Privacy Policy for WhatWord
Last Updated: August 29, 2025
WhatWord (“the App”) is developed and published by John Wilder (“we,” “our,” or “us”). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use WhatWord.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please discontinue use of the App.
We collect information necessary to provide authentication, gameplay, social features, analytics, and advertising.
a) Authentication & Profile Data
- User ID (Firebase Auth UID)
- Email address
- Display name
- Username (custom)
- Profile creation date
- Games played, won, and win rate
- Best score and average guesses
- Current and longest streaks
- Games abandoned
c) Game Data
- Solo game progress (saved games, guesses, solutions)
- PvP game history (friends, challenges, outcomes)
- Guess patterns and feedback
- Game timestamps (start, end, solve times)
d) Social & Friend Data
- Friend list and pending requests
- Friend request history
- Game challenges sent and received
- Social connections (friends of friends for suggestions)
e) App Usage & Preferences
- Theme (dark/light mode)
- Audio and vibration settings
- Notification preferences (friend requests, challenges, reminders)
- Quiet hours settings
- Privacy settings (profile visibility, discoverability, leaderboard sharing)
f) Device & Technical Data
- Device type (Android/iOS)
- App version
- Last login timestamp
- Session data
- Cache size and offline usage
g) Advertising & Analytics Data
Through Google AdMob and Firebase Analytics, we may collect:
- Device identifiers (e.g., Advertising ID)
- App interactions (screens visited, features used)
- Crash reports and performance data
- Ad interaction data (impressions, clicks, engagement)
Note: AdMob and its partners may use cookies, device identifiers, and similar technologies to serve personalized or non-personalized ads.
We use collected data to:
- Authenticate users and manage accounts
- Provide gameplay features (solo and PvP)
- Track statistics and achievements
- Support friend requests, challenges, and leaderboards
- Send notifications (game invites, reminders, updates)
- Improve app stability and performance
- Serve ads and measure ad performance (via AdMob)
- Comply with legal requirements
3. Advertising
The App uses Google AdMob to display ads. AdMob may collect and process personal data such as device identifiers, usage data, and ad interactions.
Users in certain regions (e.g., EU, UK, California) may see a consent form to choose between personalized and non-personalized ads.
For more information, see Google’s Advertising Policy.
4. Data Storage & Retention
- User profiles and game history are stored in Firebase Firestore until account deletion.
- Authentication credentials are managed by Firebase Authentication.
- Local data (cache, saved games, settings) are stored on the device and can be cleared by the user.
- We retain social connections (friendships, challenges) until removed by the user.
5. Data Sharing
We do not sell or rent personal data. However, data may be shared with:
- Firebase (Google LLC): for authentication, database, analytics, and crash reporting.
- Google AdMob (Google LLC): for serving ads and measuring ad performance.
- Expo Services: for push notifications and app functionality.
6. Children’s Privacy
The App is not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children. If we learn that a child under 13 has created an account, we will delete it promptly.
7. Security
We use industry-standard measures to protect your data, including:
- Encrypted communication (HTTPS/TLS)
- Firebase security rules for database access
- Access controls to limit data exposure
8. Your Rights
Depending on your region (e.g., EU under GDPR, California under CCPA), you may have rights to:
- Access the personal data we hold about you
- Request corrections or updates
- Request deletion of your account and associated data
- Opt out of personalized ads (via in-app settings or device settings)
To exercise these rights, contact us at: wilderbssmstr@gmail.com
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted in the App and/or on the app store listing. Continued use of the App after changes indicates your acceptance.
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact:
John Wilder
1507 Brookdale Dr.
Atchison, KS 66002
Email: wilderbssmstr@gmail.com