PlateBuds - Privacy & Security Policy

Last Updated: November 7, 2025

Mokabyte LLC ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application, PlateBuds (the "App").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the terms of this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in the following ways:

a) Information You Provide to Us:

  • Account Information: When you register, we collect your email address. You have the option to provide a phone number. You also provide a username and other profile details, such as a bio, photo, and dietary preferences.
  • Meetup Information: We collect the details of the meetups you create or join, including the specified restaurant, time, group size, and description.
  • Communications: We collect information you provide when you contact us for support at support@platebuds.com.

b) Information from Third-Party Services:

  • Authentication: If you choose to sign in using a third-party service like Google or Apple, we receive a unique authentication token and your email address. If you use features like "Hide My Email" from Apple, we will only receive the anonymized email address they provide. We do not receive your password or other profile information (like your name or profile picture) from these services.

c) Information Collected Automatically:

  • Platform Information: We identify whether you are using an iOS or Android device in order to properly deliver push notifications. We do not currently collect other technical data like your IP address or unique device identifiers.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • To Provide and Maintain the Service: To create your account, host your profile, facilitate the posting and joining of meetups, and enable in-app chat.
  • To Personalize Your Experience: To show you nearby meetups and allow you to filter them based on your preferences.
  • For Safety and Security: To maintain our attendance tracking system, enforce our Terms of Use, and protect the security of our users.
  • To Communicate With You: To send you important service-related notifications, such as updates to our Terms of Use or this Privacy Policy. We do not currently send marketing communications.

3. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal data. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

  • With Other Users: Your username, profile photo, bio, and your ratings/attendance history are visible to other users of the App.
  • With Service Providers: We share information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf. These include:
    • Supabase: Our backend provider, which stores all user data, including profiles, meetup details, and chat messages.
    • Mapbox: To display maps and geolocate restaurant pins. We do not send your personal identifiers to Mapbox.
    • Yelp: When you use the restaurant search feature, your search query is sent to the Yelp API to provide results.
  • For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with a legal obligation, protect our rights, or protect the safety of our users.

4. Data Security

We are committed to protecting your data. We rely on the security measures provided by our backend provider, Supabase, to safeguard your information. This includes:

  • Row Level Security (RLS): To ensure users can only access data they are permitted to see.
  • Encryption in Transit: All data sent between your device and our servers is encrypted using standard Transport Layer Security (TLS).

While we and our partners implement security measures designed to protect your information, no system is ever completely secure.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you with the Services.

  • Account Data: Your profile information and meetup history (for completed events) are retained indefinitely to maintain your attendance statistics, unless you delete your account.
  • Chat Messages: Messages within a meetup's group chat are retained until the group is deleted by the host or all participants leave. Upon deletion of the group, the chat messages are permanently deleted via a cascade deletion process.
  • Account Deletion: If you delete your account, your personal information is permanently removed from our systems.

6. Your Rights and Choices

  • Profile Information: You can view and edit certain aspects of your profile, such as your avatar photo and notification settings, directly within the App.
  • Push Notifications: You can opt-out of receiving push notifications by changing the settings on your mobile device.
  • Your California Privacy Rights: If you are a California resident, you have certain rights under the CCPA, including the right to know what personal information we have collected about you, the right to request the deletion of your personal information, and the right to correct inaccurate information. To exercise these rights, please contact us at support@platebuds.com.

7. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to individuals under the age of 19. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 19.

7.1 Child Safety and Protection

PlateBuds is intended strictly for users aged 18 and older. We do not knowingly permit individuals under this age to create accounts or participate in meetups. PlateBuds has a zero-tolerance policy for any content or behavior involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or the exploitation of minors. If such content or activity is identified, we promptly report it to the appropriate authorities and take immediate action to terminate the associated accounts. Users may contact us at support@platebuds.com to report any concerns related to safety or inappropriate behavior.

8. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by sending an email to the address associated with your account or by posting a notice within the App.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at: support@platebuds.com.