Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy explains how Elizabeth Rider International, Inc., doing business as Butler, Butler Kitchen, and ButlerKitchen.com (“Butler,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, and protects information when you access or use the Butler mobile application, the website located at https://ButlerKitchen.com, and any related services (collectively, the “Services”).

By using the Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

The Services are operated by:
Elizabeth Rider International, Inc., doing business as Butler, Butler Kitchen, and ButlerKitchen.com
Seattle, Washington, USA
Contact: support@ButlerKitchen.com

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Email address
• Authentication identifiers and secure tokens (issued by Firebase Authentication)
• Meal preferences, including dietary choices, dislikes, allergies, and intolerances
• Nutrition goals and dietary targets
• User-generated content (Saved recipes, grocery lists, meal plans, pantry images, AI chat messages, and support communications)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

Device information, such as device type and operating system version.

We do not collect: Precise GPS location, time zone data, or behavioral analytics (screen views, button taps).

2.3 Payment Information

Web Purchases: Payments on our website are processed by Stripe. Butler does not store card numbers or billing addresses.

In-App Purchases: If you subscribe via the Apple App Store, your payment information is collected and processed by Apple. Butler receives a unique transaction identifier to verify your subscription but does not see your credit card details.

3. How We Use Information

We use collected information to:

• Operate and maintain the Services and authenticate users securely.
• Generate personalized meal plans and recommendations.
• Process AI chat requests, image analysis, and recipe generation.
• Send transactional and marketing emails (opt-out available).
• Legal Basis (GDPR/UK GDPR): We process your data to perform our contract with you (Service provision) and for our legitimate interest in improving the Services.

4. Artificial Intelligence & Third-Party Data Processing

Butler utilizes third-party AI services, specifically OpenAI, to provide core features including recipe generation, meal planning, and image analysis.

• Data Sharing: When you use AI features, certain data (dietary preferences, pantry images, or chat inputs) is transmitted to OpenAI for real-time processing.
• Explicit Permission: In accordance with App Store guidelines, Butler provides clear disclosure and obtains user consent before personal data is first shared with a third-party AI provider.
• No Model Training: Data shared with our AI service providers via API is not used to train or improve their underlying models.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell personal data. We share data only with trusted service providers:

• Infrastructure: Firebase Authentication, AWS (EC2, RDS, S3).
• AI Services: OpenAI.
• Payments: Stripe and Apple.
• Email: Amazon SES, Kit (ConvertKit).

6. International Users (GDPR & UK GDPR)

Users in the EU/UK have rights to access, delete, or port their data. Data transfers to the U.S. are governed by Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).

7. Data Retention & Deletion

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active.
• Account Deletion: You may initiate account deletion via the "Delete Account" button in App Settings. Personal data is deleted within 30 days.
• Subscription Note: Deleting your account does not cancel an active Apple In-App Purchase. You must cancel this through Apple ID settings.
• Content Deletion: User-deleted content is removed immediately from active databases. Backup systems may retain data for a limited period before permanent deletion.
  

8. Your Choices

• Email marketing: Opt out anytime.
• Push notifications: Disable via device or app settings.
• Account deletion: Available in-app.

9. Children’s Privacy

Butler is intended for users 13 and older. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. Users under 18 require parental supervision.

10. Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards to protect your information. No system can guarantee absolute security.

11. Third-Party Links

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services linked from the Services (e.g., external recipe blogs).

12. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

We do not sell personal information. California residents may exercise additional rights by contacting support@ButlerKitchen.com.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Significant changes will be communicated by email. Minor updates will be reflected in the "Last Updated" date.

14. Contact

Questions about privacy? 📧 support@ButlerKitchen.com

See the Terms of Use here.