Privacy policy.
1. Introduction
Welcome to the Privacy Policy for Sous. This document outlines how Sous ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, shares, and protects the information obtained from users ("you" or "your") of the Sous app. Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to safeguarding your personal information while providing you with a seamless and secure experience.
Purpose of the Privacy Policy: The purpose of this Privacy Policy is to inform you about the types of information we collect, how we use and share that information, and the choices you have regarding your personal data. By using the Sous app, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
Scope of the Privacy Policy: This Privacy Policy applies to all users of the Sous app, including personal chefs and customers seeking personal chef services. It covers information collected through the Sous app, website, and any other interactions with Sous, both online and offline.
Information Covered: This Privacy Policy covers various types of information that may be collected by Sous, including personal information provided by users during account registration, usage data collected during your interactions with the app, and information obtained through cookies and similar technologies.
Updates to the Privacy Policy: We may update or modify this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Any changes to the Privacy Policy will be posted on the Sous app, and we encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for updates. Your continued use of the Sous app after the posting of changes constitutes acceptance of those changes.
Questions and Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at help@sous.so. We are here to assist you and address any inquiries you may have regarding your privacy and data security.
2. Information We Collect
At Sous, we collect various types of information to provide and improve our services, personalize user experiences, and ensure the security of our platform. The types of information we collect include:
a. Personal Information:
When you create an account on Sous, we may collect personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, and billing information. This information is necessary to create and manage your account, process transactions, and communicate with you regarding your bookings and account activity.
b. Usage Data:
We collect information about your interactions with the Sous app, including the pages you visit, the features you use, and the actions you take while using the app. This may include information about the type of device you use, your IP address, browser type, operating system, and other technical details.
c. Location Information:
With your consent, we may collect and process information about your precise or approximate location. This information enables us to provide location-based services, such as finding personal chefs in your area, and enhancing the accuracy of our search results and recommendations.
d. Cookies and Similar Technologies:
Sous uses cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies to collect and store information about your preferences, session activity, and usage patterns. These technologies help us improve the functionality and performance of the Sous app, customize your experience, and analyze trends and user behavior.
e. Information from Third Parties:
We may receive information about you from third-party sources, such as social media platforms, when you choose to connect your Sous account with your social media profile. This information may include your name, profile picture, and other details provided by the third-party platform.
f. Additional Information:
We may collect additional information from you as necessary to provide our services and fulfill our contractual obligations. This may include information provided in communications with our customer support team, feedback and reviews submitted through the Sous app, and other interactions with Sous representatives.
g. Sensitive Information:
Sous does not knowingly collect or process sensitive personal information, such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, trade union membership, genetic data, biometric data, health information, or information about criminal convictions and offenses, except as required or permitted by law.
3. Use of Information
At Sous, we use the information we collect for various purposes, including providing and improving our services, personalizing user experiences, and ensuring the security of our platform. The ways in which we use the information include:
a. Providing Services:
We use the information you provide to us to deliver the services you request through the Sous app, such as facilitating bookings for personal chef services, processing payments, and managing your account preferences and settings.
b. Personalization:
We may use the information we collect to personalize your experience on the Sous app, including tailoring the content, recommendations, and advertisements you see based on your preferences, usage patterns, and interactions with the platform.
c. Communication:
We use your contact information to communicate with you about your account, bookings, transactions, and other activities related to your use of Sous. This may include sending transactional emails, notifications, and updates about Sous services and features.
d. Analytics and Insights:
We analyze user data and usage patterns to better understand how users interact with the Sous app, identify trends and preferences, and improve the functionality, performance, and user experience of our platform.
e. Marketing and Promotions:
With your consent, we may use your information to send you promotional materials, special offers, and marketing communications about Sous services, features, and events that may be of interest to you.
f. Compliance and Legal Obligations:
We may use your information to comply with legal obligations, enforce our Terms of Service, protect the rights and safety of Sous and its users, and prevent fraudulent or unauthorized activities on the platform.
g. Aggregated and Anonymized Data:
We may aggregate and anonymize user data for statistical analysis, research, and other purposes. Aggregated and anonymized data does not identify individual users and may be used for reporting, trend analysis, and other business purposes.
h. Other Purposes:
We may use the information we collect for other purposes not listed in this Privacy Policy, as permitted or required by law, or with your consent.
4. Sharing of Information
At Sous, we understand the importance of safeguarding your personal information and strive to limit the sharing of your data to the extent necessary to provide our services and improve user experiences. However, there are certain circumstances under which we may share your information with third parties:
a. Service Providers:
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating, maintaining, and improving the Sous app. These service providers may include payment processors, cloud storage providers, data analytics providers, customer support services, and marketing partners. We require these service providers to adhere to strict data protection standards and only use your information for the purposes outlined in our agreements with them.
b. Personal Chefs and Users:
In the context of the Sous marketplace for in-home personal chef services, we may share certain information between users and personal chefs to facilitate bookings, communications, and transactions. This may include sharing your name, contact information, dietary preferences, and other details relevant to your interactions with personal chefs. However, we do not share sensitive personal information without your explicit consent.
c. Legal Compliance:
We may disclose your information to comply with applicable laws, regulations, legal processes, or government requests, as required by law enforcement authorities or other government agencies, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Sous, its users, or others.
d. Business Transfers:
In the event of a merger, acquisition, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to a third party as part of the transaction. We will notify you of any such transfer and any changes to the ownership or control of your information.
e. With Your Consent:
We may share your information with third parties for purposes not covered by this Privacy Policy or for other legitimate reasons with your consent.
f. Aggregated and Anonymized Data:
We may share aggregated and anonymized data with third parties for statistical analysis, research, marketing, or other business purposes. Aggregated and anonymized data does not contain personally identifiable information and cannot be used to identify individual users.
g. User Control:
You have control over certain aspects of how your information is shared on the Sous app. You can manage your privacy settings, control the visibility of your profile information, and opt-out of certain data sharing practices through your account settings.
5. Your Choices
At Sous, we respect your privacy and provide you with choices and controls over the collection, use, and sharing of your personal information. Here are some of the choices you have regarding your data:
a. Access and Modification:
You may access, review, and update your personal information at any time by logging into your Sous account and navigating to the appropriate settings or profile sections. You can edit your account details, update your contact information, and modify your preferences as needed.
b. Communication Preferences:
You have the option to manage your communication preferences and choose the types of communications you receive from Sous. You can opt-in or opt-out of promotional emails, notifications, and marketing communications through your account settings or by following the unsubscribe instructions provided in the emails.
c. Cookie Preferences:
Sous uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized features on the app. You have the ability to manage your cookie preferences and control the use of cookies through your browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may impact certain features and functionalities of the Sous app.
d. Location Settings:
You can control the access to your device's location information through your device settings. You may choose to enable or disable location services for the Sous app, depending on your preferences and the features you wish to use.
e. Data Deletion:
You have the right to request the deletion of your personal information from Sous' systems and databases. To initiate a data deletion request, please contact us at help@sous.so. Please note that certain information may be retained for legal, regulatory, or operational purposes, even after deletion.
f. Account Closure:
If you no longer wish to use the Sous app or have concerns about your privacy, you have the option to close your account. Upon account closure, Sous will deactivate your account and remove your profile information from public view. However, certain information may be retained as outlined in our Data Retention policy.
g. Privacy Settings:
Sous provides you with privacy settings and controls to manage the visibility of your profile information, bookings, and interactions with other users. You can adjust your privacy settings to control who can view your profile and how your information is shared on the platform.
h. Legal Rights:
You may have additional rights under applicable privacy laws, such as the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal information, the right to object to processing, and the right to data portability. Sous is committed to assisting you in exercising your legal rights regarding your personal data.
6. Data Security
At Sous, we take the security of your personal information seriously and implement robust measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. Here's how we safeguard your information:
a. Encryption:
We use industry-standard encryption protocols to secure the transmission of data between your device and our servers. This helps prevent unauthorized interception of your information during transmission over the internet.
b. Secure Storage:
Your personal information is stored on secure servers with restricted access controls and multi-layered security measures. We employ physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect against unauthorized access, misuse, or loss of your data.
c. Access Controls:
Access to your personal information is limited to authorized personnel who require access for legitimate business purposes, such as providing customer support or performing system maintenance. We enforce strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data.
d. Regular Audits and Monitoring:
We conduct regular audits and assessments of our systems, infrastructure, and security controls to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities and security risks. Our security team monitors system activity and logs to detect and respond to any suspicious or unauthorized behavior.
e. Employee Training:
We provide ongoing training and awareness programs to our employees on data security best practices, privacy policies, and compliance requirements. Our employees are trained to handle personal information responsibly and adhere to strict confidentiality obligations.
f. Compliance with Standards:
Sous complies with industry standards and best practices for data security and privacy, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other applicable laws and regulations. We continuously monitor changes in privacy laws and update our practices to ensure compliance.
g. Incident Response:
In the event of a data breach or security incident, Sous has established incident response procedures to promptly investigate, contain, and mitigate the impact of the incident. We will notify affected users and regulatory authorities as required by law.
h. User Responsibility:
While Sous takes measures to protect your information, it's important for users to take precautions to safeguard their accounts and personal data. We recommend using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding sharing sensitive information through unsecured channels.
7. Data Retention
At Sous, we retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy and to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Our data retention practices include:
a. Retention Period:
We retain your personal information for the duration of your use of the Sous app and for a reasonable period thereafter to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.
b. Account Information:
Your account information, including your profile details, booking history, and preferences, may be retained as long as you maintain an active account on the Sous app. If you choose to close your account, we will deactivate your account and retain certain information as necessary for legal, regulatory, or operational purposes.
c. Transaction Data:
We retain transaction data, such as payment records and billing information, for as long as necessary to process transactions, resolve disputes, and comply with financial and accounting requirements.
d. Communication Records:
Records of communications between users and personal chefs, including messages, chat logs, and feedback, may be retained for a reasonable period to facilitate ongoing communications, resolve disputes, and improve user experiences.
e. Legal and Compliance Obligations:
We may retain your personal information as required to comply with legal obligations, enforce our Terms of Service, resolve disputes, investigate fraudulent or unauthorized activities, and protect the rights, property, or safety of Sous, its users, or others.
f. Aggregated and Anonymized Data:
Aggregated and anonymized data that does not identify individual users may be retained indefinitely for statistical analysis, research, and other business purposes.
g. User Requests:
Upon request, Sous will delete or anonymize your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws and regulations. Please note that certain information may be retained for a limited period after your request to comply with legal, regulatory, or operational requirements.
h. Data Minimization:
Sous adheres to the principle of data minimization and only collects and retains personal information that is necessary for the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy.
8. Children's Privacy
Protecting the privacy of children is of utmost importance to Sous. We are committed to complying with applicable laws and regulations concerning the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information from children. Here's how we address children's privacy:
a. Age Requirement:
The Sous app is intended for use by individuals who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18. If you are under the age of 18, please do not use the Sous app or provide any personal information to us.
b. Parental Consent:
If you believe that we have inadvertently collected personal information from a child under the age of 18 without parental consent, please contact us immediately at help@sous.so. We will take prompt steps to delete the information from our systems.
c. Parental Control:
Parents and guardians play a critical role in protecting the privacy and safety of their children online. We encourage parents and guardians to monitor their children's online activities, set appropriate privacy settings, and educate them about safe internet practices.
d. Educational Resources:
Sous provides educational resources and guidance for parents and guardians on how to safeguard children's privacy online. We offer information about privacy settings, parental controls, and online safety tips to help parents and guardians make informed decisions about their children's use of digital platforms.
e. Legal Compliance:
Sous complies with applicable laws and regulations concerning children's privacy, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) in the United States and similar laws in other jurisdictions. We do not knowingly collect or maintain personal information from children in violation of these laws.
f. Changes to Policy:
Sous reserves the right to update or modify this Children's Privacy section as needed to reflect changes in legal requirements or our data practices. Any updates will be posted on the Sous app, and we encourage you to review this section periodically for changes.
g. Contact Us:
If you have any questions or concerns about children's privacy or our data practices, please contact us at help@sous.so. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all users, including children, and welcome your feedback and inquiries.
9. Third-Party Links and Services
The Sous app may contain links to third-party websites, services, and applications that are not operated or controlled by Sous. While we strive to provide a safe and secure environment for our users, we cannot be responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites and services. Here's how third-party links and services are handled:
a. Third-Party Websites and Services:
The Sous app may include links to third-party websites, services, and applications for your convenience and reference. These third-party sites and services may have their own privacy policies and terms of service, which govern the collection, use, and disclosure of your information. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of these third parties before providing any personal information or engaging with their services.
b. Integration with Third-Party Platforms:
Sous may integrate with third-party platforms, such as social media networks, payment processors, and other service providers, to enhance the functionality and features of the app. When you choose to connect your Sous account with third-party platforms, you may be sharing information with those platforms in accordance with their privacy policies and terms of service.
c. User Responsibility:
Users are solely responsible for their interactions with third-party sites and services accessed through the Sous app. Sous does not endorse or assume any responsibility for the content, privacy practices, or security of third-party sites and services. Your use of third-party sites and services is subject to their respective terms of service and privacy policies.
d. Data Collection by Third Parties:
Third-party sites and services accessed through the Sous app may collect information about your activities online, including browsing history, usage patterns, and interactions with their platforms. Sous does not control the data collection practices of third parties and is not responsible for how they handle your information.
e. Security Risks:
Accessing third-party sites and services through links provided on the Sous app may expose you to security risks, including malware, phishing, and unauthorized data collection. We encourage you to exercise caution and use discretion when accessing third-party sites and services.
f. Limitation of Liability:
Sous disclaims any liability for the actions, content, or privacy practices of third-party sites and services linked to or integrated with the Sous app. Your use of third-party sites and services is at your own risk, and Sous shall not be held liable for any damages or losses arising from your interactions with third parties.
10. International Data Transfers
As a global platform, Sous may transfer your personal information to countries outside of your jurisdiction for processing and storage. We take measures to ensure that your information remains protected and secure during international transfers. Here's how international data transfers are addressed:
a. Legal Basis for Transfer:
Sous may transfer your personal information to countries outside of your jurisdiction where we have a legal basis to do so, including your consent to such transfers or where necessary for the performance of a contract between you and Sous.
b. Adequacy of Protection:
Before transferring your personal information to countries outside of your jurisdiction, Sous takes steps to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.
c. Binding Corporate Rules:
Sous may implement Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) or other approved mechanisms to govern the transfer of personal information between Sous entities and affiliates located in different jurisdictions. These BCRs ensure consistent data protection standards across the Sous organization.
d. Standard Contractual Clauses:
Sous may use standard contractual clauses approved by data protection authorities to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers. These clauses establish contractual obligations between Sous and recipients of personal information outside of your jurisdiction.
e. Privacy Shield Framework (if applicable):
If Sous transfers personal information from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to the United States, Sous may rely on the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework or the Swiss-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework, as applicable, to facilitate lawful data transfers.
f. User Consent:
By using the Sous app and consenting to this Privacy Policy, you acknowledge and agree to the transfer of your personal information to countries outside of your jurisdiction, as described in this section.
g. Data Protection Rights:
Regardless of where your personal information is transferred, Sous remains committed to protecting your privacy rights and ensuring that your data is handled in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.
11. Changes to the Privacy Policy
Sous reserves the right to update, amend, or modify this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in our data practices, legal requirements, or business operations. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically for updates. Here's how changes to the Privacy Policy are managed:
a. Notification of Changes:
Sous will notify you of any material changes to this Privacy Policy by posting the updated version on the Sous app and indicating the effective date of the revisions. We may also communicate significant changes to the Privacy Policy through email or other means of electronic communication.
b. Your Consent:
By continuing to use the Sous app after the posting of changes to this Privacy Policy, you acknowledge and agree to the updated terms and practices outlined in the revised Privacy Policy. Your continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
c. Review of Updates:
We encourage you to review the updated Privacy Policy carefully to understand how your personal information is collected, used, and protected under the revised terms. If you do not agree with the updated Privacy Policy, you may choose to discontinue your use of the Sous app and deactivate your account.
d. Retroactive Application:
Changes to the Privacy Policy will apply prospectively to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information following the effective date of the revisions. Any information collected prior to the effective date will continue to be governed by the terms of the Privacy Policy in effect at the time of collection.
e. User Responsibility:
It is your responsibility to stay informed about changes to the Privacy Policy and review the updated terms regularly. Sous is not responsible for any failure to review or acknowledge changes to the Privacy Policy, and your continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
12. Termination of Services
Sous reserves the right to terminate, suspend, or restrict access to the Sous app or its services, in whole or in part, at any time and for any reason, without prior notice or liability. Here's how the termination of services is managed:
a. Grounds for Termination:
Sous may terminate or suspend your access to the app if you violate the Terms of Service, engage in fraudulent activities, misuse the app, or engage in any conduct that may harm Sous, its users, or third parties.
b. Notification of Termination:
In the event of termination, Sous may provide notice to affected users via email or through the Sous app. However, Sous reserves the right to terminate services without prior notice if immediate action is required to protect the integrity and security of the app or its users.
c. Effect of Termination:
Upon termination of services, your right to access and use the Sous app will cease immediately. You will no longer be able to access your account, use app features, or avail yourself of Sous services. Any outstanding transactions or obligations may be canceled or suspended at Sous' discretion.
d. No Liability for Termination:
Sous shall not be liable to you or any third party for any termination, suspension, or restriction of services, including any loss of data, content, or opportunities resulting from such actions.
e. Survival of Terms:
Certain provisions of the Terms of Service, including but not limited to intellectual property rights, disclaimer of warranties, limitation of liability, and indemnification, shall survive the termination of services and continue to be binding upon you and Sous.
f. Dispute Resolution:
Any disputes arising from the termination of services or related matters shall be governed by the dispute resolution provisions outlined in the Terms of Service.
g. Contact Us:
If you have any questions or concerns about the termination of services or the implications for your account, you can contact Sous at help@sous.so for assistance and clarification.