Privacy Policy

Introduction

Welcome to VinoRater, a mobile application provided by Sophware Enterprises ("we", "us", or "our"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information you provide while using the VinoRater mobile application and related services (collectively, the "Service"). By using the Service you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Contact Information

Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly and certain technical information automatically:

a) Information you provide

• Account & profile information: name, email address, and any information you voluntarily provide when you create or update your profile.
• User submissions: location (if you provide it), ratings, reviews, and photo submissions related to wines.
• Communications: any messages or correspondence you send to us.

b) Information collected automatically

• Device & usage data: device identifiers, operating system, app version, log information, and usage metrics.
• Cookies & analytics: cookies and third-party analytics data (see the "Cookies and Analytics" section below).

Ownership & Use of User Content

By submitting content to VinoRater (including but not limited to location, ratings, reviews, and photo submissions), you acknowledge and agree that such content is the property of Sophware Enterprises. We use user-submitted content to operate, improve, and personalize the Service and the user experience — for example, by providing personalized wine recommendations, training internal models, and improving recognition and matching features.

Ownership of user-submitted content by Sophware Enterprises does not prevent you from retaining any underlying rights you may have in the content you submit. If you have any questions about ownership or wish to request the removal of content, contact us at rsoph@sophware.com.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for purposes including:

• Providing, operating, and maintaining the Service;
• Personalizing and improving the user experience;
• Analyzing usage trends and performance;
• Detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, and security incidents;
• Communicating with you about updates, support, and promotions (if you opt-in to marketing);
• Complying with legal obligations.

Sharing & Disclosure

We do not share user data with any third party entities. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise disclose personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

We may disclose information to third parties only in the following limited circumstances:

• With service providers who perform services on our behalf (e.g., hosting, analytics) under contractual confidentiality obligations;
• Where required by law, legal process, or governmental request;
• To enforce our rights, policies, or terms of service, or to protect the safety, rights or property of our users or the public;
• In connection with a corporate transaction (e.g., merger, acquisition), where user data may be transferred subject to confidentiality and appropriate notice to users.

Except as described above, we will not disclose personal information to third parties without your consent.

Cookies and Google Analytics

We use cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies to collect information about your use of the Service. Cookies help us remember preferences, improve the app experience, and measure usage.

We also use Google Analytics to monitor traffic and analyze how users interact with the Service. Google Analytics collects information such as traffic sources, pages visited, time on page, and technical device information. This helps us improve the Service and inform our marketing efforts.

If you wish to opt out of Google Analytics tracking on devices where it is applicable, you can visit the Google Analytics opt-out resources provided by Google. For web usage, visit: Google Analytics Opt-out. For mobile devices, consult the platform settings and app-level privacy controls. Please note that opting out of analytics may reduce certain personalization or performance improvements.

Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to provide the Service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and for internal analytics and business purposes. Retention periods vary depending on the type of data and the purpose for which it was collected. If you would like to request deletion of your account or personal data, contact us at rsoph@sophware.com.

Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect the personal information we collect against accidental loss, unauthorized access, disclosure, and misuse. Examples include TLS/HTTPS for network communications, platform-managed key storage (iOS Keychain), and access controls.

While we strive to protect your information, no security measure is perfect or impenetrable. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of data transmitted to or from our Service.

International Transfers

As a U.S.-based company, personal data collected through the Service may be stored and processed in the United States or other jurisdictions where Sophware Enterprises or its service providers operate. By using the Service, you consent to the transfer of information to jurisdictions that may have different data protection laws than your jurisdiction.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, correct, update, or delete the personal information we hold about you. You may also have rights to restrict or object to certain processing and to request portability of your data. To exercise these rights, please contact us at rsoph@sophware.com. We may request identity verification before fulfilling such requests.

Children

VinoRater is not intended for users under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that a child has provided us with personal information, we will take steps to delete such information promptly. If you believe we may have collected information from a child, contact us.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. When we make changes we will revise the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy. Significant changes will be communicated by in-app notification or other reasonable means before they take effect where required.

How to Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, contact: