PlateMethod Privacy Policy

Effective Date: [Insert Date]

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) describes how PlateMethod LLC (“PlateMethod,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) collects, uses, discloses, and processes personal information when you access or use our Services, including our website, mobile applications, and any other online or offline interactions you may have with us.

This Policy also explains your rights and choices regarding your personal information. This Policy forms part of our Terms of Service, and any terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Terms of Service.

Our Services are intended solely for individuals 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, you may not use the Services. We implement measures designed to prevent individuals under 18 from creating an account or accessing the Services. If we learn that a minor under 18 has provided personal information, we will investigate and, if appropriate, delete such information and the associated account.

We may collect personal information directly from you, automatically through your use of the Services, and from third parties.

This section describes information collected directly from you.

Personal Information We Collect Directly from You

1. Account and Profile Information

When you create or manage an account, we may collect:

• full name;

• email address;

• general location (e.g., country, region, or postal code);

• profile photograph or avatar (if you choose to upload one);

• username and password;

• date of birth;

• sex.

2. Food and Activity Diary Information

Certain features allow you to voluntarily log detailed information about your diet, activities, and wellness habits. This may include:

• dietary habits and patterns;

• foods, beverages, supplements, and medications consumed (including entries submitted via voice logging);

• grocery or food purchases through integrated partners;

• caloric intake;

• dietary restrictions or preferences;

• fitness level, activities, and goals (e.g., protein targets, weekly exercise plans);

• lifestyle information (such as sleep-related data);

• body measurements (e.g., height, weight, BMI);

• information related to physical, physiological, or health conditions;

• progress photos;

• notes, reflections, or other narrative content you submit.

Certain Food and Activity Diary data may constitute sensitive personal information, particularly when it reveals or suggests a health condition.

3. Communications with PlateMethod

We may collect information from your communications with us, including:

• your name and email address;

• contents of emails, support requests, and interactions with customer service personnel;

• transcripts or interactions with support chat features.

4. Community and Social Interactions

If you participate in PlateMethod-sponsored or affiliated online communities, forums, or social media pages, we may collect:

• content you post or share;

• your username or display name;

• other contact or profile details you choose to provide.

5. Communications Between Users

If you use features that allow communication between PlateMethod users (such as messaging or sharing progress), we may receive:

• messages exchanged;

• shared diary entries or photos;

• fitness and nutrition goals or achievements;

• names, usernames, or contact details involved in the exchange.

6. Research and Survey Information

If you participate in surveys, research, or studies, we may collect:

• contact information;

• survey responses;

• feedback or insights you voluntarily provide.

7. Events and Registration

If you register for PlateMethod-sponsored events (virtual or in-person), we may collect:

• registration details;

• attendance information;

• any other information provided in connection with the event.

8. Preferences and Requests

We may collect information about:

• your communication preferences;

• your content, nutritional, or logging preferences;

• any requests or information you provide when interacting with us.

9. Payment Information

If you purchase a PlateMethod subscription or paid offering through our website:

• payment information is collected and processed by our third-party payment processor, not by PlateMethod directly;

• we may receive limited transactional details (e.g., status of the payment) but do not store or access full payment card numbers.

Personal Information We Collect Automatically

When you use the Services, PlateMethod LLC (“PlateMethod,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) may automatically collect certain information about your device, browser, and interactions with the Services (“Usage and Device Data”). This may include:

• device and browser details;

• operating system information;

• unique identifiers (such as cookie identifiers, mobile advertising identifiers, and other device IDs);

• Internet Protocol (IP) addresses;

• mobile carrier and internet service provider information;

• general or inferred location (for example, approximate location inferred from your IP address);

• information about actions you take while using the Services;

• logs of the frequency, duration, and nature of your interactions;

• information about pages you view, links you click, and other usage patterns.

We collect this information automatically through cookies and similar tracking technologies described below.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

PlateMethod uses cookies and other technologies (“Cookies”) to support, protect, and personalize your experience on the Services. These technologies may be set directly by PlateMethod (“First-Party Cookies”) or by third parties (“Third-Party Cookies”).

We use several categories of Cookies for the following purposes:

Required Cookies

Used to operate the Services, maintain security, prevent fraud, and ensure functionality. These cookies are essential and cannot be disabled through our settings.

Functional Cookies

Used to provide enhanced functionality, remember your preferences, and analyze how the Services are used to help us improve performance and user experience.

Targeted Advertising Cookies 

Used to personalize content, deliver relevant advertisements, measure advertising effectiveness, and support marketing efforts. Certain uses of these Cookies may be considered “sales,” “sharing,” or “targeted advertising” under applicable privacy laws.

What Are Cookies?

“Cookies” are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website or use certain online services. PlateMethod, and our service providers and partners, may also use other tracking tools such as:

• pixels

• web beacons

• clear GIFs

• log files

• local storage objects

• SDKs (software development kits)

• analytical and advertising tags

These technologies help us understand how you use the Services, remember your preferences, improve performance, and support advertising and marketing activities.

Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Depending on your location and applicable privacy laws, you may have choices regarding the use of Cookies. For example:

• You may adjust your browser settings to accept, block, or delete cookies.

• You may choose to receive notifications when a cookie is placed on your device.

• Some countries require explicit consent for certain cookies, especially for advertising.

If you block or disable cookies, certain features of the Services may not function properly.

You can also manage your marketing and advertising preferences—including consent for targeted advertising—through the Managing Your Marketing and Personalized Advertising Preferences section described later in this Policy.

Personal Information We Receive From Third Parties

We may receive personal information about you from a variety of third-party sources, including connected health devices, service providers, research partners, advertising and marketing partners, social media platforms, and other users. The information we receive will depend on the source and your privacy settings with that source.

Service Providers

Our service providers may provide information that helps us operate, analyze, and enhance the Services. This may include:

• analytics information about how you use or interact with the Services;

• security-related information to detect, prevent, or mitigate fraud or misuse;

• communication details necessary to respond to your questions, support requests, or other inquiries.

These providers act on our behalf under contractual agreements that limit their use of your information to the services they perform for PlateMethod.

Research Partners

We may receive information from research institutions or partners conducting surveys, studies, or analytics initiatives. This may include:

• demographic details;

• health and fitness objectives;

• insights or feedback you voluntarily provide regarding your use of the Services.

Research data is processed for internal analysis, product improvement, and other purposes consistent with this Policy.

Marketing and Advertising Partners

We may receive information from third-party advertisers, data partners, or marketing networks, such as:

• demographic information;

• inferences about your interests;

• information about advertisements or marketing content you viewed or interacted with.

This helps us deliver relevant content, measure the effectiveness of our advertising, and improve the Services.

Business Partners

We may partner with other companies to offer certain features, integrations, or joint services. We may receive personal information from these business partners when necessary to provide the Services or for purposes described in this Policy.

Information Provided by Other PlateMethod Users

If you interact with other users (for example, through shared content, messages, achievements, photos, or collaborative features), we may receive:

• shared diary entries or content;

• usernames or contact details;

• photos, progress updates, or achievements.

This information is determined by the actions of other users who choose to share it.

Social Media Platforms

If you choose to log in or connect to the Services through a social media platform (such as Facebook, Apple, or Google), we may receive information you have provided to that platform, including:

• your name;

• email address;

• profile picture;

• friends or contacts list (if permitted by the platform’s API);

• other information made available through your social media profile settings.

The information we receive depends on your privacy settings and the platform’s policies.

Connected Health Devices

Certain connected devices that integrate with the Services may, with your permission, provide PlateMethod with relevant health, activity, or wellness information. Examples include:

• activity trackers;

• heart rate monitors;

• continuous glucose monitoring devices;

• exercise equipment;

• connected scales or wearables.

This may include Food and Activity Diary Data or other fitness-related information.

Health Data from Device Repositories (HealthKit, Google Health Connect, Samsung Health, etc.)

With your explicit consent, we may collect information from your device’s health and fitness repositories, such as:

• Apple HealthKit

• Android Google Health Connect

• Samsung Health

Important notes:

• Information stored in Apple HealthKit is governed by Apple’s Terms and Privacy Policy.

The unique data you choose to share with PlateMethod is not used for marketing or advertising, nor is it sold or transferred to third parties for those purposes.

• Information stored in Google Health Connect is governed by Google’s applicable Terms and Privacy Policy.

Shared data is not used for marketing or advertising, and is not provided to third parties for those purposes.

• Information stored in Samsung Health is governed by Samsung’s applicable Terms and Privacy Policy.

Shared data is not used for marketing or advertising, and is not provided to third parties for those purposes.

We only access or process such data when you grant permission through the respective platform’s consent API.

Aggregated, Deidentified, or Anonymized Information

We may aggregate, de-identify, or anonymize personal information so that it can no longer reasonably be linked to an identifiable individual. Once de-identified or anonymized, the information is no longer considered personal information under applicable laws.

We may use or disclose such information for:

• research;

• analytics;

• product development;

• business intelligence;

• any other purpose allowed by applicable law.

How We Use Personal Information

We use the personal information we collect for a variety of operational, administrative, analytical, and legal purposes. The specific uses may vary depending on how you interact with the Services.

Provide and Operate the Services

We use your personal information to provide, manage, and maintain the Services, including:

• creating and managing your PlateMethod account;

• enabling features, functionalities, and personalization options;

• processing your entries, logs, and preferences;

• providing technical support and troubleshooting;

• ensuring the reliable operation of our systems and infrastructure;

• conducting day-to-day business operations necessary to deliver the Services.

Communicate With You

We use your personal information to communicate with you, including:

• responding to your questions, requests, or support inquiries;

• requesting additional information when needed;

• seeking your feedback;

• sending administrative communications, such as updates to our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, or other legal documents;

• notifying you of changes to features, policies, or account-related matters.

Respond to Requests to Exercise Your Rights 

We use your personal information to respond and provide effect to privacy-related requests you submit, including those related to:

• accessing your data;

• correcting or updating your information;

• deleting your account;

• exercising marketing or advertising preferences;

• exercising statutory rights under applicable privacy laws.

Send Promotional and Marketing Communications

We use your personal information to send marketing content, including:

• newsletters;

• information about new PlateMethod features, products, and services;

• promotional offers;

• updates about events, webinars, and opportunities;

• other marketing materials relevant to your use of the Services.

You may manage your marketing preferences as described in the Managing Your Marketing and Personalized Advertising Preferences section.

Targeted Advertising and Cross-Device Tracking

Targeted Advertising

PlateMethod engages in targeted advertising. This means:

• You may see personalized advertisements on the Services;

• You may see PlateMethod ads on third-party websites, apps, or platforms;

• Advertising content may be customized based on information collected from or about you.

We and our third-party partners may use tracking technologies to collect or infer information such as:

• IP addresses;

• cookie identifiers;

• mobile advertising identifiers;

• browsing or usage behavior;

• activity information across websites, apps, or devices.

This allows us and our partners to:

• deliver tailored advertisements;

• measure advertising performance;

• understand your interactions with our Services and marketing content.

You may opt out of certain targeted advertising activities as described in the Managing Your Marketing and Personalized Advertising Preferences section.

Cross-Device Tracking

We and our third-party partners may use the information we collect to identify the various devices you use (e.g., phone, tablet, computer). If we associate multiple devices with you, our partners may:

• deliver ads based on your combined behaviors across devices;

• limit the number of times you see an ad across devices;

• measure cross-device advertising and campaign performance.

Analyze Usage, Advertising Performance, and Conduct Research

Analytics and Performance Measurement

We work with third-party analytics providers to analyze how users interact with the Services. These providers may use tracking technologies to collect information about:

• page views;

• time spent on the Services;

• interactions with features;

• navigation paths;

• advertising engagement and conversions.

For example, we may use Google Analytics to better understand usage patterns. You may review Google’s privacy practices or opt out of Google Analytics where legally permitted.

Research and Surveys

We may use personal information to:

• administer surveys and questionnaires;

• evaluate how users engage with the Services;

• assess the effectiveness of features, tools, and programs;

• carry out research, product testing, and analytics.

These efforts help us improve PlateMethod and inform product development decisions.

Enhance, Personalize, and Improve the Services 

We use your personal information to support personalization and improvement efforts, including:

• customizing content, analytics, and insights to your goals;

• providing recommendations, reporting, or meal suggestions;

• testing new features, functionality, or updates;

• using technologies such as business intelligence systems, machine learning models, or artificial intelligence to enhance the Services.

Personalization may be based on your logs, preferences, behaviors, or inferred interests.

Event and Program Administration

We may use your personal information to:

• manage registration and attendance for PlateMethod-hosted or sponsored events;

• connect you with other attendees if applicable;

• administer contests, promotions, sweepstakes, or programs, which may include additional rules or terms.

Security, Fraud Prevention, and Protection of Rights

We use your personal information to:

• maintain the security of the Services;

• detect, prevent, or mitigate fraud, misuse, or unauthorized activities;

• verify identity where appropriate;

• protect the rights, property, or safety of PlateMethod, our users, or others;

• investigate suspicious activity or violations of our policies.

Legal Compliance

We use your personal information to:

• comply with applicable laws and regulations;

• respond to lawful requests from government authorities or law enforcement;

• maintain compliance and risk management programs;

• retain records as required by law.

Litigation and Dispute Resolution

We may use personal information to:

• defend PlateMethod’s rights or interests;

• manage pre-litigation or litigation matters;

• respond to claims, disputes, or regulatory inquiries.

Internal Business Operations

We use personal information to support internal management and business functions, including:

• accounting, auditing, tax, and financial operations;

• privacy, security, and compliance assessments;

• internal reporting and business planning;

• recordkeeping and documentation.

Sales, Business Combinations, and Corporate Transactions

We may use personal information as necessary for evaluating, negotiating, or completing business transactions, including:

• mergers;

• acquisitions;

• reorganizations;

• divestitures;

• insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings;

• transfers of assets or business units.

Personal information may be transferred as part of such transactions or reviewed during due diligence.

How We Disclose Personal Information

We may disclose, share, or otherwise make personal information available to the categories of recipients described below, consistent with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

Business Partners

We may disclose personal information to business partners with whom we collaborate to provide or support the Services. This may include partners that integrate with PlateMethod, assist in delivering certain features, or jointly offer programs or services. Personal information is shared only as necessary and appropriate for the purposes described in this Policy.

Service Providers

We may disclose personal information to third-party service providers that perform operational, professional, or technical services on our behalf. These service providers assist us with:

• IT infrastructure and website hosting;

• payment processing;

• data storage and cloud services;

• analytics, statistical, and market research services;

• customer support (including virtual agents or chatbots);

• auditing, accounting, legal, and consulting services;

• fraud detection, cybersecurity, and operational support.

 Service providers may only use your personal information as instructed by PlateMethod and in accordance with applicable contractual restrictions.

Other PlateMethod Users

Certain features of the Services are social or collaborative in nature. We may disclose personal information to other users when you:

• post content using public or interactive features;

• participate in community forums or discussion areas;

• share diary entries, photos, or achievements;

• engage through friend lists, messaging, or other user-to-user interactions.

Information you choose to make public or share through these features will be visible to other users. You should review your privacy and sharing settings to understand what information you are making available.

Marketing and Advertising Partners

We may disclose personal information—including device information, browser identifiers, and usage/activity data—to marketing and advertising partners, such as:

• social media platforms;

• advertising networks;

• demand-side or supply-side advertising platforms;

• measurement and optimization partners.

These disclosures enable us to:

• deliver personalized or targeted advertisements;

• measure and optimize the performance of advertising campaigns;

• understand how users interact with marketing content.

Some disclosures may be considered “sales,” “sharing,” or “targeted advertising” under applicable privacy laws.

Analytics Providers

We may disclose personal information—including device, browser, and usage information—to analytics providers who help us:

• understand how users interact with the Services;

• evaluate the performance of features;

• analyze traffic patterns, trends, and usage behaviors;

• assess the effectiveness of marketing and advertising efforts.

Analytics providers use this information in accordance with their own privacy commitments and contractual obligations.

Research Partners

We may disclose personal information to research partners who conduct studies, surveys, or data analysis on our behalf or in collaboration with PlateMethod. This may include:

• academic institutions;

• survey administrators;

• research firms;

• analytics and insights partners.

These disclosures help us improve the Services and better understand user needs and behaviors.

Third Parties in Connection With Business Transactions 

We may disclose or transfer personal information to third parties in connection with actual or potential corporate transactions, including:

• mergers or acquisitions;

• divestitures, reorganizations, or restructurings;

• financings or investments;

• bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings;

• sale or transfer of assets or business units.

Disclosures may also occur before such a transaction is finalized, for purposes such as due diligence, evaluation, or negotiation, and may involve auditors, advisors, attorneys, consultants, or lenders.

Law Enforcement and Regulatory Authorities

We may disclose personal information to law enforcement, government officials, regulatory bodies, or courts when required to:

• comply with applicable laws and legal obligations;

• respond to subpoenas, warrants, court orders, or other lawful processes;

• comply with regulatory reporting requirements;

• cooperate with investigations or enforcement actions.

Other Parties as Required or Permitted by Law

We may disclose personal information to other parties when necessary or appropriate to:

1. comply with applicable law or legal requirements;

2. protect the Services, PlateMethod’s rights and property, or the rights, safety, and property of others;

3. prevent, detect, investigate, or respond to fraud, unauthorized activity, illegal conduct, or misuse of the Services;

4. enforce or investigate violations of the PlateMethod Terms of Service or other policies;

5. pursue available legal remedies or limit potential damages.

At Your Direction or With Your Consent 

We may disclose personal information to third parties:

• when you direct us to do so;

• when you intentionally share information with third parties using the Services;

• when you authorize us to disclose information;

• in situations where consent is required by law.

If you participate in a sweepstakes, contest, or promotion, we may also disclose certain information (such as your name or city of residence) to individuals who request a winners list, as required by applicable law.

Managing Your Marketing and Personalized Advertising Preferences

You have the ability to manage your PlateMethod account settings and control certain marketing and advertising preferences, as described below. Your available choices may vary depending on the laws that apply in your jurisdiction.

Marketing Communications

We may send you marketing or promotional communications, such as newsletters, product updates, or information about new PlateMethod features or offerings. Where required by applicable law, we will obtain your consent before sending such communications.

If you no longer wish to receive these communications, you may:

• Change your email preferences in your account settings; or

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails by clicking the “unsubscribe” link included in those communications.

Please note:

• You may continue to receive essential administrative or transactional messages, even if you opt out of marketing communications.

• Changes to your preferences may take time to process.

Cookie Preferences

Depending on your location, you may have choices related to the use of cookies and similar technologies.

You may adjust your cookie settings in several ways:

1. Through your browser settings:

Most browsers allow you to accept or reject cookies, be notified when a cookie is placed, or delete existing cookies. Disabling cookies may impact certain features of the Services.

2. Through PlateMethod’s Cookie Preferences Tool:

You can visit the “Cookie Preferences” link in the footer of our website to manage your cookie settings, including disabling certain categories of cookies where permitted by law.

Important considerations:

• Cookie preferences apply per browser. If you use more than one browser, you must set your preferences in each one.

• If you use the same browser across multiple devices, you must set preferences separately on each device.

• Blocking cookies may limit functionality in the Services.

Personalized Advertising Preferences

PlateMethod engages in targeted advertising, which means you may see personalized ads:

• on PlateMethod’s Services;

• on third-party websites, apps, or services;

• based on information collected from or about you.

Depending on your region, you may be able to consent, opt in, or opt out of targeted advertising.

You can manage your preferences as follows:

On the PlateMethod Website

Visit the “Cookie Preferences” link in the website footer and adjust settings related to Targeted Advertising Cookies (where opt-out rights apply under local law).

 In the PlateMethod Mobile App

Open the Privacy Center tab within the “More” menu and adjust your personalization and advertising preferences.

Please note:

• Preferences apply per browser or per device. You must set them individually on each browser/device you use.

• You may need to opt out both via the Cookie Preferences link and within the app settings.

Managing Targeted Advertising Preferences Through Third Parties

Some web browsers, mobile devices, and digital advertising platforms provide tools to help you control targeted advertising. For example:

Industry Opt-Out Tools

You may visit:

• Network Advertising Initiative (NAI): https://www.networkadvertising.org

• Digital Advertising Alliance (DAA): https://www.aboutads.info

• European Interactive Digital Advertising Initiative (EDAA): https://www.youronlinechoices.eu

These organizations provide information about ad-serving companies and tools to limit their collection and use of your data for interest-based advertising.

Mobile Device Settings

You may also adjust settings on your mobile device to limit targeted advertising, such as:

• Apple iOS: “Limit Ad Tracking” or “Allow Apps to Request to Track”

• Android: Reset or delete your advertising ID, or adjust ad personalization settings

These device-level settings typically apply across apps on that device.

International Transfers of Personal Information

PlateMethod LLC is headquartered in the United States and engages service providers located both within the United States and in other countries. As a result, your personal information may be transferred to, stored in, or processed in jurisdictions outside your country of residence. These jurisdictions may have data protection and privacy laws that differ from those in your home country.

When we transfer your personal information to another country, we do so in accordance with applicable data protection laws and implement appropriate safeguards designed to protect your information. However, you should note that once transferred, your personal information may be subject to the laws of the receiving jurisdiction, which may permit courts, law enforcement authorities, regulatory agencies, or governmental bodies to access your information in certain circumstances.

By using the Services and/or providing personal information to PlateMethod, you acknowledge and consent to the transfer of your personal information to countries outside your country of residence.

User-Generated Content

The Services may include public-facing or interactive features such as community forums, blogs, discussion boards, progress-sharing tools, or other features that allow you to post or share information publicly. Any information you submit in connection with these features—including achievements, notes, reviews, photos, testimonials, or other content—may be visible to other users or the general public.

By submitting content through these interactive features, you acknowledge and agree:

• you have no expectation of privacy or confidentiality regarding any content you choose to make public;

• public posts may be viewed, used, or re-shared by others;

• such content may contain personal information you voluntarily include; and

• your content will be handled as described in the Ownership and Use of Content section of our Terms of Service.

Please review your settings and the nature of the content you choose to share before posting.

How We Protect Your Information

We maintain reasonable and appropriate technical, administrative, and organizational safeguards designed to protect the personal information under our control from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, destruction, loss, or misuse.

These measures may include:

• encryption;

• secure data storage systems;

• access controls;

• network and system monitoring;

• periodic security assessments;

• staff training and internal policies.

Despite our efforts, no method of electronic transmission, storage, or security can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We cannot and do not guarantee absolute protection of your personal information.

How We Retain Your Information

We retain personal information for as long as reasonably necessary to:

• fulfill the purposes for which it was collected;

• provide and maintain the Services;

• comply with legal, regulatory, or reporting obligations;

• enforce our rights;

• resolve disputes;

• conduct audits and internal processes.

When determining retention periods, we consider:

• the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the information;

• the potential risks associated with unauthorized use or disclosure;

• the purposes for which the information is processed;

• whether such purposes can be achieved through other means;

• applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

If information is de-identified, we will maintain and use it only in de-identified form and will not attempt to re-identify it except as required or permitted by law.

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or PlateMethod’s privacy practices, you may contact us at:

PlateMethod LLC

Attn: Privacy/Legal

[Insert Company Mailing Address]

[Insert City, State ZIP]

Email: privacy@platemethod.com (or your preferred email)