# Word Sleuth Privacy Policy Effective date: May 13, 2026 Word Sleuth is an Android word puzzle app that offers multiple single-player game modes, local progress saving, optional advertising, and an optional in-app purchase for Pro features. This Privacy Policy explains what information is handled when you use the app, how it is used, and what choices you have. ## 1. Summary - Word Sleuth does not require you to create an account. - Word Sleuth does not ask you to submit your name, email address, phone number, or home address inside the app. - Gameplay progress, statistics, achievements, and settings are stored locally on your device. - The app uses Google AdMob to show ads in the free version. - The app uses Google Play billing for optional in-app purchases. - The app does not request Android camera, microphone, contacts, or precise location permissions. ## 2. Information We Handle ### A. Information stored locally on your device Word Sleuth stores gameplay and app-preference data locally so the app can work properly and remember your progress. This may include: - current and saved puzzle progress - game statistics, streaks, resets, and completion history - achievement progress - theme and gameplay preference settings - a local cache of Pro entitlement status and purchase timestamp used to restore the app state quickly This local data is stored on your device through app storage technologies and is not sent to a developer-operated server by the app itself. ### B. Advertising-related data The free version of Word Sleuth may display ads using Google AdMob. When ads are requested, Google and its partners may process information such as: - device and app identifiers - IP address - approximate location derived from IP address - ad interaction and performance data - consent and privacy-choice status This information is used by Google to deliver, limit, personalize where permitted, and measure ads, as well as to support fraud prevention and compliance obligations. Google handles this data under its own terms and privacy policies. ### C. In-app purchase data If you choose to buy Word Sleuth Pro, payment processing and purchase restoration are handled by Google Play. The app may receive purchase status information needed to unlock your Pro access, restore it on eligible devices, and remember that status locally. Word Sleuth does not process your payment card details directly. ## 3. How We Use Information Word Sleuth uses information to: - save and restore your puzzle progress - keep score, streak, and achievement records - remember your settings and preferences - show ads in the free version - honor your ad privacy choices where available - unlock, restore, and maintain Pro access after a valid purchase - keep the app stable, functional, and secure ## 4. When Information Is Shared Word Sleuth does not sell your personal information. Information may be shared or processed by third-party service providers only where needed to operate app features you use: - Google AdMob, for ad delivery, consent flow, and ad measurement - Google Play billing services, for optional in-app purchases and purchase restoration These providers may process data according to their own privacy notices, terms, and legal obligations. ## 5. Data Retention - Local gameplay data remains on your device until you remove it, clear app data, use in-app reset options, or uninstall the app. - Ad-related and billing-related data retention is determined by the relevant third-party providers. ## 6. Your Choices You can choose to: - use the free version without making a purchase - purchase Pro to remove ads and unlock Pro benefits - restore prior Pro purchases through your store account when supported - use the app's in-app reset controls to clear saved progress or stats - review or change available ad privacy choices from the app's Settings screen when that option is presented - uninstall the app to remove locally stored app data from your device, subject to any device or platform backup behavior ## 7. Children Word Sleuth is a general-audience puzzle game and is not intended to knowingly collect personal information directly from children through an in-app account or profile system. If you believe information has been handled in a way that raises a privacy concern, use the developer contact details shown on the Google Play listing for Word Sleuth. ## 8. Security Reasonable steps are taken through platform-standard storage and trusted third-party SDKs, but no method of electronic storage or transmission is guaranteed to be completely secure. ## 9. International Processing Third-party providers used by the app, such as Google services, may process data on servers located in different countries. ## 10. Changes To This Policy This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. If changes are made, the updated version will be reflected in the policy made available for the app. ## 11. Contact For privacy questions or requests about Word Sleuth, use the developer support contact details listed on the Google Play store page for the app. ## 12. Third-Party Services Word Sleuth currently relies on third-party services that may have their own privacy terms, including: - Google AdMob / Google Mobile Ads - Google Play billing / Google Play services You should review those providers' policies if you want more detail about how they process data on their systems.