Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Bhijams ("we," "us," or "our") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and your rights regarding your data when you use the Bhijams platform.

This policy applies to all users of the Bhijams website and services, including customers and Cooks. By using our Platform, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

• Account information: Name, email address, phone number, and password when you register.
• Booking information: Home address, number of household members, meal preferences, food allergies, dietary restrictions, and special requests.
• Cook application data: Name, email, phone, city, cooking experience, sample dishes, languages, certifications, and uploaded documents (ID, food handler certificate).
• Payment information: Credit/debit card details are collected and processed directly by Stripe — Bhijams does not store your full card number.
• Communications: Messages sent through the platform, support requests, and feedback.

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Usage data: Pages visited, features used, booking history, and session duration.
• Device data: Browser type, operating system, IP address, and device identifiers.
• Cookies: Session cookies for authentication and preference cookies for a better experience. See Section 7 for details.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Create and manage your account.
• Process bookings, payments, and refunds.
• Match you with suitable Cooks based on your preferences and location.
• Communicate booking confirmations, reminders, and status updates via email.
• Share necessary booking details (name, address, allergies, meal preferences) with your assigned Cook.
• Verify Cook identities and conduct background checks.
• Improve our platform, features, and user experience.
• Respond to support requests and resolve disputes.
• Send promotional offers and updates (only with your consent; you can opt out at any time).
• Comply with legal obligations and enforce our Terms of Service.

4. Information Sharing

We do not sell your personal information. We share data only in these limited circumstances:

• With Cooks: When you book a session, we share your name, address, phone number, household size, meal preferences, and allergy information with your assigned Cook so they can prepare your meal.
• With Stripe: Payment data is processed by Stripe Inc. under their own privacy policy.
• With service providers: Email delivery (Resend), hosting, and analytics services that help us operate the Platform — all bound by data processing agreements.
• Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, court order, or government request, or to protect the safety and rights of Bhijams, our users, or the public.

5. Data Retention

• Account data is retained for as long as your account is active.
• Booking records and transaction history are retained for 7 years for tax and legal compliance.
• Cook application documents are retained for the duration of the Cook's active status plus 2 years after deactivation.
• You may request deletion of your account and personal data at any time (see Section 6).

6. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial legislation, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements.
• Withdraw consent: Opt out of marketing communications at any time.
• Portability: Request your data in a structured, commonly used format.

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at hello@bhijams.ca. We will respond within 30 days.

7. Cookies

We use the following types of cookies:

• Essential cookies: Required for authentication, session management, and security. These cannot be disabled.
• Functional cookies: Remember your preferences (e.g., selected cuisine filters).
• Analytics cookies: Help us understand how users interact with the Platform to improve our services.

We do not use third-party advertising or tracking cookies. You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings.

8. Data Security

• All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using TLS/SSL.
• Payment processing is handled entirely by Stripe, which is PCI-DSS Level 1 certified.
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis.
• We conduct regular security reviews and implement industry-standard safeguards.

While we take reasonable measures to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

9. Children's Privacy

The Bhijams Platform is not intended for use by children under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from minors. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us immediately and we will delete it.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via email or a prominent notice on the Platform. The "Last updated" date at the top reflects the most recent revision.

11. Contact Us

For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights: