Privacy Policy

Effective Date: May 5, 2025

1. Introduction

Rank Eats (“we,” “us,” or “our”) operates www.rankeats.com, a platform for restaurant listings and reviews. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you register as a Voter/Reviewer or Restaurant Owner.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information: Name, email address, password, and profile details.
Voting & Review Data: Your votes (one per restaurant and one per menu item in each state and city) and written reviews.
Owner Verification Data: Business name, proof of ownership (documents or correspondence) for claim requests.
Usage Data: IP address, device type, browser, pages visited, and interaction timestamps.
Cookies & Tracking: Cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to improve your experience.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

Create and manage your account and preferences.
Enforce voting rules (one vote per restaurant and menu item per state/city).
Display and moderate user-generated reviews.
Process and validate Restaurant Owner claim requests.
Analyze usage patterns to improve our services.
Communicate updates, notifications, and support messages.

4. Sharing & Disclosure

Public Content: Votes and reviews you submit are public.
With Your Consent: For marketing or research purposes when you opt in.
Service Providers: Third parties who help us operate and secure the Site.
Legal Requirements: When required by law, regulation, or legal process.

5. Voter/Reviewer Data Rights

As a Voter/Reviewer, you may:

Access and correct your account information.
Download your votes and reviews.
Request deletion of your account and personal data.

6. Restaurant Owner Data Rights

As a Restaurant Owner, you may:

Access and update your business information and verification documents.
Request deletion of verification data, subject to claim process requirements.

Note: Owners are not permitted to vote or post reviews.

7. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar technologies to remember your preferences, analyze site usage, and personalize content. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but some features may not work properly.

8. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures (TLS encryption, access controls) to protect your data. However, no system is completely secure; use strong passwords and notify us immediately of any suspicious activity.

9. Third-Party Services

We may integrate with analytics, payment processors, or hosting services. These providers have their own privacy policies—please review them before using those features.

10. Children’s Privacy

Our Site is not intended for children under 13. We do not knowingly collect information from minors. If you believe we have, please contact us for removal.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy. We will post the revised policy with a new “Effective Date.” Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

For privacy questions or data requests, contact us at privacy@rankeats.com.

2. Information We Collect

Account Information: Name, email address, password, and profile details.

Voting & Review Data: Your votes (one per restaurant and one per menu item in each state and city) and written reviews.

Owner Verification Data: Business name, proof of ownership (documents or correspondence) for claim requests.

Usage Data: IP address, device type, browser, pages visited, and interaction timestamps.

Cookies & Tracking: Cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to improve your experience.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

Create and manage your account and preferences.

Enforce voting rules (one vote per restaurant and menu item per state/city).

Display and moderate user-generated reviews.

Process and validate Restaurant Owner claim requests.

Analyze usage patterns to improve our services.

Communicate updates, notifications, and support messages.