Word Scramble Privacy Policy

This privacy policy applies to the Word Scramble app (hereby referred to as "Application") for mobile devices that was created by Jacobus Johannes Malan (hereby referred to as "Service Provider") as a Freemium service. This service is intended for use "AS IS".

Information Collection and Use

The Application collects information when you download and use it. This information may include:

• Your device's Internet Protocol address (e.g. IP address)
• The pages of the Application that you visit, the time and date of your visit, the time spent on those pages
• The time spent on the Application
• The operating system you use on your mobile device

The Application does not gather precise information about the location of your mobile device.

Global Leaderboard Feature

The Application includes an optional Global Leaderboard feature powered by Google Firebase Realtime Database. When you participate in the leaderboard, the following information is collected and stored:

• Display Name: A username you choose that appears publicly on leaderboards
• Game Scores: Your high scores per language, used to display rankings
• Timestamp: When your score was submitted

This data is stored on Google Firebase servers located in the United States. Your display name and scores are visible to other players on the leaderboard. Firebase may automatically collect additional technical data such as IP addresses and device identifiers for service operation.

You can learn more about Firebase's data practices at: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy

Participation in the Global Leaderboard is optional. If you do not submit a score, no leaderboard data is collected.

Local Data Storage

The Application stores the following data locally on your device using AsyncStorage:

• Game preferences (sound settings, theme, language selection)
• High scores and streak records
• Achievement progress
• Trial and premium purchase status
• Daily bonus word progress

This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to external servers unless you participate in the Global Leaderboard feature.

In-App Purchases

The Application uses Google Play Billing for in-app purchases. Purchase transactions are processed by Google Play and are subject to Google's privacy policy. The Service Provider does not have access to your payment information.

Third Party Access

Only aggregated, anonymized data is periodically transmitted to external services to aid the Service Provider in improving the Application and their service. The Service Provider may share your information with third parties in the ways that are described in this privacy statement.

Third-Party Services Used:

• Google Firebase Realtime Database: For Global Leaderboard functionality
• Google Play Services: For in-app purchases and app distribution
• Expo: For application framework and development

The Service Provider may disclose User Provided and Automatically Collected Information:

• as required by law, such as to comply with a subpoena, or similar legal process;
• when they believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect their rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request;
• with their trusted services providers who work on their behalf, do not have an independent use of the information we disclose to them, and have agreed to adhere to the rules set forth in this privacy statement.

Opt-Out Rights

You can stop all collection of information by the Application easily by uninstalling it. You may use the standard uninstall processes as may be available as part of your mobile device or via the mobile application marketplace or network.

To remove your data from the Global Leaderboard, please contact the Service Provider at Workplaysoft@gmail.com with your display name and the request will be processed in a reasonable time.

Data Retention Policy

The Service Provider will retain User Provided data for as long as you use the Application and for a reasonable time thereafter. Global Leaderboard data (display names and scores) is retained indefinitely to maintain leaderboard integrity unless you request deletion.

If you'd like them to delete User Provided Data that you have provided via the Application, please contact them at Workplaysoft@gmail.com and they will respond in a reasonable time.

Children

The Application is rated for ages 13 and above. The Service Provider does not use the Application to knowingly solicit data from or market to children under the age of 13.

The Service Provider does not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children. The Service Provider encourages all children to never submit any personally identifiable information through the Application and/or Services. The Service Provider encourages parents and legal guardians to monitor their children's Internet usage and to help enforce this Policy by instructing their children never to provide personally identifiable information through the Application and/or Services without their permission. If you have reason to believe that a child has provided personally identifiable information to the Service Provider through the Application and/or Services, please contact the Service Provider (Workplaysoft@gmail.com) so that they will be able to take the necessary actions. You must also be at least 16 years of age to consent to the processing of your personally identifiable information in your country (in some countries we may allow your parent or guardian to do so on your behalf).

Security

The Service Provider is concerned about safeguarding the confidentiality of your information. The Service Provider provides physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect information the Service Provider processes and maintains. Data transmitted to Firebase is encrypted in transit using HTTPS.

Changes

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time for any reason. The Service Provider will notify you of any changes to the Privacy Policy by updating this page with the new Privacy Policy. You are advised to consult this Privacy Policy regularly for any changes, as continued use is deemed approval of all changes.

This privacy policy is effective as of 2025-12-27

Your Consent

By using the Application, you are consenting to the processing of your information as set forth in this Privacy Policy now and as amended by us.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding privacy while using the Application, or have questions about the practices, please contact the Service Provider via email at Workplaysoft@gmail.com.

Key changes made:

1. Added "Global Leaderboard Feature" section explaining Firebase data collection
2. Added "Local Data Storage" section for AsyncStorage data
3. Added "In-App Purchases" section
4. Updated "Third Party Services Used" to list Firebase, Google Play, and Expo
5. Added opt-out instructions for leaderboard data deletion
6. Updated data retention policy for leaderboard data
7. Added note about HTTPS encryption
8. Updated effective date to today