Privacy Policy

Introduction

We value your privacy and are committed to protecting the confidentiality and security of the information you provide while using the UKcal mobile application ("App"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your data as part of the UKcal research study.

1. Purpose of the App

The UKcal App is part of a research study evaluating a smartphone/web-based AI tool designed to estimate the calorie content of meals sold by small and medium-sized food businesses. The App is used for research and data analysis purposes and is not a commercial product.

2. Information We Collect

The App may collect limited information necessary to support study participation and AI functionality:

• Account and communication data: Your email address for app login/account access and study-related communication.
• Dish photographs: Photographs of selected meals uploaded through the study app.
• Optional related information: Menu text, plate size, recipe details, dish names, ingredients, or other details you choose to provide.
• Feedback and survey data: Ratings, correction inputs, written comments, or survey responses about the App and AI results.
• Business metadata: Non-personal business details such as cuisine type or serving style, if provided during registration.
• Technical and usage data: Basic device information, timestamps, app usage logs, and anonymized interaction patterns.

3. How We Use the Information

The data you provide may be used to process meal photographs through AI models, estimate calories and nutrition information, evaluate the App's usability and practicality, improve AI performance, support aggregate analysis and program evaluation, and generate anonymized research insights and reports. Research outputs will not personally identify individual participants or businesses.

4. Privacy and Confidentiality

Information that could be used to identify you will not be linked with research data. Only the principal investigators will access personally identifiable information for data analysis and study administration. Your responses will not be linked to personally identifiable information and will be used for aggregate analysis and program evaluation.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not share personally identifiable data with third parties. Research data that does not contain personal identifiers may be retained for future research, analysis, publication, or sharing with other researchers. Disclosure may occur only when required by law, regulation, ethics review, or research oversight.

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect uploaded content, account information, and feedback. While no system is completely secure, safeguards are used to reduce the risk of unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss.

7. Data Retention

Personally identifiable information will be retained for up to 9 months during the project period for data analysis and then permanently deleted. Research data that does not contain personal identifiers may be retained for future research, analysis, publication, or sharing with other researchers.

8. Your Rights and Choices

Participation is voluntary. You may stop using the App or withdraw from the study at any time without penalty. You may access information collected about you through the App. To rectify or erase data related to you, email the UKCal team at ukcal@nyu.edu.

9. Children's Privacy

This App is intended for adults participating in the research study. We do not knowingly collect or retain data from individuals who are not eligible to participate.

10. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in research protocols, data practices, or regulatory requirements. Updates will be posted within the App.

11. Contact Information

For information about the study, contact the UKCal team at ukcal@nyu.edu. If you have questions about your rights as a research participant or if you believe you have been harmed by the research, contact the NYUAD Human Research Protection Program and IRB at irbnyuad@nyu.edu.

Conclusion

Your privacy and data security are central to this research. By using the UKcal App, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and voluntarily consent to the collection and use of data for research purposes as described above.