Privacy Policy

1. Summary

• We are a publishing site, not an app. We do not require an account to read anything here.
• We collect only what is necessary to operate the site and understand aggregate usage.
• We do not sell or rent personal data to third parties.
• We do not run advertising or cross-site tracking cookies.
• You can request access, correction or deletion of your data at any time.

2. Who we are

Macro Tracker Lab is the publisher of this Site, an independent benchmark and editorial project covering AI calorie and macro tracking apps. Our research team authors the methodology, app reviews and research articles.

For privacy questions, write to privacy@macro-trackers.com.

3. Information we collect

We collect three categories of information:

• Information you provide. If you contact us by email, we will receive your email address and the contents of your message.
• Information collected automatically. Standard server logs including IP address, user-agent string, referring URL and timestamps; aggregate analytics about which pages are visited and for how long; basic device information such as screen size and operating system.
• Cookies and similar technologies. Minimal cookies used to remember preferences (for example, dark or light theme) and to measure aggregate site usage. We do not use cookies for advertising or cross-site tracking.

4. How we use information

We use the information we collect to:

• Operate, maintain and secure the Site.
• Understand aggregate site usage so we can improve content and structure.
• Respond to research enquiries, academic data requests, and reader feedback.
• Detect and prevent abuse, fraud and security incidents.
• Comply with legal obligations.

5. Legal bases for processing (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area, United Kingdom or Switzerland, we rely on the following legal bases under the General Data Protection Regulation:

• Legitimate interests. Operating the Site, basic analytics, and security monitoring.
• Consent. Where required, for any non-essential cookies or analytics that go beyond aggregate counts.
• Legal obligation. Compliance with applicable law.
• Contract. Responding to direct correspondence you initiate.

6. Cookies and analytics

The Site uses a small number of first-party cookies for site preferences and aggregate analytics. We do not use advertising cookies and we do not allow third-party cross-site trackers. You can disable cookies in your browser without losing any reading functionality. Where analytics cookies are used, the data is anonymised, aggregated, and retained for no longer than necessary to track trends over time.

7. Third-party services

We use a limited set of trusted service providers to host the Site, deliver pages quickly via a content delivery network, and aggregate anonymous usage statistics. These providers process information on our behalf under contractual obligations of confidentiality and data protection. They are not permitted to use your information for their own purposes.

Some pages link to external sources such as academic publishers, regulatory bodies, and other research sites. When you click an external link, that destination is governed by its own privacy policy.

8. Information sharing

We do not sell or rent personal data. We may share limited information only when:

• It is necessary to operate the Site (for example, with a hosting provider).
• You ask us to (for example, forwarding an academic data request to a collaborator).
• We are required to by law, a valid legal request, or to protect the rights, safety or property of Macro Tracker Lab or others.
• We are involved in a merger, acquisition or asset sale, in which case continuity of this Privacy Policy will be required of the successor.

9. International data transfers

The Site is operated from servers that may be located outside your country of residence. Where personal data is transferred internationally, we rely on appropriate safeguards such as the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses, or equivalent measures.

10. Data retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary for the purposes set out in this Policy, or as required by law. Server logs are typically retained for no more than 90 days. Aggregate analytics may be retained for longer in anonymised form to identify long-term usage trends. Email correspondence is retained for as long as needed to handle the request and any follow-up.

11. Security

We use industry-standard technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including TLS encryption in transit, restricted administrative access, and routine review of our hosting and analytics providers. No method of internet transmission is 100% secure; we cannot guarantee absolute security but we work to protect your information using accepted best practices.

12. Your rights (GDPR / UK GDPR)

If you are located in the EEA, UK or Switzerland, you have the right to:

• Access the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate personal data.
• Request erasure of your personal data ("right to be forgotten").
• Request restriction or object to processing.
• Receive your personal data in a portable format.
• Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.
• Lodge a complaint with your local data-protection authority.

To exercise any of these rights, email privacy@macro-trackers.com. We will respond within 30 days.

13. California privacy rights (CCPA / CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

• Know what personal information we collect, use and disclose.
• Request deletion of personal information.
• Request correction of inaccurate personal information.
• Opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information. We do not sell or share personal information as those terms are defined under California law.
• Non-discrimination for exercising any of these rights.

To exercise your California rights, email privacy@macro-trackers.com with "California Privacy Request" in the subject line.

14. Children's privacy

The Site is not directed to children under the age of 16, and we do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it.

15. Do Not Track

The Site does not respond to "Do Not Track" browser signals because there is no consistent industry standard for how to interpret them. However, we do not engage in the cross-site tracking those signals are designed to prevent.

16. Changes to this Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for legal, operational or regulatory reasons. When we do, we will update the "Last updated" date above. For material changes, we will provide more prominent notice (for example, a banner at the top of the Site). Continued use of the Site after a change takes effect constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

17. Contact

For any privacy-related question, request or complaint:

• Email: privacy@macro-trackers.com
• Editorial and research contact: research@macro-trackers.com

This Privacy Policy is a clear-language summary of our practices and does not modify any rights granted to you under applicable law. Nothing on this page is intended as legal advice.