Privacy Policy

This policy explains what personal information Plated by Melis (platedbymelis.com) collects, why, and the choices you have. It is written for readers in the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.

1. Who we are

Plated by Melis is operated by Melis Celik, Türkiye (“we”, “us”). For UK data protection law we are the controller of the personal information described here. For Canadian privacy law, our privacy contact is Melis Celik, the site owner, reachable at hello@platedbymelis.com.

We have not appointed a UK representative under Article 27 of the UK GDPR, because our processing of UK personal information is occasional, small in scale and does not include special category data. If that changes, we will appoint one and list their details here.

2. What we collect

Information you give us

• Newsletter (when sign-up opens): your email address and, if you choose them, the topics you want to hear about.
• Recipe ratings: the star rating you give a recipe.
• Messages: anything you send us by email, such as your name, email address and the content of your message.

Information collected automatically

• Server and security logs: our hosting provider processes technical data such as IP address, browser type, the page requested, the referring page and the time of the request, to deliver the site and protect it from abuse.
• Ratings: to stop the same person rating a recipe many times, we store a one-way, keyed hash of your IP address with your rating. We do not store the IP address itself.

Information stored only on your device

The site uses your browser’s local storage, not cookies, for two features: the recipes you save (pbm-saved) and, during our preview period, the ratings you give (pbm-ratings). This information is not sent to us. You can remove it at any time by clearing this site’s data in your browser settings.

Third-party services

• Google Fonts: our typefaces load from Google’s servers, so your browser shares your IP address and browser details with Google. See Google’s privacy policy.
• Pinterest: the “Save to Pinterest” button is a plain link. Pinterest receives information only if you click it.

If we add an ad network or an analytics tool, we will name it here before it is switched on, list the cookies or similar technologies it uses, link to its privacy policy and explain the opt-out and consent controls.

3. How we use it, and our legal bases

• To send the newsletter you asked for (UK legal basis: consent, which you can withdraw at any time by unsubscribing).
• To show and count recipe ratings and prevent duplicate or abusive ratings (legitimate interests).
• To answer your messages (legitimate interests, or steps you asked us to take).
• To run, secure and improve the site (legitimate interests).
• To meet legal obligations, such as responding to lawful requests (legal obligation).

4. Who we share it with

We share personal information only with service providers that help us run the site and only for that purpose:

• Hosting, content delivery and the ratings database: Cloudflare, Inc.
• Email newsletter: MailerLite, once newsletter sign-up opens

We may also disclose information if the law requires it, to protect our rights or the safety of others, or as part of a sale or reorganization of the business. We do not sell personal information, and we do not “share” it for cross-context behavioral advertising as those terms are defined in California law.

5. International transfers

Our service providers may process information in the United States and other countries. When UK personal information is transferred abroad, we rely on safeguards recognized by UK law, such as adequacy regulations or the International Data Transfer Agreement or Addendum. If you are in Canada, your information may be processed outside Canada and may be accessible to authorities there under local law.

6. How long we keep it

• Newsletter: until you unsubscribe. We keep a minimal suppression record so we do not email you again.
• Ratings: while the recipe is published, or until you ask us to delete yours.
• Emails: 24 months after the conversation ends.
• Server logs: we do not keep our own server logs. Our hosting provider keeps technical logs under its own retention schedule.

7. Your rights

United States

Depending on your state (for example California, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, Texas, Utah or Virginia), you may have the right to know and access the personal information we hold about you, to correct it, to delete it, to receive a copy, and to opt out of its sale, sharing or use for targeted advertising. We will not discriminate against you for using these rights. You may use an authorized agent, and if we decline a request you may appeal by replying to our decision. If we add advertising or analytics, the site will honor Global Privacy Control signals and show a “Your Privacy Choices” link.

United Kingdom

Under the UK GDPR you have the right to access, correct, erase, restrict or object to the use of your personal information, to data portability, and to withdraw consent at any time. You can complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk), though we would appreciate the chance to resolve your concern first.

Canada

You may ask to access and correct your personal information and withdraw your consent, subject to legal limits. You can complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or, where applicable, your provincial regulator (for example the Commission d’accès à l’information in Quebec).

How to make a request

Email hello@platedbymelis.com. We may need to confirm your identity before we act. We aim to reply within one month, and no later than the deadline your local law sets.

8. Children

Plated by Melis is meant for adults. It is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect their personal information. If you believe a child has given us personal information, contact us and we will delete it.

9. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal information, including encrypted connections (HTTPS). No method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

10. Changes to this policy

We will post any changes on this page and update the date at the top. If a change is significant, we will give notice on the site or by email before it takes effect.

11. Contact

Melis Celik
Türkiye
hello@platedbymelis.com