1. Introduction
PlateAtlas ("we", "us", "our") operates plateatlasworldwide.com and the PlateAtlas mobile app. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect when you use our services, how we use that information, and the choices and rights you have.
We built PlateAtlas to help people with food allergies and dietary restrictions find safe places to eat. Protecting your privacy is part of that mission. If anything in this policy is unclear, please contact us at privacy@plateatlasworldwide.com.
2. Information we collect
We collect information in a few different ways depending on how you use PlateAtlas:
- Account info: When you create an account, we collect your name and email address so you can log in and manage your profile.
- Allergy profile: The dietary preferences and allergens you select (such as gluten, milk, or nuts) are stored to personalize your search results and recommendations.
- Saved boards and restaurants: We store the boards you create and the restaurants you save so your favorites are available across sessions and devices when you are logged in.
- Reviews: If you submit a review, we store the review text and rating. Reviews are posted anonymously and are not publicly linked to your account name.
- Location data: When you use "Near me," we access your device's location only to show nearby restaurants. We do not store your location after that search is complete.
- Usage data: We collect information about how you use PlateAtlas, such as pages visited, searches made, and time spent on the site. This helps us understand what is working and what needs improvement.
- Device info: We may collect your browser type, operating system, and IP address for security, analytics, and troubleshooting.
3. How we use your information
We use the information we collect to:
- Show you personalized restaurant results based on your allergy profile and saved preferences
- Save your boards and favorite restaurants across sessions when you are logged in
- Improve PlateAtlas features, fix bugs, and understand how people use the service
- Display relevant restaurant advertisements, which are always clearly labeled
- Respond to your support requests and communicate important account or policy updates
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We do not share your allergy profile, email address, or saved restaurants with advertisers.
4. Google services
PlateAtlas uses Google Maps and the Google Places API to find, display, and map restaurants. When you use map or search features powered by Google, certain technical information (such as search queries and map coordinates) is sent to Google to provide those services.
By using PlateAtlas, you are also subject to Google's Privacy Policy, available at policies.google.com/privacy. We do not share your personal account data with Google beyond what is required to operate the map and place search features.
5. Cookies
We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you logged in, remember your allergy preferences and language settings, and understand how people use the site.
You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time. Please note that some PlateAtlas features — including staying logged in and saving your preferences — may not work properly if cookies are disabled.
6. Anonymous reviews
Reviews on PlateAtlas are posted anonymously. We do not display your name, email address, or account information alongside any review you submit.
However, we do retain review content on our systems so we can moderate for spam, fake reviews, and harmful or abusive content. Moderation helps keep PlateAtlas trustworthy for everyone in the allergy community.
7. Advertising
PlateAtlas shows advertisements from restaurants that pay for sponsored placement. These ads are always clearly labeled "Sponsored."
Paid advertising does not affect restaurant listings, ratings, search rankings, or review visibility. Restaurants cannot pay to improve their organic rating or position in search results. We do not share your personal data with advertisers.
8. Data retention
We keep your account data for as long as your account remains active. If you delete your account from your Profile page, we permanently delete your account information, allergy profile, saved boards, and associated personal data from our systems.
Anonymous reviews you have submitted may remain on the site after account deletion, but they will not be linked to your identity. Aggregated usage data that cannot identify you may be retained for analytics.
9. Children's privacy
PlateAtlas is not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us at privacy@plateatlasworldwide.com and we will delete it promptly.
10. Your rights
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to access, correct, export, or delete your personal data. You can update much of your information directly from your Profile page.
For any other privacy request — including asking what data we hold about you or requesting deletion — email us at privacy@plateatlasworldwide.com. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
11. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will notify registered users by email and post a notice on the PlateAtlas website.
Your continued use of PlateAtlas after an update means you accept the revised policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
12. Contact
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please email us at privacy@plateatlasworldwide.com.