1. Introduction

Welcome to Guac-A-Mole! This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our mobile game. We are committed to protecting your privacy and being transparent about our data practices.

By playing Guac-A-Mole, you agree to this Privacy Policy. If you don't agree, please don't use our game.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide

We collect minimal information:

• Display Name: An optional username you choose for leaderboard display (not verified, not unique)
• Game Scores: Your scores and gameplay statistics submitted to global leaderboards
• Device ID: An anonymous identifier generated by your device for authentication (not linked to you personally)

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

We automatically collect:

• Device Information: Device type, operating system version (for compatibility purposes only)
• Game Statistics: Play time, games played, high scores (anonymous, used for leaderboards)
• Crash Reports: Technical data if the app crashes (to improve stability)

2.3 Information We DO NOT Collect

We do NOT collect:

• ❌ Your name, email, or phone number
• ❌ Your location or GPS data
• ❌ Photos, contacts, or other device data
• ❌ Browsing history or activity outside the app
• ❌ Any personally identifiable information (PII)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information to:

• Provide Game Functionality: Save your progress, display leaderboards, track achievements
• Improve the Game: Fix bugs, optimize performance, add new features
• Global Leaderboards: Display anonymous high scores and rankings
• Analytics: Understand how players use the game (anonymous data only)

4. Data Storage & Security

4.1 Where Your Data Lives

• Local Storage: Most game data (progress, settings, Pitcoins) is stored directly on your device
• Cloud Storage: Leaderboard scores are stored via Appwrite (secure cloud database)
• Encryption: All data transmitted to our servers uses HTTPS encryption

4.2 Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your data. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but strive to use commercially acceptable means to protect your information.

5. Data Sharing & Third Parties

5.1 We DO NOT Sell Your Data

Period. We do not sell, trade, or rent your information to third parties. Your data is yours.

5.2 Third-Party Services We Use

• Appwrite: Cloud database for leaderboards (anonymous player IDs and scores only)
• Apple App Store / Google Play Store: Distribution platforms (subject to their own privacy policies)

5.3 When We Must Share

We may disclose information if required by law or to:

• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights or property
• Prevent fraud or security issues
• Protect the safety of users or the public

6. Children's Privacy

Guac-A-Mole is rated 4+ and suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us at support@iscovici.com.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of your data
• Delete: Request deletion of your leaderboard data
• Opt-Out: Disable leaderboards in settings
• Uninstall: Remove the app to delete all local data

8. Data Retention

We retain your data as follows:

• Local Game Data: Stored on your device indefinitely until you uninstall the app or manually clear app data. This includes your scores, achievements, settings, and Pitcoins balance.
• Leaderboard Data: Player scores and unverified display names are stored indefinitely on our servers to maintain leaderboard integrity. Due to the anonymous nature of the data (display names are not unique or verified), individual deletion requests cannot be safely processed without potentially affecting other users' data.
• Crash Reports: Technical error data is retained for 90 days for debugging purposes, then automatically deleted.
• Support Inquiries: Email correspondence with support is retained for 2 years for reference and quality assurance, then deleted.

9. Cookies & Tracking

Guac-A-Mole does not use cookies or third-party tracking technologies. We do not track your activity across other apps or websites.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by:

• Posting the new policy in the app
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Showing an in-app notification (for major changes)

Continued use of the game after changes means you accept the updated policy.

11. International Users

Guac-A-Mole is available worldwide. If you're using the app outside the United States, your data may be transferred to and stored on servers in the U.S. By using the app, you consent to this transfer.

12. Contact Us

Questions about this Privacy Policy? Contact us:

• Email: support@iscovici.com
• Support: guac-a-mole.iscovici.com/support

13. California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you're a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of data sales (we don't sell data)
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising your rights

14. European Users (GDPR)

If you're in the European Union, you have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

• Right to access your data
• Right to rectification (correct your data)
• Right to erasure ("right to be forgotten")
• Right to data portability
• Right to object to processing