Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Chook Lover's Kitchen ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website chookloverskitchen.com.au and interact with our services.

This policy is designed to comply with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and other applicable privacy laws.

By using our website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Submit a contact form or send us an email
• Leave comments on recipes or blog posts
• Participate in contests or surveys
• Submit your own recipes or photos

This information may include:

• Name and contact information (email address, phone number, postal address)
• Demographic information (age, location, cooking experience)
• User-generated content (comments, photos, recipes, reviews)
• Preferences and interests related to cooking and food

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information about your device and usage patterns:

• IP address and location data
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website
• Pages viewed and time spent on our site
• Date and time of visits

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Primary Uses

• Provide and maintain our website and services
• Respond to your inquiries and customer service requests
• Send newsletters and updates about new recipes and content
• Improve our website content and user experience
• Personalize content recommendations
• Administer contests, promotions, and surveys

3.2 Analytics and Improvement

• Analyze website usage patterns and trends
• Monitor and prevent fraud and security issues
• Optimize website performance and functionality
• Develop new features and content

3.3 Legal and Compliance

• Comply with applicable laws and regulations
• Respond to legal requests and prevent harm
• Enforce our terms and conditions

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our website
• Provide personalized content
• Analyze website traffic and performance

Types of Cookies We Use:

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand website usage (Google Analytics)
• Preference Cookies: Remember your settings and preferences
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

5. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

5.1 Service Providers

We may share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in:

• Website hosting and maintenance
• Email marketing services
• Analytics and performance monitoring
• Payment processing (if applicable)
• Customer support services

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to:

• Legal process or government requests
• Court orders or subpoenas
• Law enforcement investigations
• Protection of our rights or safety of others

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the business transaction, subject to appropriate privacy protections.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Secure server infrastructure
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Access controls and staff training
• Regular backup and recovery procedures

However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Our typical retention periods are:

• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe
• Contact form submissions: 3 years
• Comments and user content: Indefinitely (unless requested for removal)
• Website analytics data: 26 months
• Marketing data: 7 years or until consent is withdrawn

When we no longer need your information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Under Australian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access and Correction

• Request access to your personal information we hold
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal requirements)

8.2 Marketing Communications

• Unsubscribe from our newsletter at any time
• Opt out of promotional emails by clicking unsubscribe links
• Contact us to update your communication preferences

8.3 Cookies and Tracking

• Manage cookie preferences through our cookie banner
• Disable cookies through your browser settings
• Opt out of Google Analytics tracking

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided in Section 12.

9. Third-Party Links and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, and services. These third parties have their own privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. Some third-party services we may use include:

• Google Analytics: Website analytics and reporting
• Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter sharing
• Email Services: Newsletter and communication tools
• Recipe Sharing: Pinterest, social recipe platforms

10. Children's Privacy

Our website is intended for general audiences and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 years of age. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13, we will take steps to delete such information.

We encourage families to cook together and welcome young chefs to enjoy our recipes under parental supervision. Parents or guardians should review this privacy policy and supervise their children's online activities.

11. International Data Transfers

While Chook Lover's Kitchen is based in Australia, some of our service providers may process your information in other countries. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place, including:

• Contractual protections with service providers
• Compliance with applicable data protection laws
• Ensuring adequate level of protection for your information

Countries where your information may be processed include the United States (for cloud hosting and analytics services).

13. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. When we make changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• Notify users of significant changes via email or website notice
• Maintain previous versions for your reference

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

Your continued use of our website after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated policy.