Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

RelativeCost ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our web application and services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

When you create an account, we collect:

• Full name
• Email address
• Account credentials

2.2 Financial Information

You provide financial information for calculations, including:

• Annual income
• Working hours and weeks
• Country and currency preferences
• Item costs and purchase calculations
• Budget categories and amounts

2.3 Usage Data

We automatically collect:

• Browser type and version
• Device information
• IP address
• Pages visited and time spent
• Calculation history and comparison data

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

• Provide and maintain our services
• Perform cost calculations and comparisons
• Generate personalized insights and visualizations
• Save your calculation history and preferences
• Send service-related notifications
• Improve our application and user experience
• Detect and prevent fraud or abuse
• Comply with legal obligations

4. AI and Data Processing

We use artificial intelligence to generate educational insights about your spending patterns and comparisons. Your data may be processed by third-party AI services to provide these features. We do not use your data to train AI models, and all insights are generated in real-time for your personal use only.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers: Third-party companies that help us operate our services (hosting, analytics, AI processing)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale, or acquisition

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including encryption, secure authentication, and regular security assessments. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide services. You may request deletion of your account and data at any time. Some information may be retained for legal or legitimate business purposes.

8. Your Rights

Under applicable privacy laws (including Australian Privacy Principles), you have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data
• Export your data
• Object to processing
• Withdraw consent
• Lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority

9. Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to maintain your session, remember preferences, and analyze usage. You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features may not function properly if disabled.

10. Children's Privacy

Our service is not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you become aware that a child has provided us with data, please contact us.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by email or through the application. Your continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your rights, please contact us through the Contact form in the application footer.