Word Connect Privacy policy
Introduction
Welcome to WordConnect: Word Puzzle Quest ("the App", "we", "our", or "us"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information when you use our mobile application available on the Google Play Store.
By downloading or using WordConnect, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the App.
Our commitment: WordConnect is designed with privacy first. We do not collect your name, email address, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information. Your gameplay data stays on your device.
Information We Collect
Automatically Collected — Anonymous Device Identifier
When you launch WordConnect for the first time, we automatically sign you in using Firebase Anonymous Authentication. This generates a unique, random user ID (UID) that is not linked to your name, email, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information. We use this UID solely to:
- Track your position on the global leaderboard
- Sync your high score to our servers
Stored Locally on Your Device Only
The following data is stored entirely on your device and is never transmitted to our servers:
- Levels completed and stars earned
- Words found per level
- XP (experience points) and player level
- Daily login streak and reward history
- Achievement progress
- Hint, shuffle, and item counts
- Selected in-app theme
Leaderboard Score — Sent to Firebase
Your total XP score and anonymous UID are uploaded to Firebase Realtime Database to power the global leaderboard. No name, profile picture, or identifying information is attached to this score.
Optional — Notification Permission
If you grant notification permission, we schedule a local daily reminder using Android's WorkManager. This runs entirely on your device and sends no data to external servers. You can revoke this permission at any time in your device settings.
We do not collect location data, contacts, camera or microphone input, browsing history, or financial information — ever.
How We Use Your Information
We use the information described above only for the following purposes:
| Purpose | Data Used |
|---|---|
| Run the game and save your progress | Local gameplay data (device only) |
| Display the global leaderboard | Anonymous UID + XP score |
| Send optional daily reminders | Device-local scheduling only |
| App stability and performance | Aggregated, anonymised Firebase crash data |
We do not use your data for advertising, behavioural profiling, or sale to third parties — and we never will.
Third-Party Services
WordConnect uses the following third-party services. We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies:
Google Firebase (Google LLC)
- Firebase Authentication — anonymous sign-in only
- Firebase Realtime Database — leaderboard scores storage and retrieval
Firebase may collect certain technical data (e.g. IP address, device model, OS version) in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
Google Play Services
The App is distributed through the Google Play Store and relies on Google Play Services for delivery and device integrity. Google's data practices apply:
https://policies.google.com/privacy
Data Storage & Security
- Local data (progress, achievements, streaks) is stored in a SQLite database on your device via Android Room. This data never leaves your device and is permanently deleted when you uninstall the App.
- Leaderboard data (anonymous UID and XP score) is stored on Firebase servers, protected by Google's enterprise-grade security including encryption in transit (TLS) and at rest.
- We apply reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect data we handle. No internet-based system is 100% secure — we encourage you to keep your device and OS up to date.
Data Retention
| Data Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Local gameplay data | Until you uninstall the App |
| Anonymous Firebase UID | Until deletion is requested, or 12 months of inactivity |
| Leaderboard XP score | While your anonymous account remains active |
Children's Privacy
WordConnect is suitable for all ages. We do not knowingly collect personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13 (or the applicable age of digital consent in your country).
Because the App uses only anonymous authentication and stores no personal information, it is designed to be safe for younger players.
If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided personal information to us, please contact us at saleem@techbrain.biz and we will take prompt steps to delete that information.
Your Rights
Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your data:
| Right | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Access | Request a copy of data we hold about you |
| Deletion | Request your anonymous account and leaderboard score be deleted |
| Correction | Request that inaccurate data be corrected |
| Portability | Receive your data in a portable format |
| Objection | Object to certain types of processing |
To exercise any right, contact us at saleem@techbrain.biz. Because your account is anonymous, we may ask you to provide your device's anonymous UID to locate your data.
GDPR — European Users
We process leaderboard data under the legal basis of legitimate interest and notification data under consent. You may withdraw consent at any time via your device settings.
CCPA — California Users
We do not sell personal information. You have the right to know what data we collect and to request its deletion.
Permissions Requested
| Permission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| INTERNET | To sync leaderboard scores with Firebase |
| POST_NOTIFICATIONS (Android 13+) | To send optional daily play reminders |
| RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED | To reschedule the daily reminder after a device restart |
No location, camera, microphone, contacts, or external storage permissions are requested or used.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will:
- Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this document
- Post the updated policy on our Play Store listing page
- Notify you via an in-app notice for any material changes
Your continued use of the App after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or data requests regarding this Privacy Policy, please reach out to us. We aim to respond within 7 business days.