Information: Phone number (if provided)
• Dietary Profile: Your avoid list, diet preferences and your choices on questions where scholars differ
• Content You Submit: Photos of products and labels, corrections, reports, questions you ask the assistant, suggestions and helper program applications

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you use the App, we automatically collect:

• Usage Data: Products you scan, scan history, and products you save to favorites
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, and unique device identifiers
• Log Data: Access times, app features used, and error logs

2.3 Barcode Scanning Data

When you scan product barcodes:

• We record the barcode number and timestamp
• We store your scan history to provide personalized features
• We track scan counts for gamification features (badges)

2.4 Camera Use

ETQA uses your device's camera to scan product barcodes and to capture product labels and photos when you choose to. Camera access can be revoked at any time through your device settings.

2.5 What We Do Not Collect

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide Services: Display ingredient information and halal classifications for scanned products
• Allergen Alerts: Show you an alert when a product's allergen information lists something on your avoid list
• Maintain Your Account: Manage your profile, scan history, and favorite products
• Improve the App: Analyze usage patterns to enhance features and user experience
• Personalization: Provide badges and achievements based on your scanning activity
• Communication: Send you emails about your account, such as password resets
• Security: Detect, prevent, and address technical issues or fraudulent activity

4. Data Storage and Security

4.1 Storage

Your data is stored on secure servers located in the United States. We use industry-standard cloud storage providers with appropriate security measures.

4.2 Security Measures

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures including encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments to protect your personal information.

However, 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.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us in operating our application, conducting business, or serving our users.

Some features, such as reading ingredient labels and answering your questions, use third-party AI services. We send them the photo or the question, not your name or email address.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or government request, or when we believe disclosure is necessary to:

• Comply with applicable laws or regulations
• Protect our rights, privacy, safety, or property
• Respond to lawful requests from public authorities

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Account Information

You can:

• Access: View your account information within the App settings
• Update: Modify your name, email, and password
• Delete: Delete your account and your personally identifiable information (your name and email address) directly in the app, at any time

6.2 Scan History and Favorites

You can:

• View your scan history within the App
• Remove items from your favorites
• Clear your scan history

6.3 Account Deletion

You can permanently delete your account at any time, directly within the app. To do so:

• Open the ETQA app and go to your Profile
• Open Settings
• Select Delete Account and confirm

When you delete your account, we will:

• Delete your personally identifiable information: your name and email address
• Complete deletion within 30 days

If you cannot delete your account in the app, you can request deletion by contacting us at support@etqaa.org.

Some information may be retained in anonymized or aggregated form for analytics purposes, or as required for legal compliance or legitimate business purposes.

6.4 Additional Rights

Depending on your location, you may also have the right to:

• Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format
• Objection: Object to certain processing of your data

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at support@etqaa.org.

7. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to Know: Request information about the categories and specific pieces of personal information we have collected
• Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of the sale of personal information (we do not sell personal information)
• Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@etqaa.org.

8. Children's Privacy

The App is intended for users who are at least 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child under 13 has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@etqaa.org. We will take steps to delete such information promptly.

For users between 13 and 18, we encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's app usage and help them understand this Privacy Policy.

For users in the European Economic Area, the minimum age may vary by country in accordance with local regulations.

9. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as:

• Your account remains active
• Necessary to provide you with our services
• Required by law or for legitimate business purposes

After account deletion, we may retain certain information in anonymized or aggregated form for analytics purposes.

10. Third-Party Links

The App may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you access.

11. International Data Transfers

If you are accessing the App from outside the United States, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States where our servers are located.

By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States, which may have different data protection laws than your country of residence.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically. Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

ETQA
Email: support@etqaa.org

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.