1. Introduction

Pet Food Optimizer ("we", "us", "our") 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 use our Service. We comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) and GDPR requirements where applicable.

2. Information We Collect

Personal Information

• Email address (for account creation and communication)
• Password (encrypted and securely stored)
• Payment information (processed securely through Stripe, not stored by us)

Pet Information

• Pet name, breed, age, weight, activity level
• Health conditions and allergies (optional)
• Feeding preferences

Usage Data

• Recommendation history and search queries
• Feature usage statistics
• Device information and browser type
• IP address and approximate location (for service delivery)

3. How We Use Your Information

• Service Delivery: Generate personalized pet food recommendations
• Account Management: Create and maintain your account
• Communication: Send service updates, newsletters, and support responses
• Payment Processing: Process Premium subscriptions securely
• Service Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to improve our algorithms
• Legal Compliance: Comply with legal obligations and prevent fraud

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do NOT sell your personal information.

We may share data with:

• Payment Processors: Stripe (for payment processing only)
• Analytics Services: Anonymized usage data for service improvement
• Legal Requirements: If required by law or to protect our rights

100% Independent: We have no affiliations with pet food brands and receive no commissions. Your data is never shared with pet food manufacturers.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures:

• 256-bit SSL encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted password storage using bcrypt
• Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant Stripe
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited employee access to personal data

6. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Maintain your login session
• Remember your preferences
• Analyze site usage and performance

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect Service functionality.

7. Your Rights (Australian Privacy Principles & GDPR)

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your personal data
• Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Erasure: Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten")
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a machine-readable format
• Withdraw Consent: Opt out of marketing communications
• Object: Object to processing of your data

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@petfoodoptimizer.com.au

8. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. After account deletion, we may retain some data for up to 90 days for legal compliance and fraud prevention. Anonymized usage statistics may be retained indefinitely for service improvement.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

Your data is primarily stored on servers in Australia. If transferred internationally, we ensure adequate safeguards are in place to protect your data according to Australian Privacy Principles.

11. Changes to Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes via email or through the Service. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates when changes were made.

12. Contact Us

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights:
Email: privacy@petfoodoptimizer.com.au
Address: Pet Food Optimizer Pty Ltd, Australia
Response Time: We aim to respond within 30 days

13. Complaints

If you have concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us first. If unsatisfied with our response, you may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC): www.oaic.gov.au