Privacy Policy for DotsAndBoxes

Last updated: March 2025

DotsAndBoxes ("we," "our," or "the app") is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy describes how we handle information when you use our mobile application.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide:

• Display name: When you play online multiplayer, you may enter a name to identify yourself in the game room. This is optional and you can use any name you choose.
• Room codes: When hosting or joining online games, room codes are generated and shared to connect players. These are temporary and used only for game sessions.

Information collected automatically:

• Game data: To enable real-time online multiplayer, we store game state (board positions, scores, turn order) temporarily on our servers while a game is active. This data is used only to sync the game between players.
• Device information: Our service provider (Google Firebase) may collect standard technical data such as IP address and device type to deliver the multiplayer functionality.

2. What We Don't Collect

• We do not collect your email address, phone number, or other contact information.
• We do not require you to create an account or sign in.
• When you play locally (pass-and-play on one device), no data is sent to our servers.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information described above solely to:

• Enable real-time online multiplayer gameplay
• Connect players in the same game room
• Maintain game state during an active session

4. Third-Party Services

We use Google Firebase (Realtime Database) to power online multiplayer. Firebase may collect and process data as described in Google's Privacy Policy: https://policies.google.com/privacy.

5. Data Retention

Game room data (player names, game state) is stored only for the duration of an active session. When a game ends or a room is abandoned, this data may be retained for a short period for technical purposes before being removed.

6. Children's Privacy

Our app does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app is suitable for general audiences. If you believe a child has provided information through our app, please contact us and we will take steps to delete it.

7. Your Rights

You can:

• Choose not to play online—local play requires no data sharing
• Use a pseudonym or nickname when playing online
• Contact us to ask about or request deletion of data associated with your use

8. Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top indicates when changes were last made. Continued use of the app after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy policy or our data practices, please contact us through the App Store listing or your preferred method of contact.

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