Cookstead Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy describes how Cookstead (“the App,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) handles information when you use our Android application. Cookstead is a fully offline meal-planning and ingredient-matching tool. We are committed to transparency and to collecting only what is necessary for the App to function on your device.

By installing or using Cookstead, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Data you provide and generate in the App

All of the following is stored locally on your device only. We do not receive, upload, or store this data on our servers because the App has no network connectivity and no user accounts.

• Recipes you create, edit, or favorite
• Weekly meal plans and meal notes
• Grocery list items
• Ingredient selections and pantry presets used for recipe matching
• Cooking history records
• App preferences (theme, week start day, measurement units, onboarding status)

Pre-loaded sample recipes and ingredients included with the App are also stored locally and are not transmitted anywhere.

2.2 Data we do NOT collect

Cookstead does not collect, request, or process:

• Name, email address, phone number, or other contact details (unless you email us directly)
• Precise or approximate location
• Photos, videos, or audio recordings
• Device identifiers for advertising (no advertising ID)
• Installed apps list or cross-app activity
• Analytics, crash reports, or usage telemetry sent to us or third-party services
• Payment or financial information (the App is free and contains no in-app purchases at this time)

3. Android Permissions

The published version of Cookstead declares zero standard Android permissions (android.permission.*). Specifically, the App does not request:

• Internet or network access
• Camera or microphone
• Read or write external storage / media files
• Location (fine, coarse, or background)
• Notifications
• Phone state or device identifiers
• Query all packages
• Manage external storage

Any permissions that might be merged from underlying Android libraries are explicitly removed at build time and are not present in the final app package.

4. How We Use Information

Because all App data remains on your device, we use it only to provide core functionality locally, including:

• Displaying and managing your recipes and meal plans
• Matching recipes to ingredients you select
• Building and organizing grocery lists
• Remembering your display and planning preferences

We do not use your data for advertising, profiling, or marketing.

5. Data Storage and Security

App data is stored in your device’s private application storage using Android Room (local database) and DataStore (preferences). This storage is isolated from other apps and is removed when you uninstall Cookstead.

We do not operate backend servers for Cookstead. No data is transmitted to us over the internet during normal use of the App.

6. Android Backup and Device Transfer

Cookstead has Android automatic backup enabled (android:allowBackup="true"). If you turn on backup in your device settings (e.g., Google Backup on Android), your operating system may include App data—such as your database and preferences—in encrypted backups managed by Google or your device manufacturer.

We do not control, access, or receive these backups. Backup behavior is governed by your device settings and Google’s or your manufacturer’s policies. You can disable backup for this App in your Android system settings if you prefer.

A manual export/import feature may be added in a future update. When available, file export will use the Android system file picker (Storage Access Framework) and will not require broad storage permissions. At the time of this policy, in-app manual backup buttons are placeholders and do not read or write files outside the App’s private storage.

7. Third-Party Services

Cookstead does not integrate third-party analytics, advertising, social-login, or cloud-sync SDKs. The App uses standard Android Jetpack libraries (Compose, Room, DataStore, Navigation) for local on-device functionality only. These libraries do not cause the App to send your personal data to us or to third parties.

Google Play is used to distribute the App. Your interaction with Google Play (downloads, reviews, payments if any) is subject to Google’s Privacy Policy, which is separate from this policy.

8. Children’s Privacy

Cookstead is a general-purpose meal-planning utility and is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. Because the App stores data only on the user’s device and does not collect data remotely, no child-specific data is transmitted to us. If you believe a child has contacted us inappropriately, please email us and we will respond promptly.

9. Data Retention and Deletion

Your App data remains on your device until you delete it within the App (where supported), clear App storage in Android settings, or uninstall Cookstead. Uninstalling the App removes locally stored databases and preferences from your device.

We retain no copies of your App data on our servers because we do not receive your App data.

10. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding personal data. Because Cookstead processes data only on your device and does not collect it remotely, you can exercise most choices directly:

• Access / review: View your data inside the App at any time.
• Correction: Edit or delete recipes, plans, lists, and preferences in the App.
• Deletion: Clear App data in Android Settings → Apps → Cookstead → Storage, or uninstall the App.
• Backup control: Enable or disable Android backup for the App in system settings.

If you have questions about your rights or this policy, contact us at WilihugoMontalvan@gmail.com.

11. International Users

Cookstead is designed to work offline on your device. We do not transfer your App data internationally because we do not collect or host your App data on remote servers.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time—for example, if we add features such as manual backup/export or if legal requirements change. When we update the policy, we will revise the “Effective date” at the top of this page. Material changes will be reflected in the updated HTML document hosted at the same URL you provide to Google Play.

Continued use of the App after an update means you accept the revised policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or Cookstead’s data practices, please contact:

Email: WilihugoMontalvan@gmail.com
App name: Cookstead
Package name: io.cookstead.planner