Introduction

SquareGlobe ("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 mobile application SquareGlobe (the "App"). Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using the App, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

Information We Collect

1. Game Progress and Statistics

We collect the following game-related information to provide and improve your gaming experience:

Game Progress Data:

• Number of stars earned
• Number of puzzles completed
• Country badges unlocked
• Puzzle completion statistics (move count, completion time, difficulty level, game mode)
• Upgrade purchases and unlock status
• Preferred difficulty settings
• Currency preference (Stars or Puzzles)

Puzzle Statistics:

• Country name for each completed puzzle
• Completion status
• Difficulty level
• Number of moves taken
• Completion time (for Timed Mode)
• Game mode used (Stars, Timed, or Fun)
• Puzzle images associated with completed puzzles

2. App Usage Information

App Launch Data:

• Number of times the app has been launched
• First launch detection
• Onboarding completion status

3. Device Information

Automatic Collection:

• Device type (iPhone or iPad)
• iOS version
• Device identifiers (managed by Apple)
• iCloud account information (for CloudKit synchronization, managed by Apple)

4. Images and Content

Third-Party Image Service:

• The App uses the Pixabay API to fetch country-related images for puzzles
• Images are downloaded and cached locally on your device
• We do not collect or store your search queries or image preferences

How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

1. Game Functionality:

• To save and restore your game progress
• To track your achievements and statistics
• To synchronize your data across your devices using iCloud
• To provide personalized game experiences based on your preferences

2. App Improvement:

• To understand how the App is used
• To improve app performance and user experience
• To fix bugs and technical issues

3. Data Synchronization:

• To sync your puzzle statistics and progress across all your devices using Apple's CloudKit service

Data Storage and Security

Local Storage

• Game progress, preferences, and statistics are stored locally on your device using iOS UserDefaults
• This data remains on your device and is not transmitted to our servers
• You can reset or delete this data at any time through the App's Settings menu

Cloud Storage (iCloud/CloudKit)

• Puzzle statistics (including completion data, move counts, times, and associated images) are stored in Apple's CloudKit public database
• This allows your progress to sync across all your devices linked to the same iCloud account
• Data stored in CloudKit is subject to Apple's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service
• You can disable CloudKit synchronization in your device's iCloud settings

Third-Party Services

• Pixabay API: We use Pixabay's API to fetch images. When you select a country, we send the country name as a search query to Pixabay. This is subject to Pixabay's Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
• Apple Services: The App uses Apple's iCloud and CloudKit services for data synchronization, which are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.

Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following circumstances:

1. Apple Services:

• Your puzzle statistics are stored in Apple's CloudKit public database, which may be accessible to other users of the App (statistics only, no personal identification)
• This sharing is necessary for the App's core functionality

2. Legal Requirements:

• We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities

3. Service Providers:

• We use Pixabay API for image services, which processes country name queries to return relevant images

Your Rights and Choices

Access and Control

You have the following rights regarding your data:

1. View Your Data:

• You can view your game statistics, stars, badges, and progress within the App

2. Delete Your Data:

• You can reset all game data through the Settings menu in the App
• You can reset puzzle history separately
• You can delete data stored in CloudKit by disabling CloudKit for the App in your device settings

3. Opt-Out of CloudKit:

• You can disable CloudKit synchronization in your iOS Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Apps Using iCloud

Data Retention

• Local data (stored on your device) is retained until you delete the App or reset the data through Settings
• CloudKit data is retained until you delete it or disable CloudKit for the App
• We do not maintain separate copies of your data on our servers

Children's Privacy

SquareGlobe is designed for users of all ages, including children. We comply with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. The App:

• Does not require account creation or personal information
• Does not collect names, email addresses, or other personally identifiable information
• Only collects game progress and statistics necessary for app functionality
• Uses Apple's iCloud services, which are subject to Apple's privacy policies

International Data Transfers

• Data stored in CloudKit may be stored on Apple's servers, which may be located outside your country of residence
• By using the App, you consent to the transfer of your data to Apple's servers
• Data transfers are subject to Apple's Privacy Policy and data protection measures

Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the new Privacy Policy in the App
• Updating the "Last Updated" date at the top of this Privacy Policy
• For significant changes, we may provide additional notice through the App

Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes acceptance of the new Privacy Policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.minutelongsolutions.com/portfolio/squareglobe
Support URL: https://www.minutelongsolutions.com/portfolio/squareglobe/support.html

Additional Information

No Account Required

SquareGlobe does not require you to create an account or provide personal information such as your name, email address, or phone number. The App uses your device's iCloud account (if enabled) solely for data synchronization purposes.

Analytics and Tracking

The App does not use third-party analytics services or tracking technologies. We do not track your behavior across other apps or websites.

Advertising

The App does not display advertisements and does not share data with advertising networks.

In-App Purchases

The App offers in-app purchases of upgrades using in-game currency (Stars or Puzzles) earned through gameplay. These purchases are processed through Apple's App Store and are subject to Apple's Terms of Service. We do not collect payment information, which is handled entirely by Apple.

Compliance

This Privacy Policy is designed to comply with:

• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for users in the European Union
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) for users in California
• Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) for users under 13
• Apple's App Store Review Guidelines