Privacy

Privacy Policy

This Policy explains how ecipe collects, uses, shares, and protects information when you use our iOS app and related support services.

Last updated: July 24, 2026

1. Introduction

Welcome to ecipe, a lifestyle community application for users who care about marine life protection, coastal observation, and ocean education. This Privacy Policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices available to you.

By creating an account or using ecipe, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the app.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information you provide

  • Account credentials and identifiers (for example account name, password, or Sign in with Apple identifier when used).
  • Profile information (nickname, avatar, signature, and membership status where applicable).
  • User-generated content (diary posts, images or videos you upload, comments, messages, team or activity information, and topic selections).
  • Support communications you send to us, including emails to ecipe0719@gmail.com.

2.2 Information generated through use

  • Social interaction records (follow, like, visit, activity registration, report, block, mute).
  • Basic device and app usage information needed for security, crash diagnosis, and service stability.
  • Locally stored preferences such as login state, read markers, and privacy or EULA acceptance status on your device.
  • Purchase transaction identifiers and product entitlements processed through Apple In-App Purchase (we do not receive your full payment card number).

2.3 Information we do not intentionally collect

We do not require government ID numbers, continuous background location tracking, contact-list scraping, or payment card details for core community features.

3. Device Permissions

ecipe may request the following iOS permissions only when needed for a feature you choose to use. You can deny or revoke access in iOS Settings.

  • Camera — take a profile photo or capture photos and videos for posts.
  • Microphone — record sound when capturing videos for posts.
  • Photo Library (read) — choose a profile photo or select photos and videos for posts.
  • Photo Library (add) — save photos or videos you capture when creating a profile photo or post, when the capture flow writes to your library.
  • Location When In Use — attach place information when you take photos or videos for your profile or posts. We do not use location for continuous background tracking or advertising profiles.

Denying a permission may limit the related media feature but does not prevent browsing public community content that does not require that permission.

4. How We Use Information

  • To create and maintain your account and profile.
  • To operate community features such as posts, topics, activities, teams, messaging, knowledge content, and optional membership or gift features.
  • To support content moderation, abuse prevention, reporting, and account safety.
  • To process account deletion, logout, and related cleanup requests.
  • To respond to support requests and improve product reliability.
  • To fulfill purchases, restore entitlements, and prevent purchase fraud.
  • To comply with applicable laws and enforce our Terms of Service and EULA.

We do not sell personal information and do not use sensitive device permissions for unrelated advertising.

5. Children’s Privacy

ecipe is intended for users who can lawfully enter into these terms in their jurisdiction. The app is not directed to children under 13 (or the minimum age required in your region). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, contact ecipe0719@gmail.com and we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

6. Sharing and Disclosure

We may disclose information only when:

  • You choose to make content public within ecipe community features.
  • Disclosure is required to comply with law, regulation, or valid legal process.
  • Disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of users, the public, or ecipe.
  • Service providers process data solely on our instructions to operate hosting, storage, analytics limited to product reliability, or security functions.
  • Apple processes payments and subscription management under Apple’s terms and privacy policy.

7. In-App Purchases and Subscriptions

  • Optional VIP subscriptions and virtual gifts are handled by Apple In-App Purchase / StoreKit.
  • Apple may collect payment method, billing address, and transaction data according to Apple’s Privacy Policy.
  • We may receive product identifiers, transaction status, and entitlement information needed to unlock features.
  • Manage, cancel, or request refunds for auto-renewable subscriptions through your Apple ID account settings or Apple Support, as applicable.

8. Data Storage, Security, and Retention

  • We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect account and content data.
  • No method of electronic storage is 100% secure; please protect your password and device access.
  • We retain account and content data while your account remains active and as needed to provide the service.
  • After account deletion, we deactivate the account and remove or anonymize associated personal data as described in the Account Deletion Agreement, except where limited retention is required by law or for security and dispute handling.

9. Your Rights and Choices

  • Edit profile information (nickname, signature, avatar) in Personal Center.
  • Control device permissions in iOS Settings.
  • Log out at any time in Settings.
  • Report or block abusive users through in-app tools where available.
  • Request access, correction, or deletion of personal information by contacting support, subject to applicable law.
  • Request account deletion in Settings → Delete account after reviewing the deletion agreement.
  • If you are a California resident, you may have additional rights regarding access, deletion, and information about certain sharing practices. Contact us to submit a request. We do not sell personal information.

10. International Users

If you access ecipe from outside the region where our servers or operators are located, your information may be processed in another country. By using the app, you understand that local privacy laws may differ.

11. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top will change when revisions are published. Continued use after an update constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy where permitted by law.

12. Contact Us

Privacy and data requests:
ecipe0719@gmail.com

For account deletion specifically, also review the Account Deletion Agreement.