Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Survey Scouts LLC ("Company," "we," "our," or "us") operates the DineScout platform. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"). Please read this policy carefully to understand our practices regarding your information.

By using the Service, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our Service.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked with you, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, password, and profile details
• Restaurant Information: Business name, location addresses, contact information
• Payment Information: Billing address, payment method details (processed through secure third-party payment processors)
• Identity Verification: For Scouts, we may collect identity verification documents as part of our vetting process

2.2 Location Data

Our Service uses GPS and location services to verify scout visits and ensure audit authenticity. We collect:

• Precise GPS coordinates when scouts start and submit assignments
• Location data associated with photos and receipts uploaded during audits
• Restaurant location information for assignment matching

Location tracking is essential to our service and can be controlled through your device settings.

2.3 Usage Information

We automatically collect information about how you interact with our Service:

• Device information (device type, operating system, browser type)
• IP address and general location derived from IP address
• Log data (access times, pages viewed, app features used)
• Performance data and error reports

2.4 Audit Content

Content created through the Service, including:

• Photos and videos uploaded during restaurant visits
• Survey responses and ratings
• Notes and comments added to assignments
• Receipt images and transaction data

2.5 Communications

If you contact us or communicate through the Service, we may collect:

• Messages sent through in-app chat or support systems
• Email correspondence
• Feedback and survey responses

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide and Maintain the Service: Process assignments, verify audits, generate reports
• Process Payments: Handle billing for restaurant operators and payouts for scouts
• Verify and Authenticate: Confirm scout locations, validate audit authenticity, prevent fraud
• Improve Our Service: Analyze usage patterns, develop new features, enhance user experience
• Communicate with You: Send notifications, updates, support messages, and marketing communications
• Ensure Safety and Security: Detect and prevent fraud, enforce our terms, protect user safety
• Comply with Legal Obligations: Respond to legal requests, enforce our rights, comply with regulations
• Quality Control: Monitor scout performance, ensure audit quality, maintain platform standards

4. How We Share Your Information

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

4.1 Between Platform Users

• Restaurant operators can view audit reports, photos, and data from scouts assigned to their locations
• Scouts can see basic restaurant information for their assignments
• Performance metrics may be shared in aggregated, anonymized form

4.2 Service Providers

We share information with third-party vendors who help us operate the Service:

• Cloud hosting and storage providers
• Payment processors and financial services
• Analytics and performance monitoring tools
• Customer support and communication platforms
• Identity verification and background check services

4.3 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

4.4 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or in response to:

• Valid legal processes (subpoenas, court orders, government requests)
• Protection of our rights, property, or safety
• Investigation of potential violations of our Terms
• Prevention of fraud or security threats

4.5 With Your Consent

We may share information for other purposes with your explicit consent.

5. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide the Service and maintain your account
• Comply with legal, tax, and accounting obligations
• Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements
• Maintain business records and analytics

When you delete your account, we will delete or anonymize your personal information within a reasonable timeframe, except where we are required to retain it for legal purposes.

6. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information, including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Monitoring for security threats and vulnerabilities

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

7.1 Access and Portability

You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.

7.2 Correction

You can update or correct your account information through the Service settings or by contacting us.

7.3 Deletion

You can request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual exceptions.

7.4 Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by following unsubscribe instructions in our emails or adjusting your account settings.

7.5 Do Not Track

Our Service does not currently respond to Do Not Track signals from browsers.

7.6 California Privacy Rights

California residents have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including the right to know what personal information we collect, the right to deletion, and the right to opt out of sales (note: we do not sell personal information).

8. Children's Privacy

Our Service is not intended for children under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

9. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have different data protection laws. By using our Service, you consent to the transfer of your information to the United States and other countries where we operate.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Maintain user sessions and authentication
• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze usage patterns and improve the Service
• Deliver relevant content and advertisements

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of the Service.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Service may contain links to third-party websites or integrate with third-party services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, legal requirements, or other factors. We will notify you of material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last updated" date
• Sending an email notification to registered users
• Displaying a prominent notice in the Service

Your continued use of the Service after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Survey Scouts LLC
Privacy Inquiry
Email: legal@dinescout.io
Website: www.dinescout.io

We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

14. Your Consent

By using our Service, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of your information as described herein.