01
Who this policy covers
This Privacy Policy applies to diningspotter.com and related services operated as an independent project at Dining Spotter / DiningSpotter. There is no registered company address published here — contact us by email only.
It covers visitors who browse metro maps, diners who create accounts or write visit notes, restaurant owners who claim listings, and anyone who emails [email protected].
in plain terms
If you use DiningSpotter — even just to compare two spots without signing up — this page describes how we treat information connected to that use.
02
Your privacy controls
We aim to honor access and deletion requests. Where account settings exist on the site, use them; otherwise email us and we will help within a reasonable time.
Delete your account
We keep account data while your account is active. On request, we delete it within a reasonable time.
Request deletion
Correct your profile
Update your display name, email, or preferences in account settings when available, or email us.
Ask for a correction
Opt out of emails
Reply to any message or email us to stop product or update emails.
Email preferences
Access & deletion
We aim to honor access and deletion requests from anyone who contacts us — including people who may have rights under privacy laws in their region. We do not claim formal GDPR or CCPA certification. Email
[email protected] with "Privacy" in the subject.
03
Information we collect
We split data into automatic technical data (needed to serve pages securely) and account & content data (only when you sign up or contribute).
| Category |
Examples |
Source |
| Account identifiers |
Email, display name, hashed password, home metro preference |
You, at signup |
| User-generated content |
Visit notes, spot tips, compare lists, profile photos |
You, when posting |
| Usage signals |
Pages viewed, compare filters used, error logs |
Automatic, for operating the site |
| Device metadata |
Browser type, approximate IP used for security |
Automatic, for security |
| Owner contact |
Business name, claim email, listing corrections |
Restaurant owners when claiming |
What we deliberately avoid
- Precise GPS coordinates — metro-level is the finest location we store, and only if you set it.
- Contacts, calendars, microphone, or camera roll access from our site.
- Payment card processing — there is no paid billing on DiningSpotter today.
- Cross-site tracking pixels or advertising fingerprints.
- Private emails you send us are not republished on your public profile.
04
How we use information
We process data only for specific purposes:
- Provide the service — authenticate logins, show compare results, deliver visit notes you publish, and route metro requests.
- Run verification — review new listings and flagged content.
- Communicate with you — password resets, moderation outcomes, replies to tips or claims.
- Protect the platform — detect spam, abuse, and brute-force attempts.
- Improve the product — understand which features are used, in aggregate where practical.
- Meet legal duties — respond to valid legal requests when required.
05
Cookies & analytics
DiningSpotter uses first-party cookies needed to keep you signed in and remember basic preferences (such as theme). We do not use advertising cookies or third-party retargeting.
We may look at simple server or application logs to keep the site working. We do not sell browsing data or build cross-site advertising profiles.
06
Hosting & mail
DiningSpotter runs on a self-hosted VPS with nginx, MySQL, and Laravel. Uploaded files are stored on the same server's local filesystem. Transactional mail is sent via SMTP from [email protected].
We never share with
- Data brokers or list resellers.
- Advertising networks for targeting.
- Restaurant owners — unless you publish a visit note on their public page.
07
Retention
- Active accounts — we keep account data while your account is active.
- Visit notes & compare lists — kept while the listing and your account exist, unless you remove them.
- Deletion requests — we delete on request within a reasonable time, including clearing backups as practical.
- Security logs — kept only as long as needed for abuse prevention and operations.
08
Users under 16
DiningSpotter is not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone in that age group. If you believe a minor submitted data, email [email protected] and we will delete it.
09
Changes to this policy
When we change this policy in a meaningful way, we will update the date on this page and, when practical, note the change for registered users. Continued use of the site after an update means you accept the revised policy.
Revision history
-
July 28, 2026
Version 1.0 — honest policy for the independent DiningSpotter project.
10
Contact
Privacy questions, data requests, or corrections: email [email protected] with "Privacy" in the subject line. We usually reply within a few business days.