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Cookie Policy
Effective Date: 21 January 2026 | Last Updated: 21 January 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how DineDirect ("we," "our," or "us") uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our mobile application and website. By using our services, you consent to the use of cookies as described in this policy.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, smartphone, tablet) when you visit a website or use an application. They help websites and apps remember your preferences, improve your experience, and provide analytics information.
Types of Storage Technologies We Use:
- HTTP Cookies: Traditional browser cookies (web version)
- Local Storage: HTML5 local storage for web app
- Session Storage: Temporary storage cleared when you close the app
- Mobile App Storage: Secure storage (iOS Keychain, Android Keystore) for sensitive data like authentication tokens
2. Why We Use Cookies
DineDirect uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep you logged in securely
- Remember your preferences (language, location, search filters)
- Protect against fraud and security threats
- Understand how you use our app to improve features
- Provide personalized chef recommendations
- Measure the performance of our services
3. Types of Cookies We Use
3.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies (Essential)
Purpose: These cookies are essential for the app to function. You cannot opt out of these cookies.
What they do:
- Keep you logged in (authentication tokens)
- Remember items in your booking cart
- Enable secure payment processing
- Prevent fraudulent activity and spam
- Load balancing and routing
Storage duration: Session cookies (deleted when you close the app) or up to 7 days for persistent login
Can you opt out? No - these are required for the app to work
| Cookie Name |
Purpose |
Duration |
| access_token |
Authenticates your session (JWT token) |
15 minutes (refreshed automatically) |
| refresh_token |
Allows automatic token renewal |
7 days |
| session_id |
Identifies your browsing session |
Session (deleted on close) |
| csrf_token |
Prevents cross-site request forgery attacks |
Session |
3.2 Functional Cookies (Preferences)
Purpose: These cookies remember your preferences to enhance your experience.
What they do:
- Remember your location preferences for chef search
- Save your search filters (cuisine type, price range, dietary preferences)
- Remember your language preference
- Store your notification settings
Storage duration: Up to 1 year
Can you opt out? Yes - You can clear these in app settings, but your experience may be less personalized
| Cookie Name |
Purpose |
Duration |
| user_location |
Remembers your last searched location |
1 year |
| search_filters |
Saves your preferred search filters |
1 year |
| language_pref |
Stores your language preference |
1 year |
3.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies (Optional)
Purpose: These cookies help us understand how users interact with our app to improve performance.
What they do:
- Track which features are used most frequently
- Identify technical errors and crashes
- Measure page load times and performance
- Understand user navigation patterns
Storage duration: Up to 2 years
Can you opt out? Yes - You can disable these in app settings
| Service |
Purpose |
Privacy Policy |
| Firebase Analytics |
App usage analytics, feature tracking |
Firebase Privacy |
| Sentry |
Error monitoring and crash reporting |
Sentry Privacy |
3.4 Advertising/Marketing Cookies (Optional - NOT CURRENTLY USED)
We do not currently use advertising or marketing cookies. If we introduce these in the future, we will update this policy and request your explicit consent.
4. Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are set by third-party services we use to provide our functionality:
4.1 Payment Processing (Stripe)
Stripe sets cookies to:
- Detect and prevent payment fraud
- Process secure payment transactions
- Comply with PCI-DSS security standards
Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
4.2 Maps and Location (Google Maps)
Google Maps sets cookies to:
- Display interactive maps for chef search
- Provide location-based services
- Calculate distances and travel times
Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy
4.3 Push Notifications (Firebase Cloud Messaging)
Firebase sets cookies/tokens to:
- Send push notifications for booking updates
- Deliver real-time chat messages
- Notify you of payment confirmations
Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
5. How to Manage Cookies
5.1 In the DineDirect Mobile App
To manage cookie preferences in our mobile app:
- Open the DineDirect app
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Data
- Toggle Analytics Cookies on/off
- Note: Essential cookies cannot be disabled
5.2 In Your Mobile Device Settings
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Go to Settings → Privacy & Security
- Select Tracking → Disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track"
- For Safari: Settings → Safari → Toggle "Block All Cookies"
Android:
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Ads
- Enable "Opt out of Ads Personalization"
- For Chrome: Settings → Site settings → Cookies → Adjust preferences
5.3 Clear Existing Cookies
To delete existing cookies:
- Mobile App: Settings → Privacy → Clear App Data (you will be logged out)
- Web Browser: Browser settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Select "Cookies and site data"
6. What Happens If You Disable Cookies?
If you disable or block cookies:
- Essential Cookies: The app will not function properly. You may not be able to log in or make bookings.
- Functional Cookies: Your preferences will not be saved. You'll need to re-enter search filters and location each time.
- Analytics Cookies: We won't track your usage patterns, but all other features will work normally.
7. Do Not Track (DNT) Signals
Some browsers and devices offer "Do Not Track" (DNT) signals. Currently, there is no industry-wide standard for how to respond to DNT signals. DineDirect does not respond to DNT signals at this time. You can manage cookies using the methods described above.
8. Children's Privacy
Our services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect data from children via cookies or any other means. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has used our app, please contact us at privacy@dinedirect.org.
9. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Cookie 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 in the app with a new "Last Updated" date
- Displaying an in-app notification
- Requesting your consent again if required by law
Your continued use of the app after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Cookie Policy.
10. Legal Basis for Cookie Use (UK GDPR)
Under UK GDPR, we use cookies based on the following legal grounds:
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for performance of our contract with you (Terms of Service)
- Functional Cookies: Based on your consent (opt-in/opt-out in settings)
- Analytics Cookies: Based on your consent (opt-in/opt-out in settings)
- Security Cookies: Legitimate interest in protecting our platform and users from fraud
You have the right to withdraw your consent for non-essential cookies at any time through the app settings.
11. Contact Us
12. Related Policies
For more information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data, please review:
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