Privacy Policy
Last updated: July 2025. LactoCheck ("we", "us", "our") is a mobile and web application operated by iq cook. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, why we collect it, where it is stored, how long we keep it, and how you can access or delete it. By using LactoCheck, you agree to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We collect the following categories of data: • Account data: your email address (used to create and manage your account). • Profile data: your daily lactose limit, sensitivity level, preferred language, and onboarding preferences. • Health & wellness data: diary entries (foods you logged), lactose amounts, symptom records (type and severity), and scan history — all self-reported by you. • App activity: scan count, feature usage, and interaction logs. • Device data: anonymous device identifiers, OS version, and crash logs for stability improvements. We do NOT collect your precise location, contacts, photos, or medical records. We do not sell your data to anyone.
2. How We Use Your Data
We use your data to: • Display your daily lactose intake and remaining allowance. • Calculate risk levels and adapt your tolerance score. • Identify trigger foods based on your symptom history. • Remember your preferences and settings across sessions. • Send optional meal and symptom reminders (only if you enable them). • Improve the app through aggregated, anonymized analytics. • Provide Premium subscription features and process payments via Google Play Billing. We never use your data for advertising sold to third parties.
3. Where Your Data Is Stored
Most of your health and diary data is stored locally on your device (in your browser or app storage). Your account data (email) and server-side preferences are stored on secure cloud servers managed by our hosting provider. Product information is fetched from the Open Food Facts public database and cached locally to reduce repeated network calls. Payments are processed by Google Play Billing; we do not store your full card details — Google Play Billing handles them securely.
4. Data Retention
Free accounts retain up to 7 days of diary and symptom history on the device. Premium accounts retain full history while the subscription is active. Cached product data is kept locally until you delete it or uninstall the app. Account data is retained until you request deletion. When you delete your account, all associated data is removed from our servers within 30 days; local data on your device is cleared immediately.
5. Cookies and Similar Technologies
LactoCheck uses minimal local storage (similar to cookies) to remember your preferences, language, and session. We do not use advertising cookies or tracking pixels. Analytics, if enabled, uses anonymous identifiers that are not linked to your name or email.
6. Third-Party Services
The app integrates with: • Open Food Facts — to look up product information by barcode (a public, open database). Only the barcode you scan is sent. • Google Play Billing — to process Premium subscription payments. Google Play Billing receives your payment details directly; we never see or store your card number. • AI services — to help analyze ingredients and provide dietary insights. Text you enter may be sent to our AI provider for processing. Each provider has its own privacy policy governing the data they receive.
7. Data Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your data: encrypted connections (HTTPS/TLS) for all network traffic, secure server infrastructure, and restricted access controls. Your data is encrypted in transit. While no system is 100% secure, we work to protect your information and never share it with unauthorized parties.
8. Your Rights — GDPR (EU/UK)
If you are in the EU or UK, under the GDPR you have the right to: • Access the personal data we hold about you. • Request correction of inaccurate data. • Request deletion of your data ("right to be forgotten"). • Restrict or object to processing. • Data portability — receive your data in a structured format. • Withdraw consent at any time. • Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority. To exercise these rights, contact us at the support email listed in the app.
9. Your Rights — CCPA (California)
If you are a California resident, under the CCPA you have the right to: • Know what personal data we collect and how it is used. • Request deletion of your personal data. • Opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of personal data. LactoCheck does not sell your data. • Not be discriminated against for exercising your rights. To submit a request, contact us through the support channel in the app.
10. Deleting Your Account and Data
You can delete your account at any time, directly in the app via Settings → Delete Account, or through the Delete Account page on our website. Deleting your account: • Removes your email and server-side data within 30 days. • Clears all local diary, symptom, and preference data from your device immediately. • Cancels any active Premium subscription. This action cannot be undone. If you change your mind, you will need to create a new account.
11. Children’s Privacy
LactoCheck is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with data, please contact us and we will promptly delete it. The app is rated for ages 13+ on app stores.
12. AI-Generated Content
LactoCheck may use artificial intelligence to analyze ingredients, estimate lactose content, and provide dietary insights. AI results are supportive and may not always be accurate. They do not replace professional medical advice. Always verify product labels and consult a healthcare professional for medical decisions.
13. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated within the app or on our website. Continued use of LactoCheck after a change means you accept the updated policy. We encourage you to review this page periodically.
14. Contact Us
Questions about your privacy or this policy? Contact us at the support email provided in the app (Settings → Contact us) or visit our support page. We aim to respond within 5 business days.