Privacy Policy

1.1. Acceptance of Terms

By downloading, accessing, or using the LocalBuka mobile application, website, and related services (the “Service”), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”), our Privacy Policy, Community Guidelines, and all other policies incorporated herein by reference. By using our services, you also agree to any future updates or modifications to these Terms, as published on our website or within the app. Continued use of the Service after such updates constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

1.2. Eligibility and Age Restrictions

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 13 years old to create an account and use the LocalBuka service.
• Age-Restricted Features: Access to certain features is further restricted:
  • Payment Features & Cryptocurrency: You must be at least 18 years old to make payments, conduct transactions, or use the Crypto LocalBuka app features, as these involve legally binding contracts.
  • Advanced Community Features: Participation in certain user-generated content areas may be restricted to users 18 and over to mitigate exposure to mature content (e.g., discussions about culinary techniques involving alcohol).
• Parental Guidance: If you are under 18, you represent that you have your parent or guardian's permission to use the Service and that they have read and agreed to these Terms on your behalf. Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising their minor's use of the app.

1.3. Account Registration and Verification

• Account Creation: You can register using your email address or through third-party sign-in services like Google (Email verification with Google Sign In).
• Verification: To enhance security and trust, we may require verification of your account using an OTP sent via SMS or email.
• Account Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate and complete information during registration and to keep your Profile information updated.

1.4. License to User-Generated Content

You retain ownership of the content you create and share on LocalBuka (e.g., reviews, photos, videos, posts, recipes, fitness logs). By posting content, you grant LocalBuka a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, sublicensable license to use, reproduce, and display that content in connection with the Service. This license ends when you delete the content, except where it has been shared with others (e.g., in a Community).

1.5. Prohibited Activities

You agree not to:

• Use the Service for any illegal purpose.
• Post content that is harmful, fraudulent, defamatory, or infringes on intellectual property.
• Harass, bully, or intimidate other users.
• Use the Service to spread misinformation, especially regarding health (allergens, calorie data), food safety, or financial advice.
• Manipulate the review and rating system with fake or incentivized reviews.
• Interfere with the Service's security or use automated systems (“bots”) to scrape data or create accounts.
• Attempt to exploit the gamification system (Daily Streaks, Badges, Rewards) through fraudulent means.
• Post any content that violates our explicit prohibitions outlined in Section 3.

1.6. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your account for violations of these Terms, in accordance with our moderation process outlined in Section 4. You may delete your account at any time via the app settings.

1.7. Disclaimer of Warranties

THE SERVICE, INCLUDING ALL AI FEATURES (BUKA GENIE, AI FOOD TRACKER, RECIPE CHECKER), IS PROVIDED “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE.” LOCALBUKA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING THE ACCURACY OF USER-GENERATED CONTENT, NUTRITIONAL DATA FROM THE CALORIE TRACKER, OR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MEAL PLANNER.

1.8. Limitation of Liability

LOCALBUKA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE SERVICE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• RELIANCE ON RESTAURANT LISTINGS, USER REVIEWS, OR AI-GENERATED ADVICE.
• ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS FROM FOLLOWING DIETARY OR FITNESS SUGGESTIONS.
• FINANCIAL LOSS FROM USING THE PAYMENT FEATURE OR CRYPTO LOCAL BUKA APP.
• DISRUPTIONS TO YOUR DAILY STREAK OR REWARDS SYSTEM DUE TO SERVICE DOWNTIME.

This policy applies to information collected through the LocalBuka website and mobile application.

2.1. Information We Collect

a. Information You Provide:

• Profile Data: Name, email, profile picture, bio, dietary preferences, favorite dishes.
• User Content: Reviews, ratings, posts, media uploads, recipes, fitness journey logs, poll responses.
• Financial Data: Payment information (processed by secure third-party gateways), cryptocurrency wallet addresses (if applicable).
• Verification Data: Email address, phone number for OTP verification.

b. Information Collected Automatically:

• Usage Data: Features used (Restaurant Search, Meal Planner, Visual Search), time spent, post insights, pages viewed.
• Device Information: IP address, device type, OS, app crashes.
• Precise Location Data: Via GPS (with your permission) to power the Location Tracker for finding nearby restaurants, food festivals, and live music events. You can control this in device settings.
• Cookies and Similar Technologies: To personalize your Feed Page, remember your saved restaurants, and manage your login session on the website.

c. Information from Third Parties:

• Social Logins: If you use “Sign in with Google,” we receive the information you consent to share.
• Vendors: Restaurants may provide data for their listings.

2.2. How We Use Your Information

• To Provide and Personalize the Service: To operate the Restaurant Search, Meal Planner, show relevant Communities, and display your Feed Page.
• For AI Features: To train and operate Buka Genie, the AI Food Tracker, and the Recipe Checker.
• For Gamification: To track your Daily Streak, award Badges and Achievements, and manage the user rewards system.
• For Communication: To send you transactional messages (account verification), push notifications about new features, event trackers, and (if opted-in) marketing newsletters.
• For Analytics: To analyze trends, improve the app (Help Desk and Feedback), and understand user engagement.

2.3. How We Share Your Information

• Publicly: Your username, profile, reviews, and public posts are visible to others.
• Within Communities: Content you post in Communities (e.g., based on dish choice) is visible to members of that community.
• With Vendors: When you make a reservation or order, necessary information is shared with the restaurant.
• With Service Providers: We use partners for cloud hosting (AWS, Google Cloud), analytics, push notifications, and payment processing.
• For Legal Compliance: As required by law.

2.4. Your Rights and Choices

• Access and Correction: Update your information in your Profile.
• Deletion: Delete your account in settings.
• Location Controls: Manage via your device settings.
• Push Notifications and Newsletters: Manage preferences in the app settings or unsubscribe via email links.
• Ad Tracking: You can opt-out of personalized advertising through your device settings.

2.5. Data Security

We implement robust security measures. However, no system is 100% secure. We securely transmit and encrypt sensitive data. “We do not sell or share personal data with third parties for marketing without user consent.”

2.6. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed outside your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

2.7. Children's Privacy

LocalBuka is not directed at children under 18. We do not knowingly collect their data. If we become aware that a child under 18 has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information.

3.1. Be Respectful and Constructive

• Engage positively in Communities and comment sections. Community Polls should be used for constructive engagement, not harassment.
• Do not post hate speech, harassment, or spam.
• Respect differing opinions.

3.2. Ensure Authenticity

• Post genuine reviews and ratings based on real experiences.
• Do not misrepresent food originality or post fake recipes.
• Be transparent in your Fitness Journey Tracker.

3.3. Explicitly Prohibited Content

To maintain a safe and appropriate platform for our diverse user base, the following content is strictly forbidden and will result in immediate content removal and account sanctions:

Nudity and Sexually Explicit Content:

• Absolutely no nudity, pornography, or sexually explicit material of any kind.
• No sexually suggestive or lewd content involving food. This includes, but is not limited to:
  • Content that uses food in a sexually suggestive manner.
  • Imagery or language that is overtly erotic or pornographic in nature.
  • “Food fetish” content that is sexually gratifying or explicit.
  • Content that depicts, promotes, or glorifies sexual violence or exploitation.
• Profile pictures, posts, reviews, or any other user-generated content that contains sexually explicit imagery or language.

Harmful and Dangerous Acts:

• Content that promotes or depicts self-harm, suicide, or eating disorders.
• Dangerous challenges or dares that could lead to physical harm.
• Instructions on how to commit violent acts.

Hate Speech and Harassment:

• Content that attacks or incites hatred against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.
• Bullying, threats, or targeted harassment of other users.

Illegal Activities:

• Content that promotes or facilitates illegal activities, including drug abuse, violence, or fraud.

Misinformation:

• Deliberately spreading false information about food safety, health claims, or current events that could lead to real-world harm.

3.4. Intellectual Property

• Only post content you own. Do not post copyrighted recipes or images.
• You are responsible for the media you upload.

3.5. Enforcement

Violations may result in content removal, badge loss, account suspension, or permanent ban, as outlined in our UGC Reporting and Violation System (Section 4).

4.1. Community-Driven Reporting

Users can also report illegal content directly via our in-app ‘Report’ button or via support@localbuka.com for immediate review.

4.2. Violation Notification (The Pop-Up)

If your content is removed for a violation, you will receive an in-app pop-up notification that clearly states:

• The specific content that was removed.
• The exact policy violated (e.g., “Section 3.3: Nudity and Sexually Explicit Content”).
• The action taken (e.g., post removal, account suspension).
• Instructions on how to appeal the decision.

4.3. Appeal Process

You can appeal a moderation decision by contacting support@localbuka.com. Appeals will be reviewed by a separate moderator, and you will be notified of the outcome.

5.1. General Disclaimer

LocalBuka is a discovery platform. We are not healthcare providers, nutritionists, or food safety inspectors. The Calorie Tracker, Meal Planner, Fitness Journey Tracker, and all health-related content are for informational purposes only.

5.2. User Responsibility

• Consult a Professional: Consult a doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary or exercise changes.
• Verify Allergens: Always confirm allergen information directly with restaurants. The AI Food Tracker is a guide, not a guarantee.
• Food Safety: We do not guarantee the hygiene or safety of any listed restaurant, food festival, or food course.

6.1. Payment Processing

All transactions via the Payment Feature are processed by secure third-party gateways. We do not store your full financial details.

6.2. Cryptocurrency (“Crypto LocalBuka App”)

• High Risk Acknowledgement: Cryptocurrency transactions are highly volatile and risky. You acknowledge that you are solely responsible for any gains or losses.
• No Investment Advice: LocalBuka does not provide financial advice. The ability to transact with crypto is a utility feature, not an investment platform.
• Wallet Security: You are responsible for the security of your cryptocurrency wallet.
• Age Restriction: This feature is restricted to users over 18 years of age and older.

6.3. Refunds

Refund policies are set by the individual vendors or event organizers (Food Festivals, Food Courses). LocalBuka facilitates but does not guarantee refunds.

7.1. AI-Generated Content

• Buka Genie, AI Food Tracker, Recipe Checker: These tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning. Their outputs are estimates and suggestions. They are not infallible and should be verified by the user.
• No Liability for AI Output: We are not liable for decisions made based on AI-generated content.

7.2. User Content for AI Training

By using the Service, you agree that your public, anonymized User Content may be used to improve and train our AI models.

8.1. Gamification (Daily Streak, Badges, Rewards)

• The gamification system is designed to enhance user experience.
• LocalBuka reserves the right to modify, pause, or terminate the rewards system at any time.
• Any attempt to manipulate the system is a violation of these Terms.

8.2. Communications

• Push Notifications: You can control notifications for app updates, new messages, event reminders, and streak alerts in your device settings.
• Newsletters: You can unsubscribe from marketing Newsletter Subscription Emails at any time.
• Referrals: The referrals program will have its own specific terms, which will be presented at the time of use.

8.3. Monetization

LocalBuka may be monetized through advertising, promoted restaurant listings, premium features, or commissions on transactions. You will always be able to distinguish organic content from promotional content.