Privacy Policy.

About this policy

This Privacy Policy explains how BottleIQ, operated by Mertz Digital Studios (“BottleIQ,” “we,” or “us”), handles information in the BottleIQ mobile application, its related services and its website. You can contact us at [email protected] with privacy questions or requests.

Information we process

• Account information: account identifiers, email address, display name, sign-in and authentication information, and membership or entitlement status.
• Collection information: bottles and wishlists you save, purchase prices, purchase dates, locations you choose to record, notes and other collection details.
• Images and recognition information: bottle-label photographs you submit, associated recognition attempts, image analysis results, and collection photographs you choose to save.
• Communications: support requests, feedback, account deletion requests, and related messages.
• Operational information: information needed to operate, troubleshoot and secure the service, including service events and records related to account activity. The precise data available can depend on the features you use.

Camera access and photographs

BottleIQ requests camera access when you choose to photograph a bottle label, and photo-library access when you choose an existing photograph. Submitted recognition photographs are processed through BottleIQ's backend and sent to OpenAI for image analysis. Photographs saved to a collection may be stored in a private Supabase Storage bucket. Do not include sensitive personal information in images you submit.

How we use information

We use information to create and authenticate accounts, identify bottles, save and organize collections, display pricing references and estimated values, provide support, investigate technical problems, maintain service security, and respond to privacy requests. Pricing information is informational and is not a guaranteed sale or resale value.

Service providers and sharing

We use Supabase for account authentication, database services, private file storage and application backend functions. We use OpenAI to analyze bottle images submitted for recognition. Information needed to provide these functions is processed by those providers. Service-related technical information may also be processed by providers supporting the operation and security of the app. We do not make your private collection publicly visible merely because you save it in your BottleIQ account.

Security

We use access controls for account data and private storage, and encrypted network connections for supported services. We limit access to information according to operational needs. No method of transmission or storage can be guaranteed completely secure.

Retention and account deletion

Account and collection records are maintained to provide the service while they are needed for your account, subject to legitimate security, legal and operational retention obligations. Some records may need additional review before removal, including transaction, support and fraud-prevention information. Backup copies and service-provider records may follow separate retention and deletion schedules.

You may request account and associated personal-data deletion from within the BottleIQ app or by emailing [email protected]. We verify account ownership before processing requests. Our team reviews associated collection records and photographs, removes information eligible for deletion, and explains any information that must be retained for a legitimate reason. Do not send us your account password.

You may also contact the same address to request information about your account data or to ask a privacy question. We may request additional information reasonably necessary to verify the account and understand your request.

Age requirements

BottleIQ is intended for adults of legal drinking age in their jurisdiction and is not directed to children.

International processing

Our technology providers may process information in locations outside your state or country. Where applicable, this processing is subject to relevant legal requirements.

Policy updates

We may update this Privacy Policy as BottleIQ changes. We will post the updated policy here with a revised effective date, and provide additional notice when required by law.