PRIVACY POLICY

Last updated: September 20, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Three Columns LLC (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects information when you use our mobile applications, websites, and related services, including our main site at threecolumnsllc.com. Our applications may be distributed through multiple app stores and distribution platforms, including the Apple App Store, Google Play, HUAWEI AppGallery, vivo app distribution services, and other authorized app marketplaces. This Policy applies to our current and future apps, websites, and related services that link to or reference this Privacy Policy.

We believe your data belongs to you. We do not sell your personal information and do not share it with data brokers or unrelated third parties for their own independent marketing purposes. We collect only the information reasonably necessary to operate our apps and websites, provide features such as cloud backup, sync, subscriptions, notifications, and advertising where applicable, improve performance and reliability, and comply with legal and platform requirements.

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you can contact us at support3@threecolumnsllc.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. What Information Do We Collect?

The information we collect depends on how you interact with our apps and websites, the features you use, and the choices you make. In general, we aim to collect only what is necessary for functionality and service improvement.

Information You Voluntarily Provide

You may choose to provide certain information directly to us when you: use our apps or websites, contact support, or configure app settings.

If you choose to create an account, enable backup, or use sharing features, we may associate your information with a username or similar identifier to provide those features.

This can include:

  • A display name or username (for example, when creating a profile or enabling cloud sync)
  • Email address or other contact details when you reach out to us for support
  • Preferences such as language, theme (light/dark mode), font size, or notification settings
  • User-created content, such as:
    • Lists (e.g., allergen lists, recipe lists, or saved items)
    • Notes or other personal entries you choose to store
  • Family plan membership details (for example, the organizer account and invited members, where supported)

We do not require medical diagnoses, financial account numbers, government identifiers, biometric data, or other sensitive personal information that is not necessary to provide the features you choose to use. Some information you voluntarily enter or save, such as allergen lists, dietary information, or personal notes, may be considered health-related or otherwise sensitive information under applicable privacy laws. Such information remains under your control and is processed only as necessary to provide the app features you choose to use.

Information Collected Automatically

When you use our apps or visit our websites, certain technical information may be collected automatically. This helps us keep our services running reliably, understand performance, and detect issues.

  • Device details (device model, operating system version)
  • App details (app version, basic configuration settings)
  • Push notification registration information, such as a device or service-specific push token, when you enable notifications
  • App distribution information, such as the app store, marketplace, or distribution channel from which the app was installed, where available
  • IP address and general location (e.g., country or region, not precise GPS)
  • Crash logs and error diagnostics
  • Usage data, such as:
    • How often you open the app
    • Which main screens or features you use
    • Basic interaction patterns that help us improve usability

In apps that include scanning or recognition features (such as image or text scanning), images and extracted text are processed only as necessary to provide the requested scanning or recognition functionality. Depending on the app, device, platform, and recognition service used, processing may occur on the device or through a supported third-party service. We do not retain scanned images or extracted text after processing unless you explicitly choose to save information through a supported app feature.

Advertising & Analytics Data

Some of our apps display ads or use analytics services to understand how people use them. These services may collect data such as:

  • Advertising identifiers (for example, IDFA on iOS, GAID on Google-supported Android devices, or OAID on HUAWEI-supported devices)
  • Approximate location (for regional relevance of ads or analytics)
  • Device and network information (device type, language, time zone)
  • Interactions with ads (views, taps, impressions)
  • Conversion-related data when you arrive via an ad (for example, from Google Ads)

This information is generally used in aggregated or de-identified form to measure app performance, detect fraud or abuse, and improve ad relevance. You can usually reset or limit advertising identifiers in your device settings.

We may use third-party advertising services such as Google AdMob and HUAWEI Ads, including their applicable service partners, to display, deliver, measure, secure, and improve advertising and to analyze related usage.

Third-Party SDKs and Service Providers

Our apps may use third-party software development kits (SDKs), libraries, platform services, and service providers to provide specific app features. The services used may vary depending on the app, device, operating system, app store, distribution platform, and features you choose to use.

The following describes third-party services that may process information in connection with our apps, including the purpose, method, and scope of that processing:

  • Google Firebase / Cloud Firestore
    Provider: Google LLC
    Purpose: To provide cloud-based app functionality such as storing and synchronizing user-selected information, restoring supported information across devices, maintaining app-related counters or status information, and supporting account-related or entitlement functionality where applicable.
    Method: Information is transmitted electronically between the app and Firebase services when a feature requiring cloud storage, synchronization, or related functionality is used.
    Scope of information: Depending on the app and feature used, this may include a username or app-specific identifier, user-created lists or saved content, app settings, usage counters, entitlement or subscription status, technical information necessary to provide the service, and network information such as an IP address. We do not intentionally send scanned images or extracted text to Firebase unless a feature specifically allows you to save or synchronize that information.
    Privacy information: Firebase Privacy and Security
  • Google Mobile Ads (AdMob)
    Provider: Google LLC
    Purpose: To display, deliver, measure, secure, and improve advertising in apps that contain advertisements, including detecting invalid traffic, fraud, and abuse.
    Method: The Google Mobile Ads SDK and, where applicable, authorized mediation partners may automatically collect and transmit certain device, network, advertising, and interaction information when advertisements are requested, displayed, or interacted with.
    Scope of information: Depending on the device, platform, consent choices, and advertising configuration, this may include IP address, approximate location derived from an IP address, device or advertising identifiers, device and operating system information, app information, diagnostic or performance information, and information about advertisement impressions, views, taps, or other interactions.
    Privacy information: Google Privacy Policy
  • HUAWEI Ads
    Provider: Huawei and its applicable affiliates or service providers
    Purpose: To display, deliver, measure, secure, and improve advertising in apps distributed through HUAWEI-supported platforms, including detecting invalid traffic, fraud, and abuse.
    Method: The HUAWEI Ads SDK may automatically collect and transmit certain device, app, network, advertising, and interaction information when advertisements are requested, displayed, or interacted with.
    Scope of information: Depending on the device, region, consent choices, and advertising configuration, this may include OAID or other applicable advertising identifiers, IP address, device and operating system information, app information and settings, network information, diagnostic or performance information, and information about advertisement impressions, views, taps, or other interactions.
    Privacy information: HUAWEI Privacy Information
  • Expo Push Notification Services
    Provider: Expo / 650 Industries, Inc.
    Purpose: To enable optional push notifications, such as app information, reminders, tips, promotional messages, or event-related notifications, when notifications are enabled by the user.
    Method: When push notifications are enabled, a device- or app-specific push token and notification delivery information may be transmitted through Expo's notification infrastructure and the applicable operating-system notification service in order to route a notification to the user's device.
    Scope of information: This may include an Expo push token or native device push token, app and device identifiers necessary for notification routing, notification content, and technical delivery or receipt information. Expo states that notification contents are retained only as necessary for delivery and are not stored in its databases as a permanent record of notification content.
    Privacy information: Expo Privacy Policy
  • HUAWEI Push Kit
    Provider: Huawei and its applicable affiliates or service providers
    Purpose: To enable optional push notifications on HUAWEI-supported devices, such as app information, reminders, tips, promotional messages, or event-related notifications.
    Method: When push notifications are enabled, a device- or app-specific push token and technical information needed to route and deliver notifications may be transmitted through HUAWEI Push Kit and related HUAWEI services.
    Scope of information: This may include a push token, app and device information necessary for notification routing, notification content, and technical delivery or receipt information.
    Privacy information: HUAWEI Privacy Information
  • HUAWEI ML Kit Text Recognition
    Provider: Huawei and its applicable affiliates or service providers
    Purpose: To provide text recognition functionality in supported apps, such as extracting text from an image captured or selected by the user for ingredient scanning.
    Method: When you choose to scan an image, the image is provided to the text recognition functionality so that text can be extracted and analyzed by the app. Processing may occur on the device or through HUAWEI-supported services depending on the recognition mode and configuration used.
    Scope of information: This may include the image selected or captured for recognition, text extracted from that image, app and device information necessary to provide the recognition service, and related technical or diagnostic information. Allergen Hound does not retain the scanned image or extracted text after processing unless you explicitly choose to save information through a supported app feature.
    Privacy information: HUAWEI Privacy Information
  • App Store and Marketplace Purchase Services
    Providers: Apple, Google, HUAWEI, or another authorized app marketplace, where purchases or subscriptions are supported for the applicable app and distribution platform.
    Purpose: Where purchases or subscriptions are offered, to process purchases, subscriptions, renewals, refunds, and other transactions and to allow our apps to determine whether purchased features or entitlements should be available to a user.
    Method: Purchase transactions are processed by the applicable app store or marketplace using its own systems. Our apps may receive transaction identifiers, receipts, subscription status, entitlement information, or similar transaction-related information needed to validate and provide a purchase. We do not directly receive or store full payment card information for app-store purchases.
    Scope of information: The applicable store or marketplace may process account information, device information, payment information, transaction history, purchase or subscription information, and information necessary for fraud prevention, accounting, refunds, and legal compliance. The exact information processed is determined by the applicable platform and is governed by that platform's privacy policy.
    Privacy information: Apple Privacy Policy, Google Privacy Policy, and HUAWEI Privacy Information.

Some third-party services may process information on infrastructure located outside your country or region. The information actually processed depends on the app, platform, features used, device settings, consent choices, and the configuration of the applicable service. We seek to configure third-party services so that they collect and process only the information reasonably necessary for their intended functions.

The inclusion of a third-party SDK, library, or permission in an app package does not necessarily mean that the app accesses, collects, or transmits all information that the SDK, library, or permission could technically support. Some components are used solely to provide local or limited functionality, such as user-interface components, local storage, image processing, camera functionality, or on-device recognition. Information is processed according to the features actually used, the applicable service configuration, user choices and permissions, and the practices described in this Policy.

Cloud Storage (e.g., Google Firestore)

Some of our apps use cloud-based storage services (such as Google Firestore) to sync and back up limited user data across devices or to restore your information if you reinstall an app. Examples of the types of data that may be stored in this way include:

  • Your chosen username or display name
  • Lists, recipes, or other content you create in supported apps, including allergen or dietary lists you choose to save
  • Non-sensitive usage counters (such as scan counts or progress markers)
  • Subscription or entitlement status (for example, whether certain features are unlocked)
  • Family plan relationships (organizer and members) where supported

We use this cloud data only to provide and maintain features that you choose to use, such as backup, cross-device sync, or subscription recognition.

Cloud storage is used only when necessary for selected features such as backup, sync, or account-related functionality and is not required for basic app functionality.

2. How Do We Process Your Information?

We process your information for specific, limited purposes. We do not use your data for unrelated or unexpected purposes without notifying you and, where required, obtaining your consent.

We process information to:

  • Provide core app functionality
    For example, saving your preferences, lists, or other user-created content and making sure features behave as expected on your device.
  • Sync and back up data (where enabled)
    When cloud sync is available and you choose to use it, we store certain data (like usernames or lists) to keep your experience consistent across devices.
  • Manage purchases, subscriptions, and entitlements
    We may process purchase and entitlement information so that subscriptions, purchased credits, or other paid features unlock correctly and remain available where supported. Payments are processed through the applicable app store, marketplace, or authorized payment provider, subject to that provider's rules and privacy practices. We do not directly receive or store your full payment card information for app-store purchases.
  • Display advertisements
    Some apps show ads using third-party advertising services (such as Google AdMob or HUAWEI Ads, depending on the applicable device and distribution platform). These services may use certain device, app, network, advertising identifier, and interaction data to deliver, measure, secure, and improve advertising.
  • Send optional notifications
    Where supported, we may send local or push notifications (for example, reminders, helpful tips, event information, or promotional messages). Push notifications may be delivered through services such as Expo Push Notification Services or HUAWEI Push Kit, depending on your device, operating system, and app distribution platform. You can control notifications in your app or system settings.
  • Improve and secure our services
    We use logs, diagnostics, and aggregated usage data to troubleshoot issues, monitor performance, prevent abuse or fraud, and enhance the overall experience.
  • Request app store reviews
    We may show a system prompt asking you to rate or review the app. Any public review you submit is handled by the relevant app store, not by us directly.
  • Respond to support requests
    When you contact us, we process the information you provide (such as your email and description of the issue) to help resolve your question or problem.

3. Legal Bases for Processing

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or another region with similar laws, we rely on certain legal bases to process your personal data:

  • Consent: For example, when you enable notifications or allow personalized ads where required.
  • Legitimate interests: To maintain and improve our apps, prevent fraud, and understand usage patterns.
  • Contract: To provide services you have requested, such as paid subscriptions or purchased features.
  • Legal obligations: When we must process data to comply with a law or respond to lawful requests.

4. When Do We Share Your Information?

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We only share information with third parties in limited circumstances, primarily to operate our apps or comply with the law.

We may share information with:

  • Service providers and partners
    For example, cloud hosting providers, analytics platforms, and advertising networks that help us run, secure, and improve our apps.
  • Advertising networks
    Third-party advertising services (such as Google AdMob or HUAWEI Ads, depending on the applicable device and distribution platform) may receive certain device, app, network, advertising identifier, and interaction data to deliver, measure, secure, and improve advertising within our apps.
  • Mobile app stores and distribution platforms
    App marketplaces and distribution platforms such as the Apple App Store, Google Play, HUAWEI AppGallery, vivo app distribution services, and other authorized marketplaces may independently process certain account, device, download, purchase, subscription, refund, or transaction information when you obtain or use our apps through their services. Their collection and use of information is also governed by their own privacy policies and terms.
  • Authorities or legal requests
    We may share information if required by law, legal process, or to protect the safety, rights, or property of our users, the public, or our company.

Each service provider is only allowed to use your information as necessary to provide services to us and not for their own separate marketing purposes, unless they have a separate direct relationship with you.

We do not share personal information with third parties for their own independent marketing or advertising purposes.

5. Third-Party Websites

Our apps and websites may include links to third-party websites or services, such as support pages, external resources, or legal references. We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or security of those third-party sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

6. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support basic functionality, preferences, and analytics. For more detailed information about how cookies are used on our website, please see our Cookie Policy at https://threecolumnsllc.com/cookies.html

Our mobile apps do not use cookies in the traditional web sense, but they may use mobile identifiers (such as IDFA, GAID, OAID, or app- or service-specific identifiers) for analytics, crash reporting, notifications, security, and advertising purposes, depending on the applicable app, device, platform, and services used. You can usually reset or restrict certain advertising identifiers through your device or platform settings.

7. Data Retention

We keep personal data for as long as necessary to provide the relevant service, fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, or as required by law (for example, for tax or accounting reasons).

If you request that we delete your information, we will take reasonable steps to do so, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

8. Data Security

We use reasonable and appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the information we process. These measures are designed to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of storage or transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal data. These can include:

  • The right to access information we hold about you
  • The right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
  • The right to request deletion of your data, subject to legal exceptions
  • The right to object to certain types of processing or withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
  • The right to request a copy of your data in a portable format, where technically feasible

To exercise these rights, you can contact us using the details in the “Contact Information” section below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

10. Do-Not-Track Signals

Some browsers include a Do-Not-Track (“DNT”) setting that can signal websites you visit that you do not want your online activity to be tracked. Because there is currently no universally agreed-upon standard for what DNT means, our services do not respond to DNT signals at this time.

11. U.S. State Privacy Rights

If you are a resident of certain U.S. states, such as California, Colorado, Connecticut, Utah, Virginia, or others with similar laws, you may have additional rights under state privacy laws. These can include the right to know what categories of personal information we collect, use, and disclose, and the right to request access or deletion of your data.

We do not sell personal information as defined under these state laws. If you wish to exercise your rights under state privacy laws, please contact us using the details below. We will evaluate your request and respond as required by law.

12. International Privacy Rights

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, or other jurisdictions with privacy laws, you may have additional rights under those laws similar to the ones described above.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with a data protection authority or regulator if you believe we have not handled your personal data in accordance with applicable laws. We encourage you to contact us first so we can try to address your concerns directly.

International Data Processing

Our apps and services are distributed internationally. Depending on your location, the app you use, your device and distribution platform, and the services required to provide its features, information may be processed by service providers or platform operators located in countries or regions other than your own. These may include cloud service providers, notification and text recognition services, advertising and analytics providers, app stores, and payment or subscription platforms.

Where required by applicable law, we take reasonable steps to use service providers and safeguards appropriate for international data processing and transfers. Third-party platforms may also process information independently under their own privacy policies and applicable legal obligations.

13. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our apps, services, or legal requirements. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. In some cases, we may provide additional notice (such as a message in the app) if changes are material.

We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.

14. Contact Information

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, you may contact us at:

Email: support3@threecolumnsllc.com

You may also contact us by mail at the address listed on our website or corporate materials.

15. Review or Delete Your Data

To request access to, correction of, or deletion of personal data we may hold about you, please contact us at:
support3@threecolumnsllc.com

When you contact us, please provide enough detail to help us identify you and the relevant app or service, so we can locate your data and respond appropriately.