Privacy Policy - Pastizz

1. Introduction

Welcome to Pastizz ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and personal data. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services at pastizz.mt.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

Account information (email, display name) when you sign in with Google
Shop ratings and reviews you submit
Favorite shops you save
Opening hours suggestions you contribute
Shop reports and feedback

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

Device information (browser type, operating system)
Usage data (pages visited, features used)
Location data (only when you grant permission, used to show nearby shops)
IP address and approximate location

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

Provide and improve our services
Show you pastizzerias near your location
Save your favorite shops and preferences
Display your ratings and reviews
Process and verify user-submitted opening hours
Analyze usage patterns to improve the app
Send important service updates (if opted in)

4. Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data. We may share information with:

Service Providers: Firebase (authentication, database), Mapbox (maps), Vercel (hosting)
Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
Public Content: Reviews and ratings are publicly visible

5. Cookies & Local Storage

We prioritize your privacy by using Local Storage (data stored on your device) instead of cookies whenever possible. This keeps your browsing faster and more secure. We use minimal cookies only where strictly necessary.

Strictly Necessary (Cookies)

Required

Used securely to detect if you are logged in and to prevent fraud (e.g., duplicate voting).

pastizzi_device_id, __session

Performance & Cache (Local Storage)

We verify essential community data (like shop listings and hours) and store it securely on your device so the app loads instantly on your next visit. This accounts for the majority of data usage (~5-10MB).

pastizzi_shops_cache_v*, pastizzi_ratings, pastizzi_favorites

Analytics (Anonymous)

We use aggregated, anonymous data to understand popular features. We do not track individual browsing history.

You can clear Local Storage data at any time via your browser settings, though this will reset your cached shop data.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures including encryption, secure authentication, and regular security audits. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

7. Your Rights (GDPR)

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

Access your personal data
Correct inaccurate data
Delete your data ("right to be forgotten")
Restrict processing of your data
Data portability
Object to processing
Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise these rights, contact us at dzhulianodimov@gmail.com

8. Data Retention

We retain your data for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You can delete your account at any time, and we will remove your personal data within 30 days, except where we are required to retain it by law.

9. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected such information, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Last updated" date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Pastizz

Email: dzhulianodimov@gmail.com

Malta