Data Privacy Policy

Introduction

This data privacy policy (hereinafter referred to as "policy") clarifies the type, scope and purpose of the processing of personal data within our mobile application, ShrinkFood (hereinafter referred to as "app").

The privacy policy applies regardless of the devices used to run the app.

Controller

For the processing of your personal data, the controller is the CHOICE Horizon Europe project coordinator, the Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (hereinafter referred to as "controller"), based in Athens, Greece on behalf of the CHOICE Horizon Europe project consortium.

Email: info@climatechoice.eu

Definitions

The terms used refer to the definitions in Article 4 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• "Personal data" means any information, such as name, address, email, phone number etc., relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ('data subject'), user of the app.
• "Processing" means any operation or set of operations which is performed on personal data or on sets of personal data, whether or not by automated means, such as collection, recording, organisation, structuring, storage, adaptation or alteration, retrieval, consultation, use, disclosure by transmission, dissemination or otherwise making available, alignment or combination, restriction, erasure or destruction.

Information We Collect - Mobile App Specific

1. Account & Authentication Data

• Username - Your chosen username for login
• Email address - Used for account verification and password reset
• Password - Encrypted and securely stored, never visible to us
• Authentication tokens - Stored locally on your device for automatic login

2. Food Tracking & Consumption Data

• Food items selected - All foods you add to your daily plans
• Quantities and serving sizes - Grams, pieces, portions you consume
• Meal types - Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks categorization
• Consumption dates - When you ate specific foods
• Food categories - Meat, vegetables, dairy, grains, etc.
• Daily plans - Your complete meal planning history

3. Carbon Footprint Calculations

• CO2 emissions per food item - Calculated based on food database
• Daily CO2 totals - Sum of all emissions from your meals
• Weekly CO2 trends - Historical data shown in charts
• Monthly CO2 statistics - Long-term tracking and comparisons
• CO2 reduction achievements - Progress towards sustainability goals

4. Assessment & Campaign Data

• Assessment responses - Your answers to environmental questionnaires
• Campaign participation - Which sustainability campaigns you joined
• Campaign progress - How many tasks you completed
• Assessment scores - Results from knowledge tests
• Learning progress - Which topics you've covered

5. Anonymous Usage Analytics

• Screen views - Which parts of the app you visit (Home, Plan, Assessments, etc.)
• Feature usage - How often you use food tracking, view statistics, read stories
• Session duration - How long you use the app per session
• Navigation patterns - How you move through the app
• Error logs - Anonymous crash reports to improve app stability
• Performance metrics - Loading times, response times

6. Device & Technical Data

• Device type - Android phone, tablet model
• Operating system version - Android version number
• App version - Which version of ShrinkFood you're using
• Screen resolution - For optimal display formatting
• Network connection type - WiFi, mobile data (for optimization)
• Device language settings - To provide localized content
• Time zone - For accurate date/time tracking

7. Local Device Storage

• Cached food database - Stored locally for offline access
• Cached user data - Your profile info for quick loading
• Login tokens - Authentication credentials (encrypted)
• App preferences - Your settings and customizations
• Temporary files - Images, data awaiting sync

8. Communication Data

• Forgot password requests - Email address used for password reset
• Support inquiries - Messages sent to info@climatechoice.eu
• Email notifications - If you opted in to receive updates

How We Use Your Personal Data

We use your data for the following specific purposes:

• APP FUNCTIONALITY - Enable food tracking, carbon footprint calculation, daily meal planning
• PERSONALIZATION - Show your personal statistics, progress charts, historical data
• ASSESSMENTS - Provide environmental education, track your learning progress
• CAMPAIGNS - Allow participation in sustainability initiatives, track achievements
• COMMUNICATION - Send password reset emails, respond to support requests
• RESEARCH - Use anonymous, aggregated data for CHOICE Horizon Europe project research on sustainable food consumption patterns
• IMPROVEMENTS - Analyze anonymous usage patterns to improve app features and user experience
• SECURITY - Detect and prevent fraud, unauthorized access, technical issues

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data based on:

• CONSENT - You agreed to this privacy policy when creating your account
• CONTRACT PERFORMANCE - Processing is necessary to provide the app services you requested
• LEGITIMATE INTERESTS - Improving app functionality, security, and research for public environmental benefit
• LEGAL OBLIGATIONS - Complying with applicable laws and regulations

You can withdraw consent at any time by contacting info@climatechoice.eu or deleting your account.

Data Retention

Your personal data is retained as follows:

• ACTIVE ACCOUNTS - Data retained while your account is active
• DELETED ACCOUNTS - Data permanently deleted within 30 days of account deletion request
• PROJECT DURATION - Maximum 5 years after CHOICE project end (unless required by law)
• ANONYMOUS RESEARCH DATA - May be retained indefinitely (no personal identifiers)

Data Security

We protect your data with:

• ENCRYPTION - All data transmitted using TLS/HTTPS encryption
• SECURE STORAGE - Passwords encrypted with industry-standard algorithms
• ACCESS CONTROLS - Limited access to personal data by authorized personnel only
• REGULAR UPDATES - Security patches and updates to prevent vulnerabilities
• MONITORING - Continuous monitoring for suspicious activities
• BACKUPS - Regular encrypted backups to prevent data loss

Data Recipients

Your data may be shared with:

• CHOICE CONSORTIUM PARTNERS - For project research (anonymous aggregated data only)
• TECHNICAL SERVICE PROVIDERS - Hosting, database services (under strict confidentiality agreements)
• PUBLIC AUTHORITIES - If required by law or legal obligations

We do NOT share your personal data with advertisers, marketers, or unrelated third parties.

Data Transfer

No transfer to non-EU countries/international organizations is foreseen. All data is stored within the European Union.

Your Legal Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

• ACCESS - Request a copy of your personal data
• RECTIFICATION - Correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• ERASURE - Request deletion of your personal data ("right to be forgotten")
• RESTRICTION - Limit how we process your data
• PORTABILITY - Receive your data in machine-readable format
• OBJECT - Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• WITHDRAW CONSENT - Stop processing based on your consent at any time
• COMPLAINT - Lodge a complaint with Data Protection Authority (www.dpa.gr)

To exercise these rights, contact: info@climatechoice.eu

Children's Privacy

The ShrinkFood app is intended for users aged 13 and above. We do not knowingly collect data from children under 13. If you believe we have collected data from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted in the app and on this page with a new "Last updated" date. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.