Privacy Policy for Macros AI
Last Updated: October 21, 2025
Welcome to Macros AI. This Privacy Policy explains how Afrivance AI ("we," "our," or "us") collects, uses, and protects your information when you use the Macros AI mobile application ("the App"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.
1. What Data We Collect
Camera Access and Images
We collect and process the following data related to camera functionality:
- Camera Access: We require permission to access your device's camera (android.permission.CAMERA)
- Food Images: Photos of meals that you capture using the in-app camera
- Image Metadata: Technical data such as image format (JPG), quality settings, and file size
- Processed Image Data: Base64-encoded versions of your photos for secure transmission
Personal Information
- Profile data including age, height, weight, and gender
- Nutrition goals and dietary preferences
- Email address (for users who sign in with Google)
- Device identifiers (for guest users)
Usage Data
- Meal logging data and nutritional information derived from your food photos
- App usage patterns and preferences
- Device information and technical data
2. Why We Need This Data
Camera Access
We need camera permission for the following reasons:
- To capture photos of your meals: The core functionality of Macros AI is to analyze food images and provide nutritional information
- Real-time meal scanning: Allows you to take photos of your food directly within the app
- Quick and convenient tracking: Eliminates the need to manually input food items
Images and Photos
We need your meal images to:
- Identify food items: Our AI analyzes photos to recognize different foods in your meal
- Calculate nutritional values: Estimate calories, protein, carbs, and fats based on visual analysis
- Provide personalized tracking: Store your meal history for progress monitoring
- Improve accuracy: Allow you to review and correct food identifications
3. How We Use and Store Your Data
Image Processing
When you capture a meal photo:
- Local Processing: The image is processed on your device and converted to Base64 format
- Secure Transmission: The processed image is sent to our servers using HTTPS encryption
- AI Analysis: Google Gemini AI analyzes the image to identify foods and calculate nutrition
- Temporary Caching: Images may be temporarily stored on our servers during analysis (30-60 seconds)
- Permanent Storage: Once saved, images are stored in Google Cloud Firestore linked to your account
Data Storage
- Cloud Storage: All data is stored securely using Google Cloud Firestore with industry-standard encryption
- Local Caching: Images may be temporarily cached on your device for retry functionality if analysis fails
- Encryption: All data transmission between your device and our servers uses HTTPS encryption
- Access Control: Only you and authorized system processes can access your meal data
Camera Usage Policy
- Camera access is only activated when you choose to scan a meal
- No background access: We never access your camera without your explicit action
- No gallery access: We do not access your photo gallery or any other images on your device
- No recording: We only capture still photos, never videos or recordings
- User control: Camera flash and torch features are disabled by default
Data Retention
- Meal images and nutritional data are retained until you delete them or close your account
- Temporary image caches used during analysis are automatically cleared within 24 hours
- You can delete individual meals and their associated images at any time through the app
4. Third-Party Data Sharing
Third-Party Services We Use
We use the following trusted third-party services to provide our functionality:
- Google Cloud Firestore: For secure data storage
- Google Authentication: For account management
- Google Gemini AI: For food image analysis and nutritional estimation
- Firebase: For backend services and real-time data synchronization
- Expo Camera API: For camera functionality
Data Sharing Policy
We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal information or meal images to third parties.
We may share your data only in the following limited circumstances:
- Legal Requirements: When required by law or legal process
- Safety and Security: To protect our rights, property, or safety
- With Your Consent: When you explicitly authorize us to share your information
- Service Providers: With trusted partners who assist in app operations under strict confidentiality agreements
- Anonymized Data: We may use anonymized and aggregated data for research and service improvement (this data cannot identify you)
Third-Party Privacy
The third-party services we use may process your images and data according to their own privacy policies. We ensure all partners meet high standards for data protection and privacy.
5. Your Rights and Control
You have the following rights regarding your data:
- Access: View all your personal data and meal images
- Correction: Update or correct any inaccurate information
- Deletion: Delete your account and all associated data, including images
- Export: Download your data in a portable format
- Camera Control: Revoke camera permissions at any time through your device settings
- Opt-Out: Choose not to participate in certain data processing activities
- Transparency: Request information about how your meal images are processed and stored
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information below or use the in-app settings.
6. Security Measures
We implement the following security measures to protect your data:
- Encryption: All data transmission uses HTTPS/TLS encryption
- Secure Storage: Industry-standard encryption for stored data
- Access Controls: Strict authentication and authorization protocols
- Regular Audits: Ongoing security assessments and updates
- Data Minimization: We only collect data necessary for app functionality
7. Children's Privacy
Macros AI is not intended for children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information or images from children under 13. If we become aware of such collection, we will delete the information immediately.
8. International Data Transfers
Your data, including meal images, may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your own. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data during such transfers, including encryption and compliance with international data protection standards.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational, or regulatory reasons. We will notify you of any material changes through:
- In-app notifications
- Email (if you've provided one)
- Prominent notice on our website
Your continued use of the app after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
10. Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, our data practices, or how we handle camera access and meal images, please contact us:
Summary
What we collect: Camera access, meal photos, nutritional data, and basic profile information
Why we need it: To analyze your meals, calculate nutrition, and provide personalized tracking
How we use it: Images are analyzed by AI, securely stored in the cloud, and used only for your meal tracking
Who we share with: Only trusted service providers (Google Cloud, Firebase, Gemini AI) and never for marketing or sale
Your control: You can delete any data, revoke permissions, and export your information at any time
Macros AI is a product of Afrivance AI