Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 1, 2025 • Effective Date: January 1, 2025

Your Privacy Matters

At TakeMeOutToDinner, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your information when you use our exclusive dining connection platform.

By using our Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Service.

1. Information We Collect

Information You Provide:

Account information (name, email, phone number)
Profile details (bio, interests, dietary preferences)
Professional information (occupation, industry, LinkedIn profile)
Photos you choose to upload
Application responses during our vetting process
Communications with other members through our platform
Feedback and correspondence with our support team

Information We Collect Automatically:

Device information (IP address, browser type, operating system)
Usage data (pages viewed, features used, time spent)
Location data (with your permission)
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Log files and analytics data

Information From Third Parties:

Public information from social media profiles (if you link accounts)
Information from members who refer you
Background check information (with your consent)
Restaurant feedback about reservations and experiences

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

Process and evaluate your membership application
Create and maintain your account
Facilitate connections with other vetted members
Recommend compatible dining partners based on preferences
Coordinate and confirm dinner reservations
Communicate Service updates and member opportunities
Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
Monitor and improve platform safety and security
Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms
Prevent fraud and unauthorized access

3. How We Share Your Information

With Other Members:

Profile information visible to matched members
Limited information during the matching process
Messages exchanged through our platform

With Service Providers:

Payment processors for membership fees
Cloud hosting and data storage services
Analytics and performance monitoring tools
Communication platforms for emails and notifications
Background verification services (with consent)

Other Circumstances:

When required by law or legal process
To protect rights, property, or safety
In connection with a business transaction (merger, acquisition)
With your explicit consent

We Never:

Sell your personal information to third parties
Share sensitive information without explicit consent
Use your data for purposes unrelated to the Service

4. Data Security & Retention

Security Measures:

Industry-standard encryption for data transmission and storage
Secure servers with restricted access controls
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
Two-factor authentication available for accounts
Employee training on data protection best practices
Incident response procedures for potential breaches

Data Retention:

Active account data retained while membership is active
Inactive accounts reviewed after 12 months of inactivity
Deleted account data removed within 90 days (except as legally required)
Communications retained for quality and legal purposes
Payment records kept per financial regulations

5. Your Privacy Rights

You have the right to:

Access: Request a copy of your personal information
Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
Deletion: Request removal of your personal data
Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
Restriction: Limit how we process your information
Objection: Opt-out of certain data processing activities
Withdrawal: Revoke consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, contact us through the platform's privacy center.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

Remember your preferences and settings
Authenticate your identity and maintain security
Analyze platform usage and performance
Provide personalized member experiences
Prevent fraud and abuse

Types of Cookies:

Essential: Required for platform functionality
Performance: Help us improve the Service
Functionality: Remember your preferences
Analytics: Understand usage patterns

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly without cookies.

7. International Data Transfers

Although our Service is currently NYC-exclusive, we may transfer data internationally for processing and storage. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, including:

Standard contractual clauses approved by regulatory authorities
Data processing agreements with service providers
Compliance with applicable data protection laws
Encryption and security measures during transfer

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for individuals under 21 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 21. If we become aware that we have collected information from someone under the required age, we will promptly delete that information.

9. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes by:

Posting the updated policy on our platform
Updating the "Last Updated" date
Sending email notifications for significant changes
Requesting renewed consent where required

Continued use of the Service after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Privacy Questions or Concerns?

We're committed to protecting your privacy. If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this policy or our data practices, please contact us through the platform's privacy center.

Our Data Protection Officer is available through the in-app support system.